Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 36

Have. He has pointed out the conditions for prayer, and now he gives a model. The Jews were at this time dispersed and subservient to the Egyptians or Syrians, which greatly afflicted them. (Calmet)

And shew. Greek, (2.) “send.”

That. Roman Greek omits the rest. But Grabe retains, “all nations which seek not after thee.” (Haydock)

This prayer implies a prediction of the Gentiles’ conversion, as the psalms do frequently in like terms, Psalm lxiv. (Worthington)

Sanctified, by chastising us, or by protecting our fathers in the desert.

End of our sufferings. The malice of our enemies is at the height.

Escapeth the sword, Deuteronomy xxxii. 36. He foretells the event, or wishes that they may be chastised, in order that they may enter into themselves, and adore the true God.

Other lord. The Syrian and Egyptian monarchs sometimes claimed divine honours, Daniel vii. 25., and xi. 36. (Calmet)

That. Greek transposes the rest, and has only, and thou, &c. (Haydock)

First-born. Exodus iv. 22. Wives, children, and servants, were called after their lord or father, Isaias iv. 1., and lxiii. 19., and Jeremias vii. 10.

Rest, where the temple is built, 2 Paralipomenon vi. 41., and Psalm cxxxi. 8.

Words, predictions, as heretofore; or with thy favours.

Thee. The Jews were more faithful after the captivity. The author seems to beg for the coming of the Messias.

People, which thou hast prescribed, Numbers vi. 24. (Calmet)

Direct. Greek, “All shall know.”

Art. Greek, “Lord art the God of ages.” (Haydock)

Here the prayer ends. (Calmet)

The author continues to instruct. (Haydock)

Another. Thus act discreetly in the pursuit of knowledge. The good may be distinguished from bad, as easily as venison can from other meats. (Calmet)

As there is a difference of meats, so must discretion be used in words, in the choice of a wife, &c. (Worthington)

Resist. Greek, “requite it,” as it deserves. (Haydock)

Man. Yet in marriage the temper of the person is to be considered.

More. Love is the most violent of all the passions, and nothing can afford greater content than a virtuous and consoling wife, chap. xxvi. 21. (Calmet)

Good, is not in Greek, but the context shews that it is necessary. (Haydock)

By concord small possessions increase, as by discord the greatest are lost. (Worthington)

Want. If he be not so at first, servants will soon ruin his affairs.

Rest, or abode with his wife and family. The Jews in general married, and such as delayed were deemed suspicious characters, Proverbs xxvii. 8. (Calmet)