Sirach
Verse 1. Torch. He was animated with a burning zeal, ( Menochius.) like John the Baptist, admonishing kings, and so forth John 5:35. Lu. 1:17. Calmet.
EXPLANATIONS
Sirach 48
Historical chapter commentary
Sirach
Verse 2. And they. Greek “and by his zeal he diminished them. By,” and so forth Bible.—He slew the priests of Baal, and many perished by famine. 4 Kennicott. 18. Grot. Calmet.
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Verse 3. Heaven. That it should not rain for three years and a-half. 3 Kennicott. 17:1.—Thrice. First upon his sacrifice, and twice to destroy fifty soldiers. Ib. 18 and 4 Kennicott. 1:10. Calmet. Worthington.
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Verse 5. Man. The son of the widow of Sarepta.
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Verse 6. Destruction. The prophets are said to perform what they foretell; to indicate the certainty of the event. Elias denounced death to Achab, Jezabel, Ochozias, and the two Jorams. 4 Kennicott. 9:12 and 2 Chronicles 21:12. and so forth Calmet.—Brokest. Greek “those in honour from,” and so forth alluding to ( Bible.) Ochozias and Joram. 4 Kennicott. 1:16 and 1 Chronicles 21:15. Calmet.
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Verse 7. Judgment. Greek “the reprimand of the Lord,” for betraying fear, (3 Kennicott. 19:3. 9. 12. Bible.) or the reprimand regarded Israel. Calmet.
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Verse 8. Penance. Greek “reward,” ( Bible.) or punish the guilty. Hazael and Jehu were anointed by Eliseus, though by order of Elias.—Thee. Eliseus was called from the plough, and adhered to his master, who governed the sons of the prophets in large communities.
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Verse 10. Jacob. Prot. reject the authority of this book, partly ( Bible.) on account of this ( Worthington.) ancient tradition. Enoch and Elias will appear in the days of antichrist, to convert many. The Jews will then agree with the Patriarchs, and embrace the religion of Christ. Calmet.—Elias came in the person of John the Baptist, at the first coming of our Saviour, but he will come in person before his second appearance. Bible.—The application which Christ makes of the prediction of Malachy (4:6) to the Baptist, does not exclude this more distant accomplishment. Elias is still alive in some part of the world, as well as Enoch, whom Saint Augustine styled “the first-born (primogenitor) of our resurrection.” De Civ. Dei. xv. 19. 4 Kennicott. 2:11.
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Verse 11. Friendship. Like Eliseus, or the disciples of both. Calmet.—Greek “who slept in love, for we also shall live indeed; (13.) Elias,” and so forth Bible.—When we shall witness thy return, if we prove faithful, we may expect an immortal name, and not otherwise. Calmet.—He speaks in the person of those who shall live at that time. Bible.
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Verse 13. Eliseus. Who received his double spirit, with his garment. 4 Kennicott. 2:15.—Prince. Joram. 4 Kennicott. 3:14 and 6:32.
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Verse 14. Overcome. Or “escape.” Greek Syr. He knew what Giezi and the Syrians were doing, at a distance. 4 Kennicott. 5:26 and 6:12.—Prophesied. Or raised the dead to life. 4 Kennicott. 13:21. Calmet.—On his death-bed (verse 15) he also foretold the victory of Joas. Ib. 14. Vatab. and so forth—The miracle wrought by his relics ( Bible.) shewed that he was a true prophet. Worthington.
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Verse 19. Thereof. From Gehon, a fountain on the west. 2 Chronicles 32:30. Calmet.
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Verse 20. Lifted. Greek “removed from Lachis, and, “&chapter 4 Kennicott. 18. and so forth
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Verse 23. He was. Greek “and he purified ( Bible. or redeemed, Calmet.) them by the hand (ministry) of Isaias. (24.) He,” and so forth Bible.—Prayer prevailed when troops were insufficient. 4 Kennicott. 19. Worthington.
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Verse 25. Sight. Greek “vision.” All his predictions were verified. Calmet.
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Verse 26. Life. Fifteen years. Isaiah 38 and 4 Kennicott. 1:11. Bible.
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Verse 27. At last. After the captivity, (Isaiah 2:2. Calmet.) or in the days of the Messias. Menochius.