Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, April 25th, 2024
the Fourth Week after Easter
the Fourth Week after Easter
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Bible Commentaries
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary Haydock's Catholic Commentary
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Haydock, George Leo. "Commentary on Sirach 4". "Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/hcc/sirach-4.html. 1859.
Haydock, George Leo. "Commentary on Sirach 4". "Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/
Verse 1
Ever. True wisdom may be found in the law. It constitutes the happiness of Israel, Deuteronomy iv. 7. Christ perfected and fulfilled it, Matthew v. 7. --- Life. Moses promised temporal blessings; (chap. iii. 14., and Deuteronomy xxx. 15.) yet the faithful would be rewarded eternally. (Calmet) --- Wisdom is the law of God, chap. iii. 12. (Worthington)
Verse 3
Nation. Be faithful, lest another take thy place. This Christians have done, Deuteronomy xxxii. 21. (Calmet)
Verse 5
Memorial. Greek literally, "O memorable Israel." (Haydock) --- Ye are left to support and restore the nation. This part of the letter is for their comfort.
Verse 6
Sold, like slaves, or people taken in war. (Calmet)
Verse 8
God. Literally, "Him." Greek, "the Eternal." (Haydock) --- This is taken from Deuteronomy xxxii. 15. (Calmet) --- Nursed you. The city is beautifully personified as a widow, ver. 12. (Haydock)
Verse 9
Near. Hebrew would be "daughters of Sion," ver. 14.
Verse 15
Tongue. So the Chaldeans are described, Deuteronomy xxviii. 49., and Isaias xxxiii. 19. (Calmet)
Verse 16
Children. Greek, "daughters." (Haydock) --- Many of both sexes were taken with Jechonias. (Calmet) --- Jerusalem comforts her children, and assures them of God’s mercy. (Worthington)
Verse 20
Peace: the ornaments worn in my prosperity. --- Sackcloth, or a rough garment, used by penitents and in times of public distress.
Verse 25
Neck. Mardochai, Daniel, &c., were governors, Isaias xl. 14. These predictions were more fully verified when the Gentiles embraced the gospel. (Calmet)
Verse 28
When. Greek, "now ten times as much, being converted, seek him." (Haydock) --- The Jews became much more docile and attached to the law.
Verse 30
Named thee as his servant, spouse, (Calmet) and intimate friend.
Verse 31
The. Greek: Deilaioi. "wretched those who have injured thee, and rejoiced in thy fall! Wretched the cities," &c. (Haydock)
Verse 32
She; Babylon. (Challoner) --- Greek, "Wretched she," &c. (Haydock) --- Babylon shall fall a prey to Cyrus.
Verse 35
Fire of war. --- Devils. Whether they really dwell in ruins, or the people were of that opinion, (as the common sort are still) is not clear, Jeremias l. 39., and Isaias xxxiv. 14.
Verse 37
East and west. From Babylon and from the islands, Isaias xi. 11., and Zacharias viii. 7.
Verse 38
CHAPTER IV.