O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.
Ver. 1. O ye children of Benjamin.] These were the prophet's countrymen, for Anathoth was in that tribe; so was also part of Jerusalem itself. He forwarneth them of the enemy's approach, and bids them begone. The Benjamites were noted for valiant, but vicious. Judges 19:16 ; Jdg 19:22-25 Hosea 9:9 ; Hos 10:9
And blow the trumpet in Tekoah.] A place that had its name from trumpeting; so there is an elegance in the original. See the like, Micah 1:10; Micah 1:14. It was twelve miles from Jerusalem, and six from Bethhaccerem. Here dwelt that wise woman brided by Joab. 2Sa 14:2
Set up a sign of fire.] A beacon, or such as the cross of fire is in Scotland, where (for a signal to the people when the enemy is at hand) two firebrands set across, and pitched upon a spear, are carried about the country. a
a Life of Edward VI, by Sir F. Heywood.