βNot long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.β
Cousin. He was of the blood royal and governor, (ver. 22., and 1 Machabees xi. 18.) having supplanted Philip. (Calmet) β Lysias had been vanquished already, 1 Machabees iv. 28. (Worthington) (Calmet)
βAnd to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:β
Temple, as of a farm, by selling offices and requiring money of those who offered victims, 1 Machabees x. 42. (Calmet)
βSo he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.β
Narrow. Greek, βsecure.β Protestants, βstrong town.β β Furlongs. Greek, βschΕnus,β (Haydock) 625 paces. Yet Eusebius and St. Jerome say it was twenty miles distant, towards Hebron, (Josue xv. 58.) which seems more accurate. (Calmet) β Some figure may easily have been changed. (Haydock)
βNow when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.β
Angel. Knowing that the patriarchs and Moses had often received such aid, the Machabees prayed that their good cause might be espoused by the angels; and their request was granted, though they were forced to co-operate. Sometimes God gave victory without the interference of men, Exodus xiv., and 4 Kings xix. (Worthington)
βAnd as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.β
Horseman, in appearance, but really (Haydock) an angel, as five came before, chap. x. 29.
βJohn and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.β
Delivering; (Syriac) but Greek has, βseeing the oracle subscribed, (or underwritten) made a petition concerning the things declared in it.β (Haydock) β Kingsβ decrees were often styled oracles; and this might contain leave for Lysias to treat with the Jews, (Grotius) or the last injunction of Epiphanes, (chap. ix. 19.) or the resolution of Judas. (Calmet)
βFare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.β
In the year one hundred and forty-eight; viz., according to the computation of the Greeks, which was different from that of the Hebrews, followed by the writer of the first book of Machabees. However by this date, as well as by other circumstances, it appears that the expedition of Lysias, mentioned in this chapter, is different from that recorded [in] 1 Machabees vi. 16. (Challoner) β Dioscorus. Syriac, βthe last of Tisri.β Greek, βJupiter of Corinth,β which is more unintelligible. There was no month called Dioscorus among the Greeks. (Calmet) β It might be put for Dius, (Grotius) or Distrus, (Serarius; Tirinus) or it was an intercalary month, between March and April, (Salien) or the Macedonians had two names for some months. (Haydock)
βNow the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:β
Brother. So he is styled for honour, ver. 35. (Menochius)
βSince our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.β
Gods. This impious custom began in the East, and was abolished by Christianity. (Calmet) β Epiphanes had affected to be a god, but at last saw his folly, chap. ix. (Haydock)
βWherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.β
Restored. It was already occupied by the Jews, but they were much disturbed by the garrison. Now their rights are admitted.
βAnd the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:β
Senate. The constitution was aristocratical.
βMenelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:β
Menelaus. He was at Antioch, and was reputed high priest, being established by the king. But the Jews would not receive him, having chosen Judas. (Calmet)
βWherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.β
Day, or for fifteen days, ver. 33. (Menochius)
βAnd the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.β
Ignorance. He excuses them, and grants an amnesty, 1 Machabees xiii. 39. (Calmet)
βThe Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.β
Romans. Others were sent soon after to burn the ships and maim the elephants, which Eupator had more than had been agreed upon. (Usher, the year [of the world] 3841.) β They undertake to promote the welfare of their allies. Yet the peace was of short duration, and perhaps never ratified.