The people of thy holiness have possessed [it] but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.
Ver. 18. The people of thine holiness have possessed it but a little while,] viz., In respect of that perpetuity promised them by thee; Genesis 17:8 ; Genesis 26:3 ; Gen 28:13 Exo 32:13 besides the many calamities that have befallen us, whereby we have had small enjoyment of this thine inheritance. All the days of the afflicted are evil, Pro 15:15 their life lifeless, and not to be reckoned on.
Our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.] This they did in the days of Antiochus, but especially about the time of our Saviour's incarnation; when the sceptre departed from Judah, Pompey with his army entered into the sanctuary; Herod got the government, the Romans set up their ensigns and statues in the holy of holies, &c. This desolation of the second temple the Jews do here bewail; but we have cause to rejoice, for that by Christ the whole world is now become a temple, and every place a goodly oratory. 1Ti 2:8