But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.
Ver. 13. But yet in it shall be a tenth,] a i.e., Some elect left in the land for a reserve. And these are called a tenth - (1.) Because, as the tenths, they are consecrated to God; Lev 27:30-32 (2.) Because but a few. So that God may say, as once of the cured lepers, "Where are the other nine?" Such were those that looked for the consolation of Israel when Christ came in the flesh, Zacharias, Simeon, Anna, the Marys, Joseph of Arimathea, the apostles, Peter's converts, &c.
And it shall return and shall be eaten.] Or, It shall, after its return again, be burnt up or removed; so they were to some purpose by the Romans. See on Isaiah 6:12 .
As a teil tree, or as an oak.] Trees that are durae ac durabiles, hard and long lasting; and although they lose their fruit and leaves, or be cut down, yet
Their substance is in them.] The substance of the matter, the sap remaineth in the trunk and root. b Some think there is an allusion in this text to a bank or causeway that went from the king's house to the temple, and was borne up with trees planted on either side of it; which trees, as they kept up the causeway, so do the godly the state. 1 Chronicles 26:16 ; 1 Chronicles 26:18 1 Kings 10:12 2Ch 9:11 Semen sanctum statumen terrae.
a It may be rendered God's tenth. But what meant Lyra to argue from hence that tithes are due to the Church?
b In radice et caudice. - Junius, Piscator.