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6. A lion. The Babylonians are no doubt referred to by the symbols of this verse. The three animals may represent, respectively, strength, ferocity, and swiftness.

Evenings. Heb. ‘araboth, interpreted by the ancient versions as the plural of ‘ereb, “evening” (see Hab. 1:8; Zeph. 3:3), though ‘araboth is nowhere else the plural of ‘ereb. ‘Araboth is the regular plural of ‘arabah, “desert,” and therefore most modern commentators translate this phrase, “a wolf of the deserts.” The translation, “of the deserts,” better preserves the parallel with the phrase above, “of the forest.”

Watch. Heb. shaqad, “to be wakeful” (see on ch. 1:11). This lying in wait probably has reference to the siege of Jerusalem and of other cities of Judah.

Backslidings. Literally, “back turnings,” or “apostasies” (see on ch. 2:19).

Are increased. Literally, “are numerous.”