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14:1 Sed post triennii tempus, cognovit Judas et qui cum eo erant Demetrium Seleuci cum multitudine valida et navibus per portam Tripolis ascendisse ad loca opportuna,
* Footnotes
*H But after the space of three years Judas, and they that were with him, understood that Demetrius, the son of Seleucus, was come up with a great power, and a navy by the haven of Tripolis, to places proper for his purpose,
Ver. 1. But. Read 1 B. vii. 1. W. — Years of Eupator's reign, or dating from the purification of the temple. — Demetrius, to whom the crown belonged. 1 B. vii. 1.
Μετὰ δὲ τριετῆ χρόνον προσέπεσε τοῖς περὶ τὸν Ἰούδαν, Δημήτριον τὸν τοῦ Σελεύκου διὰ τοῦ κατὰ Τρίπολιν λιμένος εἰσπλεύσαντα μετὰ πλήθους ἰσχυροῦ καὶ στόλου,
14:2 et tenuisse regiones adversus Antiochum, et ducem ejus Lysiam.
And had made himself master of the countries against Antiochus, and his general, Lysias.
κεκρατηκέναι τῆς χώρας, ἐπανελόμενον Ἀντίοχον καὶ τὸν τούτου ἐπίτροπον Λυσίαν.
14:3 Alcimus autem quidam, qui summus sacerdos fuerat, sed voluntarie coinquinatus est temporibus commistionis, considerans nullo modo sibi esse salutem neque accessum ad altare,
*H Now one Alcimus, who had been chief priest, but had wilfully defiled himself in the time of mingling with the heathens, seeing that there was no safety for him, nor access to the altar,
Ver. 3. Priest, after Menelaus, (1 B. vii. 5.) but never recognized, as Judas was then pontiff. He had, moreover, voluntarily defiled himself during the times of persecution; or, according to most Gr. copies, (C.) when there was "no mixture" of Gentiles in the land to instigate him. H. — Though he was of Aaron's stock, this apostacy rendered him ineligible; Mathathias was chosen, being also descended from Aaron, and more sincere in religion. W.
Ἄλκιμος δέ τις προγενόμενος ἀρχιερεὺς, ἑκουσίως δὲ μεμολυμμένος ἐν τοῖς τῆς ἐπιμιξίας χρόνοις, συννοήσας ὅτι καθʼ ὁντιναοῦν τρόπον οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτῷ σωτηρία, οὐδὲ πρὸς ἅγιον θυσιαστήριον ἔτι πρόσοδος,
14:4 venit ad regem Demetrium centesimo quinquagesimo anno, offerens ei coronam auream et palmam, super haec et thallos, qui templi esse videbantur. Et ipsa quidem die siluit.
* Footnotes
*H Came to king Demetrius in the year one hundred and fifty, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and besides these, some boughs that seemed to belong to the temple. And that day indeed he held his peace.
Ver. 4. Fifty, according to the Chaldee reckoning. C. ii. 21. M. — Boughs; probably (H.) of gold, (W.) or adorned with leaves of that metal. People presented what they thought proper to the temple. The apostles admired these gifts, as well as the stones of that fabric. Lu. xxi. 5.
ἧκε πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα Δημήτριον πρώτῳ καὶ πεντηκοστῷ καὶ ἑκατοστῷ ἔτει, προσάγων αὐτῷ στέφανον χρυσοῦν καὶ φοίνικα, πρὸς δὲ τούτοις τῶν νομιζομένων θαλλῶν τοῦ ἱεροῦ· καὶ τὴν ἡμέραν ἐκείνην ἡσυχίαν ἔσχε.
14:5 Tempus autem opportunum dementiae suae nactus, convocatus a Demetrio ad consilium, et interrogatus quibus rebus et consiliis Judaei niterentur,
But having gotten a convenient time to further his madness, being called to counsel by Demetrius, and asked what the Jews relied upon, and what were their counsels,
Καιρὸν δὲ λαβὼν τῆς ἰδίας ἀνοίας συνεργὸν, προσκληθεὶς εἰς συνέδριον ὑπὸ τοῦ Δημητρίου, καὶ ἐπερωτηθεὶς ἐν τίνι διαθέσει καὶ βουλῇ καθεστήκασιν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, πρὸς ταῦτα ἔφη,
14:6 respondit : Ipsi qui dicuntur Assidaei Judaeorum, quibus praeest Judas Machabaeus, bella nutriunt, et seditiones movent, nec patiuntur regnum esse quietum :
*H He answered thereunto: They among the Jews that are called Assideans, of whom Judas Machabeus is captain, nourish wars, and raise seditions, and will not suffer the realm to be in peace.
