I have written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, I Jesus, the son of Sirach Eleazar, of Jerusalem, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 27. Abhorreth. that is with a holy indignation as enemies of God and persecutors of his people. Such were then the Edomites, who abode in Mount Seir, the Philistines, and the Samaritans, who dwelt in Sichem, and had their schismatical temple in that neighbourhood. Challoner.—This was the source of continual dissensions. Joseph. xi. 8. and xii. 2. John 4:20.—The Jews and Samaritans are still at variance. The former, in the days of Esdras, pronounced a curse against the latter, forbidding any of them to become converts to their religion, (Grot.) which, if true, shews a very blameable malice. See Deuteronomy 27:4. Bible.—Which, and so forth is omitted in Greek These three nations had evinced the greatest hatred towards the Jews, and thus deserved to be accounted objects of horror, though if the author harboured any ill-will, his conduct is not praised, ( Calmet.) but only recoreded. Bible.—The Samaritans consisted of Assyrians, Jews, and so forth and therefore are styled no nation; and they were foolish in mixing idolatry with the true worship. Worthington.