the Gemara, that is to say, the commentary
on the Mischna.

And the Talmud includes together the Mischna and the Gemara.

636. If does not indicate indifference: Malachi, Isaiah.

Isaiah, Si volumus, etc.

In quacumque die.[115]

637. Prophecies.--The sceptre was not interrupted by the captivity in
Babylon, because the return was promised and foretold.

638. Proofs of Jesus Christ.--Captivity, with the assurance of deliverance
within seventy years, was not real captivity. But now they are captives
without any hope.

God has promised them that, even though He should scatter them to the ends
of the earth, nevertheless, if they were faithful to His law, He would
assemble them together again. They are very faithful to it and remain
oppressed.

639. When Nebuchadnezzar carried away the people, for fear they should
believe that the sceptre had departed from Judah, they were told beforehand
that they would be there for a short time, and that they would be restored.
They were always consoled by the prophets; and their kings continued. But
the second destruction is without promise of restoration, without prophets,
without kings, without consolation, without hope, because the sceptre is
taken away for ever.

640. It is a wonderful thing, and worthy of particular attention, to see
this Jewish people exis