Make. Protestants, "meet together." (Haydock) --- When the adversaries of faith find themselves unable to suppress it, they offer peace: so when Protestants began, and where they are still weak, they would have none persecuted for any opinions in religious matters; "but where they are strong they ha... [ Continue Reading ]
_You. This was one, (Haydock) though not the principal reason which hindered him. It is often adviseable not to seem to suspect any evil._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Letter. Hebrew, Septuagint, and Arabic add, "open:" but this word is not in Syriac. The letter might be an order to appear, or might be left open to signify that the bearer was a man of confidence, from whom Nehemias might receive any farther information; unless it was sent in this manner out of co... [ Continue Reading ]
_Prophets. This was false; though, no doubt, the true prophets who lived at that time, would promote the laudable undertakings of Nehemias. (Haydock) --- To counteract their influence, the enemies hired Semaia and Noadias, ver. 10., and 14. --- Together, that thou mayst clear thyself; (Vatable) or t... [ Continue Reading ]
_I. Hebrew, "Now, O Lord, strengthen my hands; (Junius, &c.) or, "now strengthening my hands, (Calmet) I went, " &c. Septuagint, &c., agree with the Vulgate. (Haydock)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Went, being invited. (Tirinus) --- Semaia, of the twenty-third course of priests, 1 Paralipomenon xxiv. 18. (Menochius) --- Privately. Hebrew, "who was shut up," like a recluse, (Haydock) to deceive the people, by the appearance of superior sanctity, and by an imitation of the true prophets. (Calme... [ Continue Reading ]
_Should. Literally, "Does one like me retire from his post? And who like me shall enter the temple and live?" (Haydock) --- It is unlawful for a layman to flee into the part of the temple assigned to the priests. Yet into this he had been invited, as the court of Israel was not perhaps yet secured.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Understood, by the nature of the suggestion, and the manner in which he heard the refusal. Aggeus, or some of the true prophets, might also inform him, (Calmet) or a supernatural light irradiated his mind, unless human sagacity sufficed. (Tirinus) (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sin, by taking any false step, so as to offend the people._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Prophet. Hebrew, "the prophetess." (Calmet) --- Protestants, "My God, think thou upon Tobiah,...and on the prophetess Noadiah."_... [ Continue Reading ]
Elul, the last of the civil year, corresponding with our August and September, when the walls were dedicated, chap. xii. 27. --- Days. Josephus ([Antiquities?] xi. 5.) says, "two years and three (Greek four) months" (Haydock) had been spent in perfecting the work. (Cajetan) --- Others date from the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mosollam, one of the builders, chap. iii. 4. (Menochius) --- These two powerful men had consequently acted contrary to the laws of God, and the covenant of Esdras, with respect to marriages. They might fear the resentment of the zealous governor. Dangers from false brethren, (2 Corinthians xi. 26.)... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER VI.... [ Continue Reading ]