Ver. 6-11. Assideans: the most zealous defenders of the faith. Alcimus had slain sixty of them. 1 B. vii. 12. 19. C. — This description, given by enemies through malice, serves to shew the zeal and sincerity of these people in promoting God's law and virtue. — Him. See 1 B. vii. 26. W. — Alcimus was guilty of much falsehood. He was not of the family to which the high priesthood belonged, and he had rendered himself unworthy of it. v. 3, 7.
οἱ λεγόμενοι τῶν Ἰουδαίων Ἀσιδαῖοι, ὧν ἀφηγεῖται Ἰούδας ὁ Μακκαβαῖος, πολεμοτροφοῦσι καὶ στασιάζουσιν, οὐκ ἐῶντες τὴν βασιλείαν εὐσταθείας τυχεῖν.
14:7 nam et ego defraudatus parentum gloria (dico autem summo sacerdotio) huc veni :
For I also being deprived of my ancestor's glory (I mean of the high priesthood) am now come hither:
Ὅθεν ἀφελόμενος τὴν προγονικὴν δόξαν, λέγω δὴ τὴν ἀρχιερωσύνην, δεῦρο νῦν ἐλήλυθα.
14:8 primo quidem utilitatibus regis fidem servans, secundo autem etiam civibus consulens : nam illorum pravitate universum genus nostrum non minime vexatur.
Principally indeed out of fidelity to the king's interests, but in the next place also to provide for the good of my countrymen: for all our nation suffereth much from the evil proceedings of these men.
Πρῶτον μὲν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀνηκόντων τῷ βασιλεῖ γνησίως φρονῶν, δεύτερον δὲ καὶ τῶν ἰδίων πολιτῶν στοχαζόμενος· τῇ μὲν γὰρ τῶν προειρημένων ἀλογιστίᾳ τὸ σύμπαν ἡμῶν γένος οὐ μικρῶς ἀκληρεῖ.
14:9 Sed oro his singulis, o rex, cognitis, et regioni et generi, secundum humanitatem tuam pervulgatam omnibus, prospice :
Wherefore, O king, seeing thou knowest all these things, take care, I beseech thee, both of the country, and of our nation, according to thy humanity which is known to all men.
Ἕκαστα δὲ τούτων ἐπεγνωκὼς σὺ βασιλεῦ, καὶ τῆς χώρας καὶ τοῦ περιϊσταμένου γένους ἡμῶν προνοήθητι, καθʼ ἣν ἔχεις πρὸς ἅπαντας εὐαπάντητον φιλανθρωπίαν.
14:10 nam, quamdiu superest Judas, impossibile est pacem esse negotiis.
For as long as Judas liveth it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
Ἄχρι γὰρ Ἰούδας περίεστιν, ἀδύνατον εἰρήνης τυχεῖν τὰ πράγματα.
14:11 Talibus autem ab hoc dictis, et ceteri amici hostiliter se habentes adversus Judam, inflammaverunt Demetrium.
Now when this man had spoken to this effect the rest also of the king's friends, who were enemies of Judas, incensed Demetrius against him.
Τοιούτων δὲ ῥηθέντων ὑπὸ τούτου, θᾶττον οἱ λοιποὶ φίλοι δυσμενῶς ἔχοντες τὰ πρὸς τὸν Ἰούδαν προσεπύρωσαν τὸν Δημήτριον.
14:12 Qui statim Nicanorem praepositum elephantorum ducem misit in Judaeam :
*H And forthwith he sent Nicanor, the commander over the elephants, governor into Judea:
Ver. 12. Nicanor; perhaps the same who had been defeated, C. viii. 21. and 1 B. iv. 8.
