The _idol_ might be rendered, as Mr. Lowth observes, _worthless_, or of no
value, as it is, Job xiii. 4, and so the Jew renders it. Though a
shepherd, in the singular number, is here spoken of, yet a succession of
such shepherds is clearly to be understood; and it is probable that the
chiefs and rulers of Israel are intended here, as well as the false
Messiahs who have from time to time arisen, and partially misled the
people, being alike false guides, who have contributed to the destruction
of the flock. A history of the false Messiahs, amounting to not less than
twenty, who have at different times made their appearance; with an account
of the numbers and destruction of their infatuated followers, being too
long for insertion here, may be found by the reader in Dr. Jortin’s
Remarks on Eccles. Hist.; presenting a lamentable picture of the blindness
and infatuation of this wretched people.