therefore, I have resolved to render it literally, there shall not be darkness in Judea according to the affliction of the time when, &c. Some explain הקל (hēkăl) to mean that the land was relieved of a burden, in consequence of the people having been carried into captivity; but this is altogether at variance with the Prophet’s meaning, and does not agree with what follows; for it is immediately added that the sea-coast has been more grievously afflicted by a second calamity. There can be no doubt,