Verses 6-7
6, 7. Nobody desires state-position in anarchy like this.
Take hold of his brother In a supplicating way, and then only on a kinsman, or one of his tribe. Outside of ties of blood no one ventures.
Hast clothing A large wardrobe, which was a mark of oriental wealth.
Be thou our ruler A like example is that of Jephthah, but in times when anarchy was less desperate, and probably less general (Judges 11:6) than that here represented.
In that day In that time of anarchy.
Shall he swear Literally, lift up the hand; this being the usual form of oath-taking.
Not be a healer Or, binder up; the chief proceeding in oriental surgery. The body politic has been too long and irrecoverably diseased.
In my house Powerful and wealthy though it has been, it is now impoverished; it has neither bread nor clothing. “It is customary for Eastern rulers to gather an immense quantity of clothes, for there fashions never alter.” Chardin.
“The kings of Persia have great wardrobes,… many habits to spare and to give away, on occasion, as presents.” Lowth. The picture here is that of extreme poverty as the result of a long continued ruinous civil and moral condition.
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