Matthew Poole and continuators on Micah 1:8

8 Therefore I will wail, and howl , I will go stript and naked : I will make a wailing like the dragons , and mourning as the owles .

Because of those dreadful slaughters and devastations made in Israel and Samaria.

Solemnly, as when they who are skilful in lamentation do at Funerals bewail in most affective manner to stir up the like sorrow in others, vid. Amos 5.16. let. r.

The same in a word of like sense to ascertain the thing, and to intimate the doubled sorrow, the multiplyed miseries of this people.

As one spoiled of his Clothes by force, or as one that in bitterness of passion hath cast off his upper Garment, or as if discompos'd in mind through the greatness of his vexations, now this the Prophet either speaks as fellow-sufferer with them, or as intimating what they should be reduced to at last: So Isa. 20.2, 3. whether of these, or whether both, I determine not.

Vid. Mal. 1.3. rather Iaka[illegible: 2 letters]s which haunt desolate places, and make great and hideous noise by night, and by their wailing, or doleful cryes in which 'tis said they answer one another, and fill the Air with the sound, and travellers with fear, these Creatures are between a Fox and Wolf for bigness, and seem somewhat like each in qualities, and probably their noise may be as mixt of the barking of the Fox, and howling of the Wolf. It is possible the Prophet by this kind of wailing would intimate the near approach of the Assyrian Lyon hungering and thirsting, and pursuing the prey, as the Jakale runs a little before the Lion, so this wailing of the Prophet should be followed very suddenly with the roaring of the Lyon.

A melancholy Creature, and loves night, and makes a most unpleasant noise, haunts desolate places, and so fitly is an emblem of Israels doleful, desolate state: Others render it Ostrich, which makes a doleful cry in the Deserts, either will fit the place.

Marginal references: Isa. 21.3. and 22.4. Jer. 4.19.; Job 30.29. Psal. 102.6.; Heb. daughters of the owl.