Προσκαλεσάμενος δὲ εὐθέως Νικάνορα τὸν γενόμενον ἐλεφαντάρχην, καὶ στρατηγὸν ἀναδείξας τῆς Ἰουδαίας, ἐξαπέστειλε,
14:13 datis mandatis ut ipsum quidem Judam caperet : eos vero qui cum illo erant, dispergeret, et constitueret Alcimum maximi templi summum sacerdotem.
*H Giving him in charge, to take Judas himself: and disperse all them that were with him, and to make Alcimus the high priest of the great temple.
Ver. 13. Great temple. Such was the pagan's idea of it. v. 31.
δοὺς ἐντολὰς, αὐτὸν μὲν τὸν Ἰούδαν ἐπανελέσθαι, τοὺς δὲ σὺν αὐτῷ σκορπίσαι, καταστῆσαι δὲ Ἄλκιμον ἀρχιερέα τοῦ μεγίστου ἱεροῦ.
14:14 Tunc gentes quae de Judaea fugerant Judam, gregatim se Nicanori miscebant, miserias et clades Judaeorum prosperitates rerum suarum existimantes.
*H Then the Gentiles who had fled out of Judea, from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the miseries and calamities of the Jews to be the welfare of their affairs.
Ver. 14. Gentiles and apostate Jews. C. — Such people and politicians advanced themselves by pillaging the faithful. W.
Τὰ δὲ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας πεφυγαδευκότα τὸν Ἰούδαν ἔθνη συνέμισγον ἀγεληδὸν τῷ Νικάνορι, τὰς τῶν Ἰουδαίων ἀτυχίας καὶ συμφορὰς, ἰδίας εὐημερίας δοκοῦντες ἔσεσθαι.
14:15 Audito itaque Judaei Nicanoris adventu, et conventu nationum, conspersi terra rogabant eum qui populum suum constituit, ut in aeternum custodiret, quique suam portionem signis evidentibus protegit.
Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the nations were assembled against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him who chose his people to keep them for ever, and who protected his portion by evident signs.
Ἀκούσαντες δὲ τὴν τοῦ Νικάνορος ἔφοδον καὶ τὴν ἐπίθεσιν τῶν ἐθνῶν, καταπασάμενοι γῆν ἐλιτάνευον τὸν ἄχρι αἰῶνος συστήσαντα τὸν ἑαυτοῦ λαὸν, ἀεὶ δὲ μετʼ ἐπιφανείας ἀντιλαμβανόμενον τῆς ἑαυτοῦ μερίδος.
14:16 Imperante autem duce, statim inde moverunt, conveneruntque ad castellum Dessau.
Then at the commandment of their captain, they forthwith removed from the place where they were, and went to the town of Dessau, to meet them.
Προστάξαντος δὲ τοῦ ἡγουμένου, ἐκεῖθεν εὐθέως ἀνέζευξαν, καὶ συμμίσγουσιν αὐτοῖς ἐπὶ κώμην Δεσσαού.
14:17 Simon vero frater Judae commiserat cum Nicanore : sed conterritus est repentino adventu adversariorum.
*H Now Simon, the brother of Judas, had joined battle with Nicanor: but was frightened with the sudden coming of the adversaries.
Ver. 17. Coming. Gr. "silence," (Bodwell) fearing some stratagem.
Σίμων δὲ ὁ ἀδελφὸς Ἰούδα συμβεβληκῶς ἦν τῷ Νικάνορι, βραχέως δὲ διὰ τὴν αἰφνίδιον τῶν ἀντιπάλων ἀφασίαν ἐπταικώς.
14:18 Nicanor tamen, audiens virtutem comitum Judae, et animi magnitudinem quam pro patriae certaminibus habebant, sanguine judicium facere metuebat.
Nevertheless Nicanor hearing of the valour of Judas's companions, and the greatness of courage, with which they fought for their country, was afraid to try the matter by the sword.
Ὅμως δὲ ἀκούων ὁ Νικάνωρ ἣν εἶχον οἱ περὶ τὸν Ἰούδαν ἀνδραγαθίαν, καὶ ἐν τοῖς ὑπὲρ τῆς πατρίδος ἀγῶσιν εὐψυχίαν, ἐπευλαβεῖτο τὴν κρίσιν διʼ αἱμάτων ποιήσασθαι·
14:19 Quam ob rem praemisit Posidonium, et Theodotium, et Matthiam, ut darent dextras atque acciperent.
Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotius and Matthias before to present and receive the right hands.
Διόπερ ἔπεμψε Ποσιδώνιον καὶ Θεόδοτον καὶ Ματταθίαν, δοῦναι καὶ λαβεῖν δεξιάς.
14:20 Et cum diu de his consilium ageretur, et ipse dux ad multitudinem retulisset, omnium una fuit sententia amicitiis annuere.
*H And when there had been a consultation thereupon, and the captain had acquainted the multitude with it, they were all of one mind to consent to covenants.
Ver. 20. Captain. Judas laid the proposals before all the people.
Πλείονος δὲ γενομένης περὶ τούτων ἐπισκέψεως, καὶ τοῦ ἡγεμόνος τοῖς πλήθεσιν ἀνακοινωσαμένου, καὶ φανείσης ὁμοψήφου γνώμης, ἐπένευσαν ταῖς συνθήκαις.
14:21 Itaque diem constituerunt, qua secreto inter se agerent : et singulis sellae prolatae sunt, et positae.
So they appointed a day upon which they might come together by themselves: and seats were brought out, and set for each one.
Ἐτάξαντο δὲ ἡμέραν ἐν ᾗ κατʼ ἰδίαν ἥξουσιν εἰς τὸ αὐτό· καὶ προῆλθε, καὶ παρʼ ἑκάστου διαφόρους ἔθεσαν δίφρους.
14:22 Praecepit autem Judas armatos esse locis opportunis, ne forte ab hostibus repente mali aliquid oriretur : et congruum colloquium fecerunt.
But Judas ordered armed men to be ready in convenient places, lest some mischief might be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made an agreeable conference.
Διέταξεν Ἰούδας ἐνόπλους ἑτοίμους ἐν τοῖς ἐπικαίροις τόποις, μήποτε ἐκ τῶν πολεμίων αἰφνιδίως κακουργία γένηται· τὴν ἁρμόζουσαν ἐποιήσαντο κοινολογίαν.
14:23 Morabatur autem Nicanor Jerosolymis, nihilque inique agebat : gregesque turbarum quae congregatae fuerant, dimisit.
And Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no wrong, but sent away the flocks of the multitudes that had been gathered together.
Διέτριβεν δὲ ὁ Νικάνωρ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις, καὶ ἔπραττεν οὐθὲν ἄτοπον· τοὺς δὲ συναχθέντας ἀγελαίους ὄχλους ἀπέλυσε.
14:24 Habebat autem Judam semper carum ex animo, et erat viro inclinatus.
*H And Judas was always dear to him from the heart, and he was well affected to the man.
Ver. 24. From the heart; sincerely. C. — Gr. "he had Judas always in sight." H. — His love was only apparent. T. — Yet this is contrary to the text, (H.) and to the common opinion.
Καὶ εἶχε τὸν Ἰούδαν διαπαντὸς ἐν προσώπῳ, ψυχικῶς τῷ ἀνδρὶ προσεκέκλιτο.
14:25 Rogavitque eum ducere uxorem, filiosque procreare. Nuptias fecit : quiete egit, communiterque vivebant.
And he desired him to marry a wife, and to have children. So he married: he lived quietly, and they lived in common.
Παρεκάλεσεν αὐτὸν γῆμαι καὶ παιδοποιήσασθαι· ἐγάμησεν, εὐστάθησεν, ἐκοινώνησε βίου.
14:26 Alcimus autem, videns caritatem illorum ad invicem et conventiones, venit ad Demetrium, et dicebat Nicanorem rebus alienis assentire, Judamque regni insidiatorem successorem sibi destinasse.
*H But Alcimus seeing the love they had one to another, and the covenants, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor had assented to the foreign interest, for that he meant to make Judas, who was a traitor to the kingdom, his successor.
Ver. 26. His successor, so as to keep Alcimus out of his office. C.
