Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Greek prefixes, “A Hymn of the Fathers.” The author here imitates the third work of Solomon. Bible.—He had given rules for all virtues; and he now sets before us those who had put them in practice. Calmet.—It was the custom to sound forth the praises of these fathers in the temple and synagogues. verse 15. Grot.
Verse 2. Glory. Greek adds, “in them.” He was the author of all their virtues, ( Bible.) and has acquired much glory by their means, ( Calmet.) among men; though his essential glory can never increase.
Verse 3. In the. Greek “futurity by their predictions.” Kings, judges, and prophets are praised. Bible.—The virtuous are justly styled kings. Genesis 23. Worthington.
Verse 4. The present. Greek “the people by counsels, and by the knowledge of the office of scribes of the people. Wise in speech by their instruction. (5.) Seeking out,” and so forth Bible.—Prudence and eloquence ought to appear in a ruler.
Verse 5. Tunes. The Hebrews, and David in particular, were famous for music. Calmet.
Verse 6. In. Greek “established in power, living,” and so forth ( Bible.) like Abraham, Ezechias, and so forth Calmet.
Verse 7. Generations. Lit. “race of their nation.” But this is omitted in Greek.
Verse 8. Born. Greek “some of them have left a name,” ( Bible.) or posterity. Deuteronomy 25:6.
Verse 9. Them. This may be understood of the wicked Israelites, or of the sons of Abraham by Agar, and so forth
Verse 10. Mercy. Assideans, (1 Chronicles 6:41 and 1 Maccabees 7:13) or true Israelites.
Verse 14. Peace. The Jews were very solicitous about this. Genesis 35:8. Calmet.
Verse 16. Into. Greek “a model of penance to past or future generations.” Bible.—The Latin fathers suppose that Henoch was translated to heaven, or to the earthly paradise. It is the tradition both of Jews and Christians that he is still alive, and will come to oppose Antichrist, (Revelation 11:3. Genesis 5:22. Hebrews 11:5. Calmet.) when he will preach penance, ( Worthington.) chiefly to the Gentiles, while Elias will address himself to the Jews. Bible.
Verse 17. A. Greek “an exchange,” to save mankind. Genesis 6:8 and 8:21. Calmet.—Noe was perfect, ( Worthington.) which does not exclude some human failings. Bible.
Verse 20. Multitude. His name implies as much. Calmet.—He was father of all who believed in Christ. Worthington.
Verse 21. Faithful. He received the sign of circumcision, and was ready to sacrifice Israel. Calmet.
Verse 22. In his. Greek “that the nations should be blessed in his posterity.”—Dust. Lit. “a heap.” Bible. Genesis 12:2 and 22:17.
Verse 23. Earth. In Arabia, and from the Red Sea to the Euphrates. This was verified in David. Psalms 71. Genesis 13:14.
Verse 25. Jacob. The promises made to Abraham were confirmed to Isaac and Jacob. Bible.—These were also blessed in Abraham. Worthington.
Verse 26. Tribes. Giving him so many children, who inherited Chanaan.
Verse 27. Men. The Israelites. verse 10. Greek “the man,” Joseph; though the Greek of the Rom. edit. would refer it to Moses. Calmet.—Grabe corrects his copy agreeably to the Vulg. Bible.