Lecture 15

^4:15^ Samech. Depart you that are defiled, they cried out to them: depart, get ye hence, touch not: for they quarreled, and being removed, they said among the gentiles: he will no more dwell among them.

81. Here he presents the mockery of their enemies against the captive citizens.

And first, he reproaches them for the profanation of the holy places: they cried out, namely, their enemies, to them, namely, the Jews; depart, from the holy place into captivity; touch not, the sacred things, you impure. Whoever of the seed of Aaron the priest has a blemish, he shall not approach to offer sacrifices to the Lord (Lev 21:21).

Second, he reproaches them for God’s indignation, in regard to the deprivation of divine help: they quarreled, their enemies against the Jews; and being removed, on both sides, some by quarreling, others by sorrowing; he will no more dwell, God defending you. Saying: God has forsaken him (Ps 70:11).