Seven. That is, many; seven is used in this sense because it is the number of the days of the week.¹ All this (that is mentioned in this verse) will happen in consequence of the death of the male persons in battle.

footnotes: ¹ Because the days are only counted to seven, this number is the highest of a series of numbers, and it has often been used to express the idea of a great quantity.

The branch of the Lord. Some refer this to Hezekiah; I think that it signifies the righteous portions of the inhabitants of Jerusalem that will be saved.

צבי Beauty (comp. Ez. 20:6); according to some, desire; comp. the Chaldæan יצבא he desires (Dan. 4:14). R. Moses Hakkohen takes it literally:² God will send his blessing upon the plants and fruits.

footnotes: ² According to R. Moses Hakkohen, the branch of the Lord ═ the branch, which grows by the will of the Lord.

That is written, etc. I shall explain this in the minor prophets (Mal. 3:16).³

footnotes: ³ The words referred to are כתוב בשמים מכתב לא ימחק, What is written by God is a writing which can never be erased. It is a figurative expression for: it is quite sure, it is immutable.

אם For or when.—The remainder will be called holy, when the Lord will have washed away all these from Zion.

ידיח Shall have purged; comp. ידיחו they shall wash (Ez. 1. 38).

בער *Removing;*⁴ comp. ובערת And thou shalt put away (Deut. 21:21)

footnotes: ⁴ A.V., Burning.