Ὁ δὲ Ἄλκιμος συνιδὼν τὴν πρὸς ἀλλήλους εὔνοιαν καὶ τὰς γενομένας συνθήκας, ἀναλαβὼν, ἧκε πρὸς τὸν Δημήτριον, καὶ ἔλεγε τὸν Νικάνορα ἀλλότρια φρονεῖν τῶν πραγμάτων· τὸν γὰρ ἐπίβουλον τῆς βασιλείας Ἰούδαν διάδοχον ἀναδέδειχεν ἑαυτοῦ.
14:27 Itaque rex exasperatus, et pessimis hujus criminationibus irritatus, scripsit Nicanori, dicens graviter quidem se ferre de amicitiae conventione, jubere tamen Machabaeum citius vinctum mittere Antiochiam.
Then the king, being in a rage, and provoked with this man's wicked accusation, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was greatly displeased with the covenant of friendship: and that he commanded him nevertheless to send Machabeus prisoner in all haste to Antioch.
Ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἔκθυμος γενόμενος, καὶ ταῖς τοῦ παμπονήρου ἐρεθισθεὶς διαβολαῖς, ἔγραψε Νικάνορι φάσκων, ὑπὲρ μὲν τῶν συνθηκῶν βαρέως φέρειν, κελεύων δὲ τὸν Μακκαβαῖον δέσμιον ἐξαποστέλλειν ταχέως εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν.
14:28 Quibus cognitis, Nicanor consternabatur, et graviter ferebat, si ea quae convenerant irrita faceret, nihil laesus a viro :
When this was known, Nicanor was in a consternation, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles that were agreed upon, having received no injury from the man.
Προσπεσόντων δὲ τούτων τῷ Νικάνορι, συνεκέχυτο καὶ δυσφόρως ἔφερεν, εἰ τὰ διεσταλμένα ἀθετήσει μηδὲν τʼ ἀνδρὸς ἠδικηκότος.
14:29 sed quia regi resistere non poterat, opportunitatem observabat qua praeceptum perficeret.
*H But because he could not oppose the king, he watched an opportunity to comply with the orders
Ver. 29. The king. Nicanor was a worldly politician, like Pilate and other judges who have no zeal for religion, (W.) or for justice, being disposed to sacrifice all to their own interest. H.
Ἐπεὶ δὲ τῷ βασιλεῖ ἀντιπράττειν οὐκ ἦν, εὔκαιρον ἐτήρει στρατηγήματι τοῦτʼ ἐπιτελέσαι.
14:30 At Machabaeus, videns secum austerius agere Nicanorem, et consuetum occursum ferocius exhibentem, intelligens non ex bono esse austeritatem istam, paucis suorum congregatis, occultavit se a Nicanore.
*H But when Machabeus perceived that Nicanor was more stern to him, and that when they met together as usual he behaved himself in a rough manner; and was sensible that this rough behaviour came not of good, he gathered together a few of his men, and hid himself from Nicanor.
Ver. 30. A few. Gr. and Syr. "not a few." H. — Nicanor attacked him, and lost 5000 men. 1 B. xii. 27. C.
Ὁ δὲ Μακκαβαῖος αὐστηρότερον διεξάγοντα συνιδὼν τὸν Νικάνορα πρὸς αὐτὸν, καὶ τὴν εἰθισμένην ἀπάντησιν ἀγριωτέραν ἐσχηκότα, νοήσας οὐκ ἀπὸ τοῦ βελτίστου τὴν αὐστηρίαν εἶναι, συστρέψας οὐκ ὀλίγους τῶν περὶ ἑαυτὸν, συνεκρύπτετο τὸν Νικάνορα.
14:31 Quod cum ille cognovit, fortiter se a viro praeventum, venit ad maximum et sanctissimum templum : et sacerdotibus solitas hostias offerentibus, jussit sibi tradi virum.
But he finding himself notably prevented by the man, came to the great and holy temple: and commanded the priests that were offering the accustomed sacrifices, to deliver him the man.
Συγγνοὺς δὲ ὁ ἕτερος ὅτι γενναίως ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἐστρατήγηται, παραγενόμενος ἐπὶ τὸ μέγιστον καὶ ἅγιον ἱερὸν, τῶν ἱερέων τὰς καθηκούσας θυσίας προσαγόντων, ἐκέλευσε παραδιδόναι τὸν ἄνδρα.
