"The biblical authors," he writes to me, "whose style is most incorrect, are Ezekiel and Jeremiah. These authors, and particularly the first, err frequently against grammar and orthography; they are not merely influenced by the Aramean dialect, but they disclose grammatical faults capable of being traced to no source in any of the Semitic dialects. This remark has also been made by Hebrew grammarians of the middle ages, and Isaac Abrabanel (towards the close of the 15th century), in the preface to his commentary upon Ezekiel, does not hesitate to declare that this prophet was but superficially acquainted with Hebrew grammar and orthography. {300} Nevertheless, neither Jeremiah nor Ezekiel, of whom both are distinguished by a certain originality of style, unlike that of any of the other Hebrew writers, is wanting in elegance, energy, and boldness in images, and they display in the highest degree their proficiency in the art of composition. The following are some instances of the grave faults against grammar to be met with in their writings:-- _Examples of Incorrect Expressions in Ezekiel._ [Transcriber's note: Hebrew text is indicated by "HHHHHH". Some Latin characters are not exact. See the html version for the original text.] HHHHHH (_mischta' hawithem_), "and they worshipped" (viii. 16), a barbarism for HHHHHH (_mischta'hawîm_). HHHHHH (_we-néschaar ani_), "and I remained" (xi. 8), for HHHHHH (_wa-ëschaër_) or HHHHHH (_we-nischarti_). (There are here faults both of orthography and grammar.) HHHHHH (_ischôth_), "women" (xxiii. 44), for HHHHHH (_nesché_). HHHHHH (_schib'a_), "his seven burnt offerings" (xl. 26), for HHHHHH (_scheba'_). In the number seven the masculine is used instead of the feminine. HHHHHH (_bi-benôthayikh_), "in that thou buildest" (xvi. 31), instead of HHHHHH (_bi-benotihékh_). HHHHHH (_be-schoubéni_), "when I returned" (xlvi. 7), instead of HHHHHH (_be-schoubi_). HHHHHH (_gabehâ_), "his height was exalted" (xxxi. 5), instead of HHHHHH (_gabehâ_). The last letter is _aleph_, for _hé_. {301} The Chaldean plural is used in several words, for instance: HHHHHH (_'hittîn_), "wheat" (iv. 9), for HHHHHH (_'hittîm_); HHHHHH (_ha-iyyîn_), "the isles," or "the isles in the sea" (xxvi. 18), instead of HHHHHH _(ha-iyyim_), an error in both orthography and grammar. _Examples of Incorrect Expressions in Jeremiah._ HHHHHH (_ôbîdâ_), "I will destroy" (xlvi. 8), for HHHHHH (_aabîdâ_). HHHHHH (_nibbetha_), "hast thou prophesied" (xxvi. 9), instead of HHHHHH (_nibbetha_). The syllable _bé_ has a _yod_ instead of an _aleph_. HHHHHH (_athanou_) "we come" (iii. 22), instead of HHHHHH (_athinou_.).