_Furnace. At the day of judgment, the difference between the just and the wicked will plainly appear. (Worthington) --- This sense is most generally given, as well as to those words where our Saviour speaks of the signs of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the end of the world together, Matthew xx... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wings. The sun is represented with wings, to imply celerity. The appearance of the Lord will be most acceptable to the virtuous. (Calmet) --- Look up, for your redemption is at hand, Luke xxi. 28. --- Herd. Protestants, "stall." Hebrew marbek, (Haydock) "fattened;" though some explain it of oxen tr... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ashes, burnt in Jerusalem. (Haydock) --- Christians rejoiced in the execution of divine justice. The Jews were not allowed to approach the new city, Elia. (St. Jerome)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Law. This must be your guide and comfort. No more prophets shall appear before [John] the Baptist. (Calmet)_... [ Continue Reading ]
Elias. Septuagint add, "the Thesbite;" and St. Jerome (in Matthew xvii.) says, that Elias shall indeed come and restore all things. --- Dreadful. Christ's first coming was in all meekness; but he will judge in terror. Hence the prophet's meaning is not that St. John [the Baptist], but that Elias sha... [ Continue Reading ]
Heart, &c. By bringing over the Jews to the faith of Christ, he shall reconcile them to their fathers, viz., the patriarchs and prophets, whose hearts for many ages have been turned away from them, because of their refusing to believe in Christ. (Calmet) --- The antipathy of Jews and Gentiles shall... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER IV.... [ Continue Reading ]