Verse 1. Two. It is not easy to conceive why Josephus and Grotius place this expedition before the death of young Antiochus. Calmet. 13:31. 41. Demetrius was become contemptible, and had a mine to regain his reputation by attacking the Parthians, who had taken many provinces under the prudent conduct of Mithridates. The Greeks were impatient of this yoke. Many []ked to Demetrius, and he gained several victories; but after two years, was perfidiously taken by a general of the Parthians while treating of peace. Mithridates took him for a warning through the places which seemed favourable to him; but afterwards he sent him into Hyrcania, gave him his daughter in marriage, with the badges of royalty, and promises of restoring him to his kingdom.—Tryphon. After the misfortune of Demetrius, he abandoned himself to his pleasures; and his adherents put themselves under Cleopatra, the wife of his rival, who resided at Seleucia, upon the Orontes. Usher, A. 3863. Just. xxxvi. and xxxviii. Calmet.
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Verse 2. Arsaces. This was the common title of the Parthians kings, after the founder of that powerful monarchy. Just. xli.
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Verse 4. Days. Few princes have obtained such a character: for how shall they give content to all? Calmet.—Simon had governed two years in troubles, but henceforward enjoyed peace, till Sidetes disturbed it. Worthington.
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Verse 5. Sea, or to all places which they went by water. The port was however very indifferent.
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Verse 7. Captives, taken from the enemy; ( Calmet.) or he liberated many Jews. Worthington.—Gazara, or Gadara. Calmet.
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Verse 9. Land. The judges ( Bible.) strove to promote peace.—Robes. Spoils which they had taken; ( Calmet.) or they were ever ready to defend the country, though peace now prevailed.
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Verse 10. Ammunition: provisions and engines of war. Calmet.—Earth: Judea and the environs. Bible.
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Verse 12. Fig-tree: a picture of perfect peace. 3 Kennicott. 4:25.
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Verse 20. Princes. Cleomenes, the last king, died in Egypt, A. 3784, and the tyrant Nabis perished long before this time. Grot.—Cities. Many depended on Sparta, the metropolis. Worthington.
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Verse 23. Public. Lit. “in the distinct books of the people.” Greek “open for inspection;” αποδεδειγμενοις. Bible.—Patentibus seu publicis. Vat.—The substance of the letter is here given.
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Verse 24. Of Rome is not in Greek or Syr. and it is allowed that the sequel seems rather to express the gratitude of the Jews to Simon. Calmet.—When peace was established, and friendship with the Romans and Lacedemonians renewed, the whole nation in gratitude to Simon, who now remained alone of all the sons of Mathathias, confirm him in the office of high priest for ever, or during his life; and decree that his progeny shall enjoy the same. verse 41. 49. Worthington.—They should not be deposed, like Onias III. and so forth
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Verse 26. He. Greek “He has established: (Syr. “acted valiantly.” Calmet.) He, his brethren, and his father’s house, and they have routed the,” and so forth as Calmet. 16:2. Bible.
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Verse 27. Elul, the last of the civil year, A. 3863.—At. Lit. “in Asaramel,” ( Bible.) “the court of Mello,” ( Calmet.) or “the prince of God,” (Serar.) as if it were another Hebrew title of Simon. Prot. “At Saramel.” Marg. “or Jerusalem, peradventure, … or the common hall,” and so forth Bible.
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Verse 34. Gazara, or Gadara. Calmet. 13:51.—Reparation. Lit. “correction.” Bible.—But correctionem would agree better with the Greek than correptionem.
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Verse 36. Purify, (castitati.) Syr. “the sanctuary.” Grot. divine “worship.”
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Verse 39. Things. Greek joins this with the preceding verse. Some copies have, “all things.” He confirmed him in all his rights.
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Verse 41. Prophet. This limitation was proper, as the people had chosen this family. The Jews expected the faithful prophet shortly. Calmet. 4:46. Malachi 3:1. Agg. 2:7. God was pleased that none should appear for some time before that event. Calmet.—The high priesthood continued in this family till Herod began to sell it,—soon after which Christ appeared. Worthington.—The sceptre seemed to belong to Juda. Yet they consent to be governed by Levites, till God signify his will by some prophet. Menochius.—This consent of the nation, in which Juda was most powerful, shews that the sceptre was not departed from his thigh. Bible.