Served, Syria being so much divided. Hence Jonathas went to the two most famous republics of the world, and probably to the Jews beyond the Euphrates [River], to the Nabutheans, &c., ver. 2. (Calmet)

Verse 2

Spartans. The city was also called Lacedemon and Theramne. (Worthington)

Verse 6

People. The Jewish state then greatly resembled those of Rome and of Sparta. The high priest and senate ruled, yet not without the participation of the people. --- Brethren, proceeding from the same stock. This was the received opinion in both countries, though without foundation, that we can discover. (Calmet, Diss.) --- The proofs might be known to those who were more concerned. (Haydock) --- The Spartans, whom Josephus, &c., style Lacedemonians, sprung from Abraham, (ver. 21.) and were long ago in league with the Jews. (Worthington)

Verse 7

Onias the third, between the years [of the world] 3805 and 3829. --- Arius. Greek and Syriac erroneously write, Darius. See ver. 20. (Josephus, Antiquities xii. 5.)

Verse 9

Things; the letters of Arius, as the sacred books testified the same. (Greek; Josephus; Grotius) --- This sense appears to be the most natural; or we are not interested in make the present application.

Verse 11

Observances. Greek, Syriac, "supplications." The Vulgate had probably at first, obsecrationibus. The Jews prayed for their allies, &c., to beg for their temporal prosperity, and for their conversion, chap. vii. 33.

Verse 13

Kings. Ever since the time of Onias, wars had been waged against Epiphanes, Eupator, Soter, and Nicator. (Calmet)

Verse 19

Letter. Arius wrote before Onias, though the letter be placed later. (Worthington) --- Josephus give it rather in different words. The answer to Jonathan was sent to Simon, the year [of the world] 3861., chap. xiv. 22. (Calmet)

Verse 21

Spartans. They had probably some old genealogies. (Jos.[Josephus?, Antiquities?] xii. 5., and xiii. 9.) (Worthington) --- Yet they might not be true. Few nations can ascertain their origin; and most run into fabulous accounts, if we except the Jews. (Calmet) See ver. 6. (Haydock) (Salien, the year [of the world] 3821.) --- There is nothing certain. (Rep. Heb. i. 2.) (Menochius)

Verse 23

Back. It would hence appear that the Jews wrote first which does not seem to be the case from Josephus, &c. (Calmet)

Verse 24

Demetrius. He resided at Laodicea, feasting, (Diodorus) while his generals attempted to detach Jonathas from Antiochus, but without success. They fled at his approach beyond the river Eleutherus, from which Laodicea was not remote. (Calmet)

Verse 29

Burning. They had been left to conceal the flight. (Menochius) --- Grabe supplies, "and they departed," at the end of ver. 28. (Haydock)

Verse 31

Zabadeans. No nation of this name is known; whence most people read "Nabatheans," after Josephus. They had been allies of the Jews, but perhaps took part with Demetrius. (Calmet)

Verse 33

Of it, as it was designing to revolt. Jonathas had possession before, chap. x. 73. (Menochius)

Verse 36

Mount. Literally, "height," (Haydock) or wall, to prevent the garrison from receiving supplies. (Calmet)

Verse 37

For. Greek, "he approached," which Grabe substitutes instead of "was fallen down." (Haydock)

Verse 38

Adiada, or Addus, (chap. xiii. 13.) in the plain west of the mountains of Juda. (Calmet)

Verse 39

Tryphon. In a moral sense, Tryphon represents the practice of the devil, who seeks first to deceive pastors. For, as St. Gregory (hom. xxxviii.) teaches, if the pastor's life be corrupt, his doctrine will be contemned. (Worthington)

Verse 40

Bathsan, or Scythopolis, below the lake of Genesareth. Tryphon was not content with governing under the young Antiochus. He was afraid lest Jonathas should oppose his measures, (Calmet) knowing that he was a man of probity, to whom the king had shewn favour.

Verse 49

Plain of Esdrelon, or Mageddo, (Menochius) styled also the vale of Jezrahel, and perhaps Arboth, chap. v. 23, and ix. 2.

Verse 50

Slain. So it was reported, though falsely. (Calmet)

Verse 72