_Wood. Moses had received this injunction, before he ascended the mount the second time, Exodus xxv. 10. But he executed it only after he had received the second tables of the law, Exodus xxxvii. 1. (Menochius) --- Some pretend that the made an ark of setim-wood, to contain the tables, till Beseleel... [ Continue Reading ]
_I made, or gave orders to have one ready against my return. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_To me. God had already promulgated the same laws in the hearing of all, Exodus xix. 17. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Mosera, by Mount Hor, for there Aaron died, Numbers xx. This and the following verses seem to be inserted by way of parenthesis, (Challoner) as far as the 10th. The reason of their insertion here cannot easily be explained; but we must adore, in silence, the designs of the Holy Spirit. (Calmet) ---... [ Continue Reading ]
_Time, during the pontificate of Aaron, Numbers iii. 6. (Menochius) --- God had made this appointment at Sinai, (Exodus xxviii. 1,) where he ordered the tabernacle and the priests to be consecrated. Upon the sedition of Core, which probably took place at Jetebata, he confirmed the rights of the Levi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Stood. Moses does not follow the order of events, but recalls to the minds of his audience what might serve to make the deepest impression upon them. He mentions some farther instructions which he had received from God on Mount Sinai, during the second term of 40 days. (Calmet) --- It might have be... [ Continue Reading ]
_And now. He shews what advantages may be derived from a constant observance of the commandments, that it may be well with thee, ver. 13. God stands not in need of our services, (ver. 14,) but chooses whom he pleases to display the treasures of his love, (ver. 15,) which ought to move us strongly to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Of heaven. The Scripture mentions the third heaven, (2 Corinthians xii. 2,) where the majesty of God most gloriously appears. The second is the region of the stars, and the first the atmosphere, where the birds and the clouds move about. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Joined, ( conglutinatus) as it were, with glue, (Haydock) to shew the vehemence of love. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Circumcise. The Hebrews esteem circumcision as a mark of their greatest glory. All who had it not were looked upon as profane. They call the ears, mind, and heart uncircumcised, when they would not hear, understand, or obey the law of God. St. Paul (Romans ii. 28) frequently inculcates this interio... [ Continue Reading ]
_Gods. Idols are nothing, 1 Corinthians viii. 4. Hence Theodoret supposes, that all who have authority upon earth are here designated. But admitting the false notions of the pagans respecting their gods, the superiority of the true God is here asserted; (Calmet) and all, both in heaven and on earth,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Widow. God resents the injuries done to such, Exodus xxii. 22._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Only, a word not found in the Hebrew, but deemed necessary by the Septuagint to express the true meaning of this passage. See chap. vi. 13. (Calmet) --- Name, when an oath is necessary. Thou shalt never swear by false gods. (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Praise, the object whom thou must praise, and the source of all thy happiness and glory. Other nations will revere the Jews on this account. (Calmet) --- An ancient oracle could not refuse giving them this singular commendation, though to the prejudice of idolatry. "Chaldeans alone philosophy may c... [ Continue Reading ]
_Seventy. Some copies of the Septuagint add "five," with St. Stephen. [Acts vii. 14.] See Genesis xlvi. 26. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER X.... [ Continue Reading ]