Ezekiel 29:18

Peeled, with carrying machines of war and burdens for thirteen years. --- No reward worth the labour. The new city surrendered upon terms, (Calmet) or the citizens shipped off their most valuable goods, and retired to Carthage, &c. God gives a temporal reward for moral virtues, (St. Jerome) even to infidels. (Worthington) --- Thus he rewarded the ancient Romans, and the midwives. (St. Augustine, City of God v. 12.; and St. Thomas Aquinas, [Summa Theologiae] i. 2. q. 114. a. 10.) --- They had no intention of pleasing God, (Calmet) or of directing their labours for his service. (Haydock)