Verse 18
18. Girdedst thyself The young and athletic man, when about to perform some manly labor, would first tighten the girdle about his waist, so as to fasten his flowing apparel.
Whither thou wouldest That same young man is able to be his own master, taking what path he pleases.
Stretch forth thy hands In his second childhood, as in his first, he spreads out his helpless arms, that his girdle may be tightened by other hands round his waist. But this image suggests in the background the spreading of the arms of the apostolic martyr upon the cross; and this secondary, but really final and true meaning, is confirmed by the words that follow.
Another shall gird thee The girding of the old man by the attendant friend, is still the symbol of the binding with cords by an executioner.
Carry thee Shall lead thee.
Thou wouldest not To thy death. The actual order of the transaction thus dimly hinted was to be, however, first, the binding, then the leading, and then the stretching forth of the hands on the cross.
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