Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; or, is as a chain about their neck (Revised Version)—makes them stiffen their neck, and hold their head aloft. Not being afflicted, they regard themselves as favourites of Heaven, and are therefore puffed up with pride, which they show in their gait and bearing.
Violence covereth them as a garment. Pride and self-conceit naturally lead on to violence, which becomes so habitual to them that it seems like their ordinary apparel (comp. Psalms 109:18, Psalms 109:19).
The violence of the great ones in Israel is continually denounced, both by psalmists and prophets (see Psalms 11:2; Psalms 55:9; Psalms 58:2; Psalms 72:14, etc.; Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 3:15; Isaiah 59:3-7; Hosea 4:1, Hosea 4:2; Amos 3:10, etc.
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