“Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.”
Greek prefixes, “A Hymn of the Fathers.” The author here imitates the third work of Solomon. (Haydock) — He had given rules for all virtues; and he now sets before us those who had put them in practice. (Calmet) — It was the custom to sound forth the praises of these fathers in the temple and synagogues, ver. 15. (Grotius)
“The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning.”
Glory. Greek adds, “in them.” He was the author of all their virtue, (Haydock) and has acquired much glory by their means, (Calmet) among men; though his essential glory can never increase.
“Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:”
In the. Greek, “futurity by their predictions.” Kings, judges, and prophets are praised. (Haydock) — The virtuous are justly styled kings, Genesis xxiii. (Worthington)
“Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent are their instructions:”
The present. Greek, “the people by counsels, and by the knowledge of the office of scribes of the people. Wise in speech by their instruction. (5.) Seeking out,” &c. (Haydock) — Prudence and eloquence ought to appear in a ruler.
“Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:”
Tunes. The Hebrews, and David in particular, were famous for music. (Calmet)
“Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:”
In. Greek, “established in power, living,” &c., (Haydock) like Abraham, Ezechias, &c. (Calmet)
“All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.”
Generations. Literally, “races of their nation.” But this is omitted in Greek.
“There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.”
Born. Greek, “some of them have left a name,” (Haydock) or posterity, Deuteronomy xxv. 6.
“And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.”
Them. This may be understood of the wicked Israelites, or of the sons of Abraham by Agar, &c.
“But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.”
Mercy. Assideans, (1 Paralipomenon vi. 41., and 1 Machabees vii. 13.) or true Israelites.
“Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.”
Peace. The Jews were very solicitous about this, Genesis xxxv. 8. (Calmet)
“Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all generations.”
Into. Greek, “a model of penance to past or future generations.” (Haydock) — The Latin fathers suppose that Henoch was translated to heaven, or to the earthly paradise. It is the tradition both of Jews and of Christians that he is still alive, and will come to oppose Antichrist, (Apocalypse xi. 3., Genesis v. 22., and Hebrews xi. 5.; Calmet) when he will preach penance, (Worthington) chiefly to the Gentiles, while Elias will address himself to the Jews. (Haydock)
“Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world; therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.”
A. Greek, “an exchange,” to save mankind, Genesis vi. 8., and viii. 21. (Calmet) — Noe[Noah] was perfect, (Worthington) which does not exclude some human failings. (Haydock)
“Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was found faithful.”
Multitude. His name implies as much. (Calmet) — He was father of all who believed in Christ. (Worthington)
“Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part of the land.”
Faithful. He received the sign of circumcision, and was ready to sacrifice Israel. (Calmet)
“With Isaac did he establish likewise for Abraham his father's sake the blessing of all men, and the covenant, And made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions; among the twelve tribes did he part them.”
In his. Greek, “that the nations should be blessed in his posterity.” — Dust. Literally, “a heap.” (Haydock) (Genesis xii. 2., and xxii. 17.)
Earth. In Arabia, and from the Red Sea to the Euphrates. This was verified in David, Psalm lxxi., and Genesis xiii. 14.
Jacob. The promises made to Abraham were confirmed to Isaac and Jacob. (Haydock) — These were also blessed in Abraham. (Worthington)
Tribes. Giving him so many children, who inherited Chanaan.
Men. The Israelites, ver. 10. Greek, “the man,” Joseph; though the Greek of the Roman edition would refer it to Moses. (Calmet) — Grabe corrects his copy agreeably to the Vulgate. (Haydock)