For indeed when our fathers were about to be led into the land of Persia, the godly priests of that time took some of the fire of the altar, and hid it secretly in the hollow of a well that was without water, where they made sure that the place was unknown to anyone.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 19. Persia. Babylonia, called here Persia, from being afterwards a part of the Persian empire. Challoner.—Thus Saint John Chrysostom (Bible. 6. in Mat.) says, the Jews were delivered from “the Persian captivity.” Worthington.—All beyond the Euphrates was now called Persia.—Valley of Topheth, where ( Calmet.) it is still shewn. Doubdan.—The miraculous pit was enclosed by Artaxerxes. Calmet. 5:23. Bible.—Four miracles occurred respecting this fire. verse 20. 22. 32. Worthington.