Offerings. He cannot otherwise observe the law. (Haydock) --- Virtue is the most acceptable sacrifice. (Calmet) --- The sacrifices of penance, of justice, and of praise, are to be preferred before all external ones. (Worthington)

Verse 2

And to. Greek, (4.) "He," &c. (Haydock) --- The peace-offering and that for sin, as well as the oblation of fine flour and of praise, (which is the most perfect of all) are noticed. (Calmet) --- External sacrifice must not be neglected. (Worthington)

Verse 4

Sacrifice. Greek adds, "of praise." (Haydock) --- This was the true spirit of the law. (Calmet)

Verse 6

Lord. The poor, who present a virtuous heart, are more acceptable than the rich, who are buried in sin, though the latter may offer the most splendid sacrifices. (Haydock) --- God requires that all should do according to their abilities. If they have nothing, they must fulfill the commandments, and he will be satisfied. Some have inferred from Exodus xxiii. 16., that the poor were rejected. But the meaning of the law is here explained. (Calmet)

Verse 10

Heart. Literally, "mind." Greek, "eye," (Haydock) free from avarice, 2 Corinthians ix. 7.

Verse 11

Sanctify: "set apart" for the use of the ministers, and of the temple. (Calmet) --- God will reward thee much more. (Worthington)

Verse 14

Wicked; defective, Leviticus xxii. 21., and Malachias i. 7. Greek, "curtailed, or ill-acquired," (Calmet) or "do not bribe" God; (Greek: dorokopei. Grotius) as the word is used [in] 2 Machabees. God will not regard our gifts, to let our offences escape punishment, Isaias xlii. 1. (Calmet)

Verse 19

For, &c., is not in Greek. God will protect the defenceless. (Haydock)

Verse 21

He, or "it." (Calmet) --- Prayer is personified, and presents itself before God.

Verse 22

Them, the Gentiles, &c., ver. 23. Greek, "will not delay to punish them, till he crush the loins of the unmerciful. And," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 23

Unjust Egyptians, Syrians, and Greeks, who then oppressed the Jews.

Verse 24

Adam, who was not spared. (Calmet) --- Greek, "of men and their desires." (Haydock) --- Our version seems to be taken from the Hebrew. (Du Hamel) --- Adam sometimes denotes any man. (Menochius)

Verse 26

The. Greek, "mercy is beautiful," &c., Psalm ix. 10. (Haydock)

Verse 31