City. He had done both before the death of Epiphanes, (Calmet) after the fourth battle against Lysias, 1 Machabees iv. (Worthington) --- The author has given the journey and death of Antiochus together, and now returns to his subject.

Verse 2

Altars. Such were erected before the houses, 1 Machabees i. 50., and Jeremias xi. 13.

Verse 3

Stones; "heated," (Greek; Syriac; Serarius) or by miracle, (Arabic; Gorionides; Tirinus) or striking fire with a flint upon tinder. In this manner the Church still renews fire on Holy Saturday. The Jews could not use profane fire in the temple, Leviticus x. 1. God restored the sacred fire by miracle, chap. i. 18., &c. Pagans have had many superstitious customs with regard to fire. (Calmet) Adde quod arcana fieri novus ignis in æde

Dicitur et vires flamma reflecta capit. (Ovid, Fast. iii.)

--- They obtained fire by means of a burning glass. (Calmet) --- If the vestal suffered it to go out, she was scourged by the pontiff. (Sextus.) --- Two, dating from the administration of Judas, and three since the temple was defiled. (Usher, the year [of the world] 3840.)

Verse 6

Manner, with the like ceremonies and solemnity. (Calmet) --- Green branches might be procured in November and December, as those months in Palestine are as fine as our spring. (Roger.)

Verse 7

Green. Greek, "beautiful;" probably the orange tree, Leviticus xxiii. 40. See diss.[dissertation?] on mandrakes. (Calmet) (Haydock)

Verse 8

Days. Beza allows that Christ complied, John x. It is wonderful then that Protestants should reject this book.

Verse 9

Illustrious. Go to 1 Machabees v. 1. (Worthington)

Verse 11

Appointed. So Lysias gave out, chap. ix. 29. He had been governor before the journey of Epiphanes, 1 Machabees iii. 32.

Verse 12

Macer, "lean." Greek makros, "tall." See chap. iv. 45., and viii. 8. Polybius styles him "a prudent and active man." (Calmet)

Verse 13

Revolted. So they interpreted (Haydock) his disapprobation of the cruelties exercised upon the Jews. (Calmet) --- Greek, "had not yet any honourable place of power entrusted to him, being dispirited, he," &c. (Haydock) --- It is never a proof of fortitude, but of pusillanimity, to kill oneself to get rid of temporal misery. But it is very heroical to die willingly for God's glory.

Verse 14

Gorgias, who had been defeated, 1 Machabees iv. (Worthington) --- He was an experienced captain in Idumea, and the country south of Carmel. (Calmet) --- Fought. Greek, "prolonged the war." (Grotius)

Verse 15

The Jews, &c. He speaks of them that had fallen from their religion, and were enemies of their country, who joining with the Idumeans or Edomites, kept possession of the strong holds, and from thence annoyed their countrymen. (Challoner) --- Greek and Syriac, "Idumeans," who appear in the sequel.

Verse 18

Some; probably the sons of Bean, 1 Machabees v. 4.

Verse 23

Holds; strong places, defended with towers. Some Judas burnt. (Calmet)

Verse 24

Timotheus, who had been defeated (1 Machabees viii. 30.; Worthington) soon after Nicanor.

Verse 26

Altar, between it and the porch, Joel ii. 17. --- Law. Exodus xxiii. 22., Leviticus xxvi. 7., and Deuteronomy vii. 15. (Calmet)

Verse 29

CHAPTER X.

Verse 32

Gazara, different from Gaza, which is so called elsewhere. (Menochius) --- This Gazara was a fortress against the inroads of the Idumeans. --- Chereas, brother of Timotheus. (Calmet)

Verse 35

Men. Gorionides (iii. 13.) says they were Assideans, mentioned before [in] 1 Machabees ii. 42., and vii. 13. (Worthington) --- Got. Greek, "slew every one they met." (Haydock)

Verse 36

After. Greek, "by a back way (Haydock; undefended, Greek: perispasmo.; Grotius) to those within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive. But these cut down the gates; and giving entrance to the rest of the army, took the city and killed Timotheus, who had hidden in a hole," (Haydock) or cistern; Greek: lakko. (Calmet) --- Vulgate had perhaps lacu. (Sa) (Menochius)