What is "Hovah Al Hovah"?
Rashi: Occurrence after occurrence, Havayah (an event) after Havayah.
Rashi citing Menachem, Targum Yonasan: It is an expression of breakage. Radak - this is like "Ya'oz b'Havaso" (Tehilim 52:9), "v'Havas Resha'im Yehdof" (Mishlei 10:3).
Malbim: The chain of evils will not be natural, with causes and results one after the other. Rather, the current evil comes on its colleague - one on top of another, and not one after the other, like normally.
Why does it say "u'Shemu'ah El Shemu'ah"?
Radak: This is like u'Shemu'ah Al Shemu'ah. The reports are that the enemy came to the land.
Malbim: When they hear an agitating report, they will immediately hear a report of another affliction.
What is the significance of seeking vision from a Navi?
Radak: One seeks something that is not found. "Gam Nevi'eha Lo Matz'u Chazon me'Hashem" (Eichah 2:9). It says in Yeshayah (3:1-2) "[Hashem Tzevakos Mesir...; Shofet v'Navi v'Kosem v'Zaken." They will die, or their Chachmah and Nevu'ah will cease. They are lost amidst many afflictions, for man's heart is confounded. We find that Elisha had Nevu'ah "v'Hayah k'Nagen ha'Menagen va'Tehi Alav Yad Hashem" (Melachim II, 3:15).
Malbim: Until now they did not hear Nevi'im's words. Now they will seek to hear!
What is the significance of Torah being lost from Kohanim?
Rashi: They used to give rulings - "v'Sorah Yevakshu mi'Pihu" (Mal'achi 2:7).
Targum Yonasan: Mi'Sofer. Radak - i.e. from one who warns the nation.
Malbim: After they do not find visions from Nevi'im, they will seek counsel from Torah.
What counsel will be lost from Zekenim?
Malbim: It is from their Sechel, based on their experience.
