Sirach
Verse 1. Offerings. He cannot otherwise observe the law. Bible.—Virtue is the most acceptable sacrifice. Calmet.—The sacrifices of penance, of justice, and of praise, are to be preferred before all external ones. Worthington.
EXPLANATIONS
Sirach 35
Historical chapter commentary
Sirach
Verse 2. And to. Greek (4.) “He,” and so forth Bible.—The peace-offering and that for sin, as well as the oblation of fine flour and of praise, (which is the most perfect of all) are noticed. Calmet.—External sacrifice must not be neglected. Worthington.
Sirach
Verse 4. Sacrifice. Greek adds, “of praise.” Bible.—This was the true spirit of the law. Calmet.
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Verse 6. Lord. The poor, who present a virtuous heart, are more acceptable than the rich, who are buried in sin, though the latter may offer the most splendid sacrifices. Bible.—God requires that all should do according to their abilities. If they have nothing, they must fulfill the commandments, and he will be satisfied. Some have inferred from Exodus 23:16 that the poor were rejected. But the meaning of the law is here explained. Calmet.
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Verse 10. Heart. Lit. “mind.” Greek “eye,” ( Bible.) free from avarice. 2 Corinthians 9:7.
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Verse 11. Sanctify: “set apart” for the use of the ministers, and of the temple. Calmet.—God will reward thee much more. Worthington.
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Verse 14. Wicked; defective. Leviticus 22:21. Malachi 1:7. Greek “curtailed, or ill-acquired,” ( Calmet.) or “do not bribe” God; (δοροκοπει. Grot.) as the word is used 2 Mac. God will not regard our gifts, to let our offences escape punishment. Isaiah 42:1. Calmet.
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Verse 19. For, and so forth is not in Greek. God will protect the defenceless. Bible.
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Verse 21. He, or “it.” Calmet.—Prayer is personified, and presents itself before God.
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Verse 22. Them, the Gentiles, and so forth verse 23. Greek “will not delay to punish them, till he crush the loins of the unmerciful. And,” and so forth Bible.
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Verse 23. Unjust Egyptians, Syrians, and Greeks, who then oppressed the Jews.
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Verse 24. Adam, who was not spared. Calmet.—Greek “of men and their desires.” Bible.—Our version seems to be taken from the Hebrew D.—Adam sometimes denotes any man. Menochius.
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Verse 26. The. Greek “mercy is beautiful,” and so forth Psalms 9:10. Bible.