2:20 Should women . . . children. The theme of the suffering of innocent children reaches the height of pathos (Jer. 19:9). Its power as an appeal to God is enhanced by the knowledge that God knows motherly affection (Is. 66:13). As extreme in its own way is the outrage of sacrilege: the Lord’s anointed ones are killed in His sanctuary.

priest and prophet. For the sins of priests and prophets, see 4:13.