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Let us now praise famous men, our ancestors in their generations.
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.
The Lord created great glory in them— his mighty power from the beginning.
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.
Some ruled in their kingdoms and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding. Some have spoken in prophecies,
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.
leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their understanding, giving instruction for the people. Their words in their instruction were wise.
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.
Some composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing,
Verse 5. Tunes. The Hebrews, and David in particular, were famous for music. Calmet.
rich men endowed with ability, living peaceably in their homes.
Verse 6. In. Greek “established in power, living,” and so forth ( Bible.) like Abraham, Ezechias, and so forth Calmet.
All these were honored in their generations, and were outstanding in their days.
Verse 7. Generations. Lit. “race of their nation.” But this is omitted in Greek.
Some of them have left a name behind them, so that others declare their praises.
Verse 8. Born. Greek “some of them have left a name,” ( Bible.) or posterity. Deuteronomy 25:6.
But of others, there is no memory. They perished as though they had not been. They become as though they had not been born, they and their children after them.
Verse 9. Them. This may be understood of the wicked Israelites, or of the sons of Abraham by Agar, and so forth
But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten.
Verse 10. Mercy. Assideans, (1 Chronicles 6:41 and 1 Maccabees 7:13) or true Israelites.
A good inheritance remains with their offspring. Their children are within the covenant.
Their offspring stand fast, with their children, for their sakes.
Their offspring will remain forever. Their glory won’t be blotted out.
Their bodies were buried in peace. Their name lives to all generations.
Verse 14. Peace. The Jews were very solicitous about this. Genesis 35:8. Calmet.
People will declare their wisdom. The congregation proclaims their praise.
Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken up, an example of repentance to all generations.
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.
Noah was found perfect and righteous. In the season of wrath, he kept the race alive. Therefore a remnant was left on the earth when the flood came.
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.
Everlasting covenants were made with him, that all flesh should no more be blotted out by a flood.
Abraham was a great father of a multitude of nations. There was none found like him in glory,
who kept the law of the Most High, and was taken into covenant with him. In his flesh he established the covenant. When he was tested, he was found faithful.
Verse 20. Multitude. His name implies as much. Calmet.—He was father of all who believed in Christ. Worthington.
Therefore he assured him by an oath that the nations would be blessed through his offspring, that he would multiply him like the dust of the earth, exalt his offspring like the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the utmost parts of the earth.
Verse 21. Faithful. He received the sign of circumcision, and was ready to sacrifice Israel. Calmet.
In Isaac also, he established the same assurance for Abraham his father’s sake, the blessing of all men, and the covenant.
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.
He made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessings, gave to him by inheritance, and divided his portions. He distributed them among twelve tribes.
Verse 23. Earth. In Arabia, and from the Red Sea to the Euphrates. This was verified in David. Psalms 71. Genesis 13:14.