14:32 Quibus cum juramento dicentibus nescire se ubi esset qui quaerebatur, extendens manum ad templum,
*H And when they swore unto him, that they knew not where the man was whom he sought, he stretched out his hand to the temple,
Ver. 32. Knew not. This was true, and they would not seek for him (W.) if it had been required.
Τῶν δὲ μεθʼ ὅρκων φασκόντων μὴ γινώσκειν ποῦ ποτʼ ἐστὶν ὁ ζητούμενος,
14:33 juravit, dicens : Nisi Judam mihi vinctum tradideritis, istud Dei fanum in planitiem deducam, et altare effodiam, et templum hoc Libero patri consecrabo.
*H And swore, saying: Unless you deliver Judas prisoner to me, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and will beat down the altar, and I will dedicate this temple to Bacchus.
Ver. 33. Bacchus: a very suitable temple, when beaten to the ground! H. — He is styled Liber, and accounted the inventor of wine: hence drunkards dedicate temples to him. W.
προτείνας τὴν δεξιὰν εἰς τὸν νεὼν, ταῦτα ὤμοσεν, ἐὰν μὴ δέσμιόν μοι τὸν Ἰούδαν παραδῶτε, τόνδε τοῦ Θεοῦ σηκὸν εἰς πεδίον ποιήσω, καὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον κατασκάφω, καὶ ἱερὸν ἐνταῦθα τῷ Διονύσῳ ἐπιφανὲς ἀναστήσω.
14:34 Et his dictis abiit. Sacerdotes autem protendentes manus in caelum, invocabant eum qui semper propugnator esset gentis ipsorum, haec dicentes :
And when he had spoken thus, he departed. But the priests stretching forth their hands to heaven, called upon him that was ever the defender of their nation, saying in this manner:
Τοσαῦτα δὲ εἰπὼν ἀπῆλθεν· οἱ δὲ ἱερεῖς προτείναντες τὰς χεῖρας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν, ἐπεκαλοῦντο τὸν διαπαντὸς ὑπέρμαχον τοῦ ἔθνους ἡμῶν, ταῦτα λέγοντες,
14:35 Tu, Domine universorum, qui nullius indiges, voluisti templum habitationis tuae fieri in nobis.
Thou, O Lord of all things, who wantest nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thy habitation should be amongst us.
σὺ, Κύριε, τῶν ὅλων ἀπροσδεὴς ὑπάρχων, εὐδόκησας ναὸν τῆς σῆς κατασκηνώσεως ἐν ἡμῖν γενέσθαι.
14:36 Et nunc, Sancte sanctorum, omnium Domine, conserva in aeternum impollutam domum istam, quae nuper mundata est.
Therefore now, O Lord, the holy of all holies, keep this house for ever undefiled, which was lately cleansed.
Καὶ νῦν, ἅγιε παντὸς ἁγιασμοῦ Κύριε διατήρησον εἰς αἰῶνα ἀμίαντον τόνδε τὸν προσφάτως κεκαθαρισμένον οἶκον.
14:37 Razias autem quidam de senioribus ab Jerosolymis delatus est Nicanori, vir amator civitatis, et bene audiens : qui pro affectu pater Judaeorum appellabatur.
*H Now Razias, one of the ancients of Jerusalem, was accused to Nicanor, a man that was a lover of the city, and of good report, who for his kindness was called the father of the Jews.
Ver. 37. Jews. No crime could be laid to his charge, but his love for religion and his country.
Ῥαζὶς δέ τις τῶν ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων πρεσβυτέρων, ἐμηνύθη τῷ Νικάνορι, ἀνὴρ φιλοπολίτης καὶ σφόδρα καλῶς ἀκούων, καὶ κατὰ τὴν εὔνοιαν πατὴρ τῶν Ἰουδαίων προσαγορευόμενος.
14:38 Hic multis temporibus continentiae propositum tenuit in Judaismo, corpusque et animam tradere contentus pro perseverantia.
*H This man, for a long time, had held fast his purpose of keeping himself pure in the Jews' religion, and was ready to expose his body and life, that he might persevere therein.
