HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

2 MACHABEES 14

CHAPTER XIV.

Ver. 1. But. Read 1 B. vii. 1. W. --- Years of Eupator's reign, or dating from the purification of the temple. --- Demetrius, to whom the crown belonged. 1 B. vii. 1.

Ver. 3. Priest, after Menelaus, (1 B. vii. 5.) but never recognized, as Judas was then pontiff. He had, moreover, voluntarily defiled himself during the times of persecution; or, according to most Gr. copies, (C.) when there was "no mixture" of Gentiles in the land to instigate him. H. --- Though he was of Aaron's stock, this apostacy rendered him ineligible; Mathathias was chosen, being also descended from Aaron, and more sincere in religion. W.

Ver. 4. Fifty, according to the Chaldee reckoning. C. ii. 21. M. --- Boughs; probably (H.) of gold, (W.) or adorned with leaves of that metal. People presented what they thought proper to the temple. The apostles admired these gifts, as well as the stones of the fabric. Lu. xxi. 5.

Ver. 6-11. Assideans: the most zealous defenders of the faith. Alcimus had slain sixty of them. 1 B. vii. 12. 19. C. --- This description, given by enemies through malice, serves to shew the zeal and sincerity of these people in promoting God's law and virtue. --- Him. See 1 B. vii. 26. W. --- Alcimus was guilty of much falsehood. He was not of the family to which the high priesthood belonged, and he had rendered himself unworthy of it. v. 3, 7.

Ver. 12. Nicanor; perhaps the same who had been defeated, C. viii. 21. and 1 B. iv. 8.

Ver. 13. Great temple. Such was the pagan's idea of it. v. 31.

Ver. 14. Gentiles and apostate Jews. C. --- Such people and politicians advanced themselves by pillaging the faithful. W.

Ver. 17. Coming. Gr. "silence," (Bodwell) fearing some stratagem.

Ver. 20. Captain. Judas laid the proposals before all the people.

Ver. 24. From the heart; sincerely. C. --- Gr. "he had Judas always in sight." H. --- His love was only apparent. T. --- Yet this is contrary to the text, (H.) and to the common opinion.

Ver. 26. His successor, so as to keep Alcimus out of his office. C.

Ver. 29. The king. Nicanor was a worldly politician, like Pilate and other judges who have no zeal for religion, (W.) or for justice, being disposed to sacrifice all to their own interest. H.

Ver. 30. A few. Gr. and Syr. "not a few." H. --- Nicanor attacked him, and lost 5000 men. 1 B. xii. 27. C.

Ver. 32. Knew not. This was true, and they would not seek for him (W.) if it had been required.

Ver. 33. Bacchus: a very suitable temple, when beaten to the ground! H. --- He is styled Liber, and accounted the inventor of wine: hence drunkards dedicate temples to him. W.

Ver. 37. Jews. No crime could be laid to his charge, but his love for religion and his country.

Ver. 38. Had held. Gr. "when they were unmixed, had been judged for Judaism; (H.) or been brought to judgment for keeping others from idolatry. Syr. C.

Ver. 41. He struck himself, &c. S. Augustine (Epist. lxi. ad Dulcitium et lib. 2. cap. 23. ad Epist. 2. Gaud.) discussing this fact of Razias, says that the holy Scripture relates it, but doth not praise it, as to be admired or imitated, and that it was not well done by him, or at least not proper in this time of grace. Ch. --- Whether he was thus inspired or not, we dare not decide. The Jews infer from the conduct of Samson, Saul, and Razias, that suicide is lawful when a person fears being overcome by torments, or giving occasion to other's blasphemy. But Christianity lays down better maxims; (Rom. iii. 8.) and S. Aug. (c. Gaud. i. 31. and ep. 61 or 204) S. Thomas (ii. 2. q. 64. a. 5.) and others, disapprove of this action, observing that it is recorded and not praised, though other virtues of Razias be commended. C. --- It was either not well done, or not to be imitated in this time of grace. S. Aug. ii. 23. contra ep. 2. Gaud. W. --- Yet this holy doctor excuses Samson and some Christian virgins, by saying that they acted by the direction of the Holy Spirit. Sup. et de Civ Dei. i. 21. H. Lyran. Tirinius --- This seems to be here the case, as the fact appears to be commended. M.

Ver. 44. Neck. Venit per medium cervicem. --- In the Greek it is kenewna, which signifies a void place, where there is no building; (Ch. Grot.) and also "the belly," which accounts for his not being killed on the spot. G.