Now after a space of three years, Jason sent Menelaus, the previously mentioned Simon’s brother, to carry the money to the king, and to make reports concerning some necessary matters.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. Brother, and of course a Benjamite, so that the usurpation was doubly criminal. Tirinus.—But Saint Thomas Aquinas Petau, and so forth suppose that he resembled Simon in guilt, or was his brother-in-law. Josephus informs us that Menelaus was brother of Onias and of Jason; though his authority is not great, as he contradicts himself, (Ant. xii. 6. and xv. see Calmet. 1:7. Calmet.) though not in this point. Bible.—By the law, those of the tribe of Benjamin could not be priests. Thus the succession was broken and restored in Mathathias. 1 B. 2. Worthington.