Ver. 38. Had held. Gr. "when they were unmixed, had been judged for Judaism; (H.) or been brought to judgment for keeping others from idolatry. Syr. C.
Ἦν γὰρ ἐν τοῖς ἔμπροσθεν χρόνοις τῆς ἀμιξίας κρίσιν εἰσενηνεγμένος Ἰουδαϊσμοῦ, καὶ σῶμα καὶ ψυχὴν ὑπὲρ τοῦ Ἰουδαϊσμοῦ παραβεβλημένος μετὰ πάσης ἐκτενίας.
14:39 Volens autem Nicanor manifestare odium quod habebat in Judaeos, misit milites quingentos ut eum comprehenderent.
So Nicanor being willing to declare the hatred that he bore the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to take him.
Βουλόμενος δὲ Νικάνωρ πρόδηλον ποιῆσαι ἣν εἶχε πρὸς τοὺς Ἰουδαίους δυσμένειαν, ἀπέστειλε στρατιώτας ὑπὲρ τοὺς πεντακοσίους συλλαβεῖν αὐτόν.
14:40 Putabat enim, si illum decepisset, se cladem Judaeis maximam illaturum.
For he thought by ensnaring him to hurt the Jews very much.
Ἔδοξε γὰρ, ἐκεῖνον συλλαβὼν, τούτοις ἐργάσασθαι συμφοράν,
14:41 Turbis autem irruere in domum ejus, et januam dirumpere : atque ignem admovere cupientibus, cum jam comprehenderetur, gladio se petiit,
*H Now as the multitude sought to rush into his house, and to break open the door, and to set fire to it, when he was ready to be taken, he struck himself with his sword:
Ver. 41. He struck himself, &c. S. Augustine (Epist. lxi. ad Dulcitium et lib. 2. cap. 23. ad Epist. 2. Gaud.) discussing this fact of Razias, says that the holy Scripture relates it, but doth not praise it, as to be admired or imitated, and that it was not well done by him, or at least not proper in this time of grace. Ch. — Whether he was thus inspired or not, we dare not decide. The Jews infer from the conduct of Samson, Saul, and Razias, that suicide is lawful when a person fears being overcome by torments, or giving occasion to other's blasphemy. But Christianity lays down better maxims; (Rom. iii. 8.) and S. Aug. (c. Gaud. i. 31. and ep. 61 or 204) S. Thomas (ii. 2. q. 64. a. 5.) and others, disapprove of this action, observing that it is recorded and not praised, though other virtues of Razias be commended. C. — It was either not well done, or not to be imitated in this time of grace. S. Aug. ii. 23. c. ep. 2. Gaud. W. — Yet this holy doctor excuses Samson and some Christian virgins, by saying that they acted by the direction of the Holy Spirit. Sup. et de Civ Dei. i. 21. H. Lyran. Tirinius — This seems to be here the case, as the fact appears to be commended. M.
Τῶν δὲ πληθῶν μελλόντων τὸν πύργον καταλαβέσθαι, καὶ τὴν αὐλαίαν θύραν βιαζομένων, καὶ κελευόντων πῦρ προσάγειν καὶ τὰς θύρας ὑφάπτειν, περικατάληπτος γενόμενος ὑπέθηκεν ἑαυτῷ ξίφος,
14:42 eligens nobiliter mori potius quam subditus fieri peccatoribus, et contra natales suos indignis injuriis agi.
Choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his noble birth.
εὐγενῶς θέλων ἀποθανεῖν, ἤπερ τοῖς ἀλιτηρίοις ὑποχείριος γενέσθαι, καὶ τῆς ἰδίας εὐγενείας ἀναξίως ὑβρισθῆναι.
* Summa
*S Part 3,
Ques 64,
Article 5
[II-II, Q. 64, Art. 5]
Whether It Is Lawful to Kill Oneself?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for a man to kill himself. For murder is a sin in so far as it is contrary to justice. But no man can do an injustice to himself, as is proved in _Ethic._ v, 11. Therefore no man sins by killing himself.
Obj. 2: Further, it is lawful, for one who exercises public authority, to kill evil-doers. Now he who exercises public authority is sometimes an evil-doer. Therefore he may lawfully kill himself.
