7
Her nobles were purer than snow. They were whiter than milk. They were more ruddy in body than rubies. Their polishing was like sapphire.
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ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. Old ivory. Whiteness shews its age. Pliny iii. 8.—As it grows old it turns yellow, and loses much of its value. But the ancients had the art of dyeing it scarlet. Æneid xii. Iliad iv. Ovid ii. Am. v. Calmet.—Hebrew poninim may signify ( Bible.) “pearls,” the shells of which are stained with a delicate red; though the epithet ruddy may mean “shining,” in which sense purpureus is used. Hor. iv. Od. 1.—The complexion of the Nazarites was fair, with a mixture of red. Song of Songs 5:10. They were probably clothed in white, and were highly respected. 1 Maccabees 2:49. Amos 2:11. Numbers 6:18. Calmet.
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