“He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.”
The. Greek, “on dreams. The,” &c. (Haydock) — No dependence can be had on the pretended interpretation of dreams, which do not come from God; (Calmet) as some do, Matthew i., and Daniel ii. (Worthington)
“To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.”
Man. When he turns away from the mirror, it appears no more, James i. 23.
“Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.”
Unclean. This text has been abused, to prove that the sinner cannot confer grace in the sacraments. (Calmet) — But Christ does this by his ministry. (St. Augustine, Psalm x. n. 6.)
“For all these things are to be done because of the commandment.”
Deceitful. Greek, “divinations, and auguries, and dreams, are vain.”
“The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.”
Travail. Such things cannot be explained. Twenty people will all give different interpretations. — High, as those of Jacob, Joseph, &c., were. Yet it is difficult to make the discrimination. (St. Gregory, dial. iv. 48.) — Homer admits of two sorts of dreams. (Odyssey xix.)
“The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable. and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.”
Them. The devil takes advantage of their weakness, and they have recourse to magic, &c. (Calmet)
“Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands.”
Law, which forbids attention to dreams, Leviticus xix 26., and Isaias viii. 20. (Cornelius a Lapide) — No part of the law shall perish; and some will always explain it truly. (Worthington)
“In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.”
What. Greek, “A man who has travelled, knows much,” &c. (Haydock) — Thus Ulysses became so wise, (Homer) as well as the ancient philosophers, Pythagoras, &c. (St. Jerome, ad Paulin.) — The knowledge derived from books will not suffice. (Calmet)
“Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.”
Experienced. Greek, “much abroad, shall abound with subtlety. (11.) I,” &c.
“Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.”
And. Greek, “And I know more than I announce.” (Grabe’s edition)
“He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.”
For. Greek, “On account of these things I have been saved:” (Haydock) by my great experience, which gives weight to my instructions.
“He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.”
Is. Greek, “shall live. (15.) For….them. (16.) He,” &c. (Haydock)
“Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.”
From falling, or when a person is fallen.
Mockeries. Some Greek copies have “gifts.” Such unjust presents or sacrifices, God will abhor, Isaias xli. 8., and Deuteronomy xxiv. 15. (Calmet)
Lord. Greek, (23.) “most….wicked, nor,” &c.
Bread. Greek, “a livelihood, killeth his neighbour; and he sheddeth blood, who keepeth back the hire of the workman.” (Haydock)
Labour? So, if your sacrifices be ill-gotten, they will not be received; and if you relapse, you will be as bad as ever. (Calmet)
Dead. Literally, “is baptized by or from the dead;” baptizatur a mortuo. (Haydock) — St. Cyprian thought this text was peremptory against the baptism of heretics; and the Donatists were of the same opinion. They seem not to have read, if he touch him again, which entirely alters the meaning. St. Augustine admonishes them of this; though he explains it of the pagan rather than of the Jewish purifications, to which it refers, Numbers xix. 11. See St. Augustine, contra Cres. i. 24., and ii. 25., and contra Petil. i. 9., and St. Cyprian, ep. ad Quint. (Calmet)
Prayer. A relapse makes the former repentance useless, Matthew xviii. 33. (Worthington)