HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

ECCLESIASTICUS 44

CHAPTER XLIV.

Ver. 1. Gr. prefixes, "A Hymn of the Fathers." The author here imitates the third work of Solomon. H. --- He had given rules for all virtues; and he now sets before us those who had put them in practice. C. --- It was the custom to sound forth the praises of these fathers in the temple and synagogues. v. 15. Grot.

Ver. 2. Glory. Gr. adds, "in them." He was the author of all their virtues, (H.) and has acquired much glory by their means, (C.) among men; though his essential glory can never increase.

Ver. 3. In the. Gr. "futurity by their predictions." Kings, judges, and prophets are praised. H. --- The virtuous are justly styled kings. Gen. xxiii. W.

Ver. 4. The present. Gr. "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," &c. H. --- Prudence and eloquence ought to appear in a ruler.

Ver. 5. Tunes. The Hebrews, and David in particular, were famous for music. C.

Ver. 6. In. Gr. "established in power, living," &c. (H.) like Abraham, Ezechias, &c. C.

Ver. 7. Generations. Lit. "race of their nation." But this is omitted in Greek.

Ver. 8. Born. Gr. "some of them have left a name," (H.) or posterity. Deut. xxv. 6.

Ver. 9. Them. This may be understood of the wicked Israelites, or of the sons of Abraham by Agar, &c.

Ver. 10. Mercy. Assideans, (1 Par. vi. 41. and 1 Mac. vii. 13.) or true Israelites.

Ver. 14. Peace. The Jews were very solicitous about this. Gen. xxxv. 8. C.

Ver. 16. Into. Gr. "a model of penance to past or future generations." H. --- 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, (Apoc. xi. 3. Gen. v. 22. Heb. xi. 5. C.) when he will preach penance, (W.) chiefly to the Gentiles, while Elias will address himself to the Jews. H.

Ver. 17. A. Gr. "an exchange," to save mankind. Gen. vi. 8. and viii. 21. C. --- Noe was perfect, (W.) which does not exclude some human failings. H.

Ver. 20. Multitude. His name implies as much. C. --- He was father of all who believed in Christ. W.

Ver. 21. Faithful. He received the sign of circumcision, and was ready to sacrifice Israel. C.

Ver. 22. In his. Gr. "that the nations should be blessed in his posterity." --- Dust. Lit. "a heap." H. Gen. xii. 2. and xxii. 17.

Ver. 23. Earth. In Arabia, and from the Red Sea to the Euphrates. This was verified in David. Ps. lxxi. Gen. xiii. 14.

Ver. 25. Jacob. The promises made to Abraham were confirmed to Isaac and Jacob. H. --- These were also blessed in Abraham. W.

Ver. 26. Tribes. Giving him so many children, who inherited Chanaan.

Ver. 27. Men. The Israelites. v. 10. Gr. "the man," Joseph; though the Gr. of the Rom. edit. would refer it to Moses. C. --- Grabe corrects his copy agreeably to the Vulg. H.