Is it a light thing to the house of Juah, that they commit the abominations] Or, Is there any thing lighter then to commit. Or, Is it lighter. This question is a strong negation, See Genesis 18:17. The meaning is, that the Jews thought nothing lighter, although these abominations against the first table were the most grievous and fearefullest, yet there was no command so great, which the Jews thought not light of, to transgresse it.
for] Or, that.
with violence] By oppression of the innocent and of the poor; which is done either in common, by unrighteous judgement; or in particular, by all kinde of injustice.
to provoke] In profaning my Temple.
they put the branch to] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is a branch of a tree, so is the Hebrew word taken, Numbers 13:24. &Chap. 15. 2. and here is set forth a practise of Heathenish idolaters, in worshipping the Sunne, which they call upon, because it quickneth the fruits, and makes them ripe, in token whereof they kisse the branch, or the hand, as Job 31:26-27. So did they to Bacchus, 2 Maccab. 6. 7. Some say it is a terme taken from travellers, who passing through thicke woods or hedge rowes have oftentimes boughes that hit them on the face. The meaning is, seeking to despight me, all the harme redounds to themselves, Jeremiah 7:19. Others, they bring the stinke to their noses: that is to say, they offend themselves by committing such abominations.