Obj. 3: Further, it is lawful for a man to suffer spontaneously a lesser danger that he may avoid a greater: thus it is lawful for a man to cut off a decayed limb even from himself, that he may save his whole body. Now sometimes a man, by killing himself, avoids a greater evil, for example an unhappy life, or the shame of sin. Therefore a man may kill himself.
Obj. 4: Further, Samson killed himself, as related in Judges 16, and yet he is numbered among the saints (Heb. 11). Therefore it is lawful for a man to kill himself.
Obj. 5: Further, it is related (2 Mac. 14:42) that a certain Razias killed himself, "choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his noble birth." Now nothing that is done nobly and bravely is unlawful. Therefore suicide is not unlawful.
_On the contrary,_ Augustine says (De Civ. Dei i, 20): "Hence it follows that the words 'Thou shalt not kill' refer to the killing of a man--not another man; therefore, not even thyself. For he who kills himself, kills nothing else than a man."
_I answer that,_ It is altogether unlawful to kill oneself, for three reasons. First, because everything naturally loves itself, the result being that everything naturally keeps itself in being, and resists corruptions so far as it can. Wherefore suicide is contrary to the inclination of nature, and to charity whereby every man should love himself. Hence suicide is always a mortal sin, as being contrary to the natural law and to charity. Secondly, because every part, as such, belongs to the whole. Now every man is part of the community, and so, as such, he belongs to the community. Hence by killing himself he injures the community, as the Philosopher declares (Ethic. v, 11). Thirdly, because life is God's gift to man, and is subject to His power, Who kills and makes to live. Hence whoever takes his own life, sins against God, even as he who kills another's slave, sins against that slave's master, and as he who usurps to himself judgment of a matter not entrusted to him. For it belongs to God alone to pronounce sentence of death and life, according to Deut. 32:39, "I will kill and I will make to live."
Reply Obj. 1: Murder is a sin, not only because it is contrary to justice, but also because it is opposed to charity which a man should have towards himself: in this respect suicide is a sin in relation to oneself. In relation to the community and to God, it is sinful, by reason also of its opposition to justice.
Reply Obj. 2: One who exercises public authority may lawfully put to death an evil-doer, since he can pass judgment on him. But no man is judge of himself. Wherefore it is not lawful for one who exercises public authority to put himself to death for any sin whatever: although he may lawfully commit himself to the judgment of others.
Reply Obj. 3: Man is made master of himself through his free-will: wherefore he can lawfully dispose of himself as to those matters which pertain to this life which is ruled by man's free-will. But the passage from this life to another and happier one is subject not to man's free-will but to the power of God. Hence it is not lawful for man to take his own life that he may pass to a happier life, nor that he may escape any unhappiness whatsoever of the present life, because the ultimate and most fearsome evil of this life is death, as the Philosopher states (Ethic. iii, 6). Therefore to bring death upon oneself in order to escape the other afflictions of this life, is to adopt a greater evil in order to avoid a lesser. In like manner it is unlawful to take one's own life on account of one's having committed a sin, both because by so doing one does oneself a very great injury, by depriving oneself of the time needful for repentance, and because it is not lawful to slay an evildoer except by the sentence of the public authority. Again it is unlawful for a woman to kill herself lest she be violated, because she ought not to commit on herself the very great sin of suicide, to avoid the lesser sin of another. For she commits no sin in being violated by force, provided she does not consent, since "without consent of the mind there is no stain on the body," as the Blessed Lucy declared. Now it is evident that fornication and adultery are less grievous sins than taking a man's, especially one's own, life: since the latter is most grievous, because one injures oneself, to whom one owes the greatest love. Moreover it is most dangerous since no time is left wherein to expiate it by repentance. Again it is not lawful for anyone to take his own life for fear he should consent to sin, because "evil must not be done that good may come" (Rom. 3:8) or that evil may be avoided especially if the evil be of small account and an uncertain event, for it is uncertain whether one will at some future time consent to a sin, since God is able to deliver man from sin under any temptation whatever.
Reply Obj. 4: As Augustine says (De Civ. Dei i, 21), "not even Samson is to be excused that he crushed himself together with his