18. sorrowful for the solemn assembly--pining after the solemn assembly which they cannot celebrate in exile (La 1:4; 2:6).
      who are of thee--that is, of thy true citizens; and whom therefore I will restore.
      to whom the reproach of it was a burden--that is, to whom thy reproach ("the reproach of My people," Mic 6:16; their ignominious captivity) was a burden. "Of it" is put of thee, as the person is often changed. Those who shared in the burden of reproach which fell on My people. Compare Isa 25:8, "the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth."

JFB.