THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And you, O son of man, let your groans resonate deeply, expressing sorrow before them. When they inquire, “Why do you groan?” you shall respond, “It is because of the impending news; every heart will falter, every hand will be heavy, and every spirit will be overwhelmed, causing tears to flow and knees to bend.” Behold, it approaches, and it will come to pass, declares the Lord.
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Again, the Lord commands: Speak a prophetic word to the south, the southwest, and the midday, addressing the grove at noon. Since these words seem obscure to the people, it is made clear that the grove of noon signifies Jerusalem, and the barren trees at whose roots the axe lies represent its inhabitants, while the sword symbolizes destruction. Despite their silence and lack of inquiry regarding the prophecy, the prophet is instructed to answer as directed by the Lord.
He is told to mourn, to cry out not with a feeble voice or muted anguish, but with intense lamentation from the depths of his being. This should be done in their presence, so when they question why he is overcome with grief, he will declare, “I weep and cannot conceal the sorrow of my heart, for the news I have heard is fulfilled; the fierce Babylonian army threatens to advance.” When it surrounds Jerusalem with siege works, every heart will grow weak, and every hand will fall limp, as the fear that grips souls will leave no one bold enough to resist.
The spirit of the soldiers will be diminished, and such terror will grip all that their bodies will succumb to fear, causing involuntary release, leaving knees defiled. It is only natural, in fear, for the body to respond in such a manner. This is also seen in severe illnesses, where the weakness of the sick renders them unable to contain bodily functions, leading to similar defilements.
The Lord declares that what has long been foretold is indeed coming to fruition, fulfilling what has been prophesied. Although some have drawn numerous parallels regarding the groans and flowing waters to illustrate the prophet’s purity and profound inner sorrow, such interpretations do not pertain here.