Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 13:18

18 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD, Wo to the women that fow pillows to all armholes, and make kercheifs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls: will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?

Calamities of all sorts shall fall upon them.

A figurative speech expressing their flatteries and security, which the Women promised to every [illegible: 1 letter]ae that came to them to know the fate of themselves and others, in token of which safety and ease, either these Women did put them for these enquirers to sleep on. Or, else to lean on as they lay on their side at meat, or else these Gypsies, fortune-tellers, did sleep or pretend to sleep on those Pillows and thereby signifie the peace, safety, and ease, which this people should have.

All comers had the same answer, these Women made not any difference.

Either vailes, or triumphal Hats or Caps, which were made by these Prophetesses, and these were put upon the head of every one who consulted them, and by these habits the deceived enquirer was either perswaded he was made fit to receive the Oracle, or was to interpret the sign as promise of victory over the Babylonian, and a triumphant rest in Iudaea, perhaps they might use both, the vailes were put on to signifie the shame with which their Enemies faces should be covered; the triumphant Caps to note the joys of the Jews, but the event shewed which belonged to the one and other.

i. e. Of every age, whether younger or elder, which usually is somewhat seen by their stature or growth.

All this is a pretence, while really 'tis spreading a net, as Hunters do, to catch the prey and devour it.

The Persons, Life, Estate and all to enrich or maintain themselves.

Dare you promise they shall live when I do promise no such thing? Or can you preserve them alive whom you deceive by your promises? Are you no whit afraid thus to prophane my name and to ensnare my people?

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word]