2 Maccabees
Verse 1. But. Read 1 B. 7:1. Worthington.—Years of Eupator’s reign, or dating from the purification of the temple.—Demetrius, to whom the crown belonged. 1 B. 7:1.
EXPLANATIONS
2 Maccabees 14
Historical chapter commentary
2 Maccabees
Verse 3. Priest, after Menelaus, (1 B. 7:5) but never recognized, as Judas was then pontiff. He had, moreover, voluntarily defiled himself during the times of persecution; or, according to most Greek copies, ( Calmet.) when there was “no mixture” of Gentiles in the land to instigate him. Bible.—Though he was of Aaron’s stock, this apostacy rendered him ineligible; Mathathias was chosen, being also descended from Aaron, and more sincere in religion. Worthington.
2 Maccabees
Verse 4. Fifty, according to the Chaldee reckoning. Calmet. 2:21. Menochius.—Boughs; probably ( Bible.) of gold, ( Worthington.) or adorned with leaves of that metal. People presented what they thought proper to the temple. The apostles admired these gifts, as well as the stones of the fabric. Lu. 21:5.
2 Maccabees
Verse 6–11. Assideans: the most zealous defenders of the faith. Alcimus had slain sixty of them. 1 B. 7:12. 19. Calmet.—This description, given by enemies through malice, serves to shew the zeal and sincerity of these people in promoting God’s law and virtue.—Him. See 1 B. 7:26. Worthington.—Alcimus was guilty of much falsehood. He was not of the family to which the high priesthood belonged, and he had rendered himself unworthy of it. verse 3, 7.
2 Maccabees
Verse 12. Nicanor; perhaps the same who had been defeated, Calmet. 8:21. and 1 B. 4:8.
2 Maccabees
Verse 13. Great temple. Such was the pagan’s idea of it. verse 31.
2 Maccabees
Verse 14. Gentiles and apostate Jews. Calmet.—Such people and politicians advanced themselves by pillaging the faithful. Worthington.
2 Maccabees
Verse 17. Coming. Greek “silence,” (Bodwell) fearing some stratagem.
2 Maccabees
Verse 20. Captain. Judas laid the proposals before all the people.
2 Maccabees
Verse 24. From the heart; sincerely. Calmet.—Greek “he had Judas always in sight.” Bible.—His love was only apparent. Tirinus.—Yet this is contrary to the text, ( Bible.) and to the common opinion.
2 Maccabees
Verse 26. His successor, so as to keep Alcimus out of his office. Calmet.
2 Maccabees
Verse 29. The king. Nicanor was a worldly politician, like Pilate and other judges who have no zeal for religion, ( Worthington.) or for justice, being disposed to sacrifice all to their own interest. Bible.
2 Maccabees
Verse 30. A few. Greek and Syr. “not a few.” Bible.—Nicanor attacked him, and lost 5000 men. 1 B. 12:27. Calmet.
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Verse 32. Knew not. This was true, and they would not seek for him ( Worthington.) if it had been required.
2 Maccabees
Verse 33. Bacchus: a very suitable temple, when beaten to the ground! Bible.—He is styled Liber, and accounted the inventor of wine: hence drunkards dedicate temples to him. Worthington.
2 Maccabees
Verse 37. Jews. No crime could be laid to his charge, but his love for religion and his country.
2 Maccabees
Verse 38. Had held. Greek “when they were unmixed, had been judged for Judaism; ( Bible.) or been brought to judgment for keeping others from idolatry. Syr. Calmet.
2 Maccabees
Verse 41. He struck himself, and so forth Saint Augustine (Epist. lxi. ad Dulcitium et lib. 2. cap. 23. ad Epist. 2. Gaud.) discussing this fact of Razias, says that the holy Scripture relates it, but doth not praise it, as to be admired or imitated, and that it was not well done by him, or at least not proper in this time of grace. Challoner.—Whether he was thus inspired or not, we dare not decide. The Jews infer from the conduct of Samson, Saul, and Razias, that suicide is lawful when a person fears being overcome by torments, or giving occasion to other’s blasphemy. But Christianity lays down better maxims; (Romans 3:8) and Saint Augustine (c. Gaud. i. 31. and ep. 61 or 204) Saint Thomas (ii. 2. q. 64. a. 5.) and others, disapprove of this action, observing that it is recorded and not praised, though other virtues of Razias be commended. Calmet.—It was either not well done, or not to be imitated in this time of grace. Saint Augustine ii. 23. contra ep. 2. Gaud. Worthington.—Yet this holy doctor excuses Samson and some Christian virgins, by saying that they acted by the direction of the Holy Spirit. Sup. et de Civ Dei. i. 21. Bible. Lyran. Tirinius—This seems to be here the case, as the fact appears to be commended. Menochius.
2 Maccabees
Verse 44. Neck. Venit per medium cervicem.—In the Greek it is κενεωνα, which signifies a void place, where there is no building; ( Challoner. Grot.) and also “the belly,” which accounts for his not being killed on the spot. G.
2 Maccabees
That is, Chasidim.
2 Maccabees
Some authorities read a second time.
2 Maccabees
Or, the king’s friends likewise
2 Maccabees
See 2 Maccabees 8:9.
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Greek greatest.
2 Maccabees
See 2 Maccabees 5:27.
2 Maccabees
The Greek text of this verse and the next is corrupt.
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Or, people Greek multitudes.
2 Maccabees
Or, and the covenants that had been made, took occasion and came
2 Maccabees
Or, though he was conscious that he had been nobly defeated by
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Greek the man
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Greek greatest.
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Or, chapel Greek enclosure.
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Greek tabernacling.
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Or, people Greek multitudes.
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Or, the void place
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Some authorities read the same.