Scourges, made of leather thongs; taureis. (Haydock) — These brethren are styled Machabees; as Judas rendered this name so famous, that all who suffered or fought valiantly for religion in those times, went by this appellation. Josephus has much embellished this history, and Erasmus still more. The tombs of these martyrs were shewn at Antioch. (Calmet) — Their names are not known. (Haydock) — Those who wish to see more, may consult the large discourse of Josephus on the Machabees, (Worthington) though this work be contested, and St. Cyprian iv. ep. 6; St. Ambrose i. of. 40.; St. Chrysostom; St. Augustine; St. Leo, &c. (Worthington)
Pleasure. Literally, “be comforted,” as the Septuagint translate, (Haydock) Deuteronomy xxxii. 36. It may imply that God will avenge or chastise his servants, and then restore them to favour. This latter sense is here adopted, ver. 35.
Language. The Jews have always been very attentive to their own language, though they be forced to learn others for the sake of commerce, and to hold conversation with those among whom they live. This young man, no doubt, understood Greek, in which language his brother had probably spoken. The mother addressed her children in the Hebrew or Syriac tongue, ver. 21, 27. (Calmet)
Most wicked. The martyrs have sometimes been inspired by God to speak in harsh language to magistrates; though their office generally commands respect. (Haydock) — Life. The resurrection is clearly specified in all these answers. The Redeemer was near at hand. (Calmet) — Christiani fuerunt….factis. (St. Augustine, ser. i. 2.)
Power. Nothing could be more free than this answer, which greatly resembles that of Christ, John xix. 11. (Calmet)
Seven. The last was not yet dead: but he was before this was written, so that the mother’s praise was perfect. (Haydock)
Womb. This has always astonished the learned, the infant being formed often against the woman’s desire, Job x. 10., and Wisdom vii. 2. (St. Augustine, anima i. 15.) (Calmet)
Despising. Literally, “despising the voice of the insulter.” Greek, “fearing or perceiving that the speech was reproachful.” (Haydock) — Syriac, “turned aside not to hear the reproaches,” &c. He did not understand Hebrew; but perceiving the constancy of the young men, he thought that their mother exhorted them to refuse compliance. (Calmet) — Happy. This is beyond the power of riches or of any king. (Haydock)