May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 27. Enlarge Japheth. His name signifies latitude or enlargement. Worthington.—May he, God, according to some; but more probably Japheth, of whom the rest of the sentence speaks. Bible.—This was verified by the extensive dominion of the children of Japheth, both in the islands and on the continent; more particularly, when the Romans subdued the Jews, and posterity of Sem. Menochius.—Referring all this to the Church, the Gentiles entered in, upon the refusal of the Jews, though preachers of that nation were the instruments of their conversion. Chanaan, in the mean time, cherished his slavery, and seeks not to obtain the liberty and glory of the sons of God, in which he is a figure of heretics, ( Bible.) who serve to make Christians more upon their guard, and by persecuting them, exercise their patience and increase their crown. Worthington.