Sirach
Verse 1. Perfumer. The Scripture reproaches this king alone with no fault. Calmet.
EXPLANATIONS
Sirach 49
Historical chapter commentary
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Verse 3. Directed. Greek “prosperous in converting the people.” 4 Kennicott. 22 and 2 Chronicles 24. Bible.—He began when he was only eight years old: but set to work more effectually ten years afterwards. The prophets complain of the disorders which prevailed before that period. Calmet.
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Verse 4. Sinners. Or “sins,” when iniquity was become fashionable. He consulted no false policy, ( Bible.) but boldly exerted himself in God’s service, and even invited the Israelites out of his dominions to come and celebrate the passover. 2 Chronicles 34:6. Calmet.—They belonged, in effect to him, as the twelve tribes were all promised to David’s family, and the kingdom of Jeroboam was only a rebellion. Calmet. 47:23. Bible.
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Verse 5. Sin. The two former effaced their sins by repentance, and never tolerated idolatry, which even Josaphat and Asa did, (3 Kennicott. 22:43. and so forth Calmet.) not destroying the high places. Many others yielded not to idol worship. Worthington.
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Verse 6. Despised. Greek “they failed,” and lost the crown.
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Verse 7. They gave. Achaz called in to his assistance the king of Assyria, who afterwards claimed the kingdom as tributary to him, 4 Kennicott. 18:7. 14. Greek “He (God. Calmet. Alex. copy has They) gave their horn,” and so forth Bible.
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Verse 8. Holiness. Jerusalem, which was styled holy, in the sicles of Simon.—Desolate. No one came to the festivals. Lamentations 1:4.
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Verse 9. Renew. To foretell the destruction and establishment of kingdoms. Jeremiah 1:5, 10.
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Verse 10. Cherubims. Ezekiel 1:4 and 8:1 and 10:1.
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Verse 11. Rain. Denoting great misery. Ezekiel 13:11 and 38:22. Calmet.—And of. Lit. “to do good,” ( Bible.) or to announce the liberation of the penitent captives. Ezekiel 18:21 and 23:16. and so forth
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Verse 12. Place. Calmet. 45:15. The Pharisees adorned the tombs of the prophets. Matthew 23:29. Daniel is not mentioned among them, because he lived at court.
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Verse 13. Hand. Most precious. Jeremiah 22:24. Song of Songs 8:6.
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Verse 14. Josedec. He was a noble figure of Christ, and helped build the temple. Agg. i. 2. and ii. 3. Zechariah 3:1 and 6:11.
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Verse 15. Houses. He laboured much for the people’s welfare. 2 Ezra 5.
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Verse 16. Henoch. Before the deluge. Menochius.—He stood up for the Lord, amid the most corrupt people, and was translated. Calmet. 44:16. He and Joseph have many advantages over the rest. Calmet.
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Verse 17. Joseph. He has not been named, but designated. Calmet. 44 ult. Calmet.—Who. Greek the “ruler,” and so forth Bible.
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Verse 18. They prophesied. That is, by being carried out of Egypt, they verified the prophetic prediction of Joseph. Gen. l. Challoner. Carriers.—This sentence is omitted in Greek Bible.—See chapter 48:14.—Joseph had intimated that the Israelites should leave Egypt. Worthington.
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Verse 19. Men. The former was the father of the faithful, before the deluge; the latter after. Calmet.—Beginning. Greek “in the creation” was appointed to rule. Bible.—He alone among men was innocent, coming from the hands of God, and he might glory that he had no other father. Calmet.—Eve enjoyed the like privileges. Bible.
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The remainder of this line is omitted by the best authorities.
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Some ancient authorities read temple.