Lecture 18

^3:52^ Sade. My enemies have chased me and caught me like a bird, without cause.

^3:53^ Sade. My life has fallen into the pit, and they have laid a stone over me.

^3:54^ Sade. Waters have flowed over my head; I said: I am cut off.

62. Here is presented the affliction in which they have fallen.

And first is presented the capture itself: have chased, as if working by ambushes, stratagems, and force; enemies, namely, the Chaldeans; without cause, for I had not offended them in anything, nor had they been useful to me. The Assyrian has oppressed them without any cause at all (Isa 52:4). After this I will send them many hunters, and they shall hunt them (Jer 16:16).

Second is presented the imprisonment of the captives: my life has fallen into the pit, of prison and captivity. They have laid me in the lower pit: in dark places, and in the shadow of death (Ps 87:7).

Third, the affliction of the prisoners: have flowed over, they have multiplied; the waters, of tribulations; I said, despairing and impatient. All your billows, and your waves have passed over me (Jonah 2:4).