was not worthy The world was unworthy of them though it treated them as worthless. The Greek would also admit the meaning that they outweighed in value the whole world (see Proverbs 8:11, LXX.).

in dens and caves The Israelites in general (Judges 6:1). The prophets of the Lord (1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 18:13). Elijah (1 Kings 19:9). Mattathias and his sons "fled into the mountains" (1Ma 2:28), and many others "into the wilderness" (id. 29). Judas the Maccabe (2Ma 5:27). Refugees in caves (2Ma 6:11). "Like beasts" (id. Hebrews 10:6).

of the earth Rather, "of the land." The writer's view rarely extends beyond the horizon of Jewish history.

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