Perfumer. The Scripture reproaches this king alone with no fault. (Calmet)

Verse 3

Directed. Greek, "prosperous in converting the people," 4 Kings xxii., and 2 Paralipomenon xxiv. (Haydock) --- He began when he was only eight years old: but set to work more effectually ten years afterwards. The prophets complain of the disorders which prevailed before that period. (Calmet)

Verse 4

Sinners. Or "sins," when iniquity was become fashionable. He consulted no false policy, (Haydock) but boldly exerted himself in God's service, and even invited the Israelites out of his dominions to come and celebrate the passover, 2 Paralipomenon xxxiv. 6. (Calmet) --- They belonged, in effect to him, as the twelve tribes were all promised to David's family, and the kingdom of Jeroboam was only a rebellion, chap. xlvii. 23. (Haydock)

Verse 5

Sin. The two former effaced their sins by repentance, and never tolerated idolatry, which even Josaphat and Asa did, (3 Kings xxii. 43., &c.; Calmet) not destroying the high places. Many others yielded not to idol worship. (Worthington)

Verse 6

Despised. Greek, "they failed," and lost the crown.

Verse 7

They gave. Achaz called in to his assistance the king of Assyria, who afterwards claimed the kingdom as tributary to him, 4 Kings xviii. 7, 14. Greek, "He (God, Calmet; Alexandrian copy has They) gave their horn," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 8

Holiness. Jerusalem, which was styled holy, in the sicles of Simon. --- Desolate. No one came to the festivals, Lamentations i. 4.

Verse 9

Renew. To foretell the destruction and establishment of kingdoms, Jeremias i. 5, 10.

Verse 10

Cherubims. Ezechiel i. 4., and viii. 1., and x. 1.

Verse 11

Rain. Denoting great misery, Ezechiel xiii. 11., and xxxviii. 22. (Calmet) --- And of. Literally, "to do good," (Haydock) or to announce the liberation of the penitent captives, Ezechiel xviii. 21., and xxiii. 16., &c.

Verse 12

Place. Chap. xlv. 15. The Pharisees adorned the tombs of the prophets, Matthew xxiii. 29. Daniel is not mentioned among them, because he lived at court.

Verse 13

Hand. Most precious, Jeremias xxii. 24., and Canticle of Canticles viii. 6.

Verse 14

Josedec. He was a noble figure of Christ, and helped build the temple, Aggeus i. 2., and ii. 3., and Zacharias iii. 1., and vi. 11.

Verse 15

Houses. He laboured much for the people's welfare, 2 Esdras v.

Verse 16

Henoch. Before the deluge. (Menochius) --- He stood up for the Lord, amid the most corrupt people, and was translated, chap. xliv. 16. He and Joseph have many advantages over the rest. (Calmet)

Verse 17

Joseph. He has not been named, but designated, chap. xliv. 27. (Calmet) --- Who. Greek, the "ruler," &c. (Haydock)

Verse 18

They prophesied. That is, by being carried out of Egypt, they verified the prophetic prediction of Joseph, Genesis l. (Challoner) (Carriers.) --- This sentence is omitted in Greek. (Haydock) --- See chap. xlviii. 14. --- Joseph had intimated that the Israelites should leave Egypt. (Worthington)

Verse 19

Men. The former was the father of the faithful, before the deluge; the latter after. (Calmet) --- Beginning. Greek, "in the creation" was appointed to rule. (Haydock) --- He alone among men was innocent, coming from the hands of God, and he might glory that he had no other father. (Calmet) --- Eve enjoyed the like privileges. (Haydock)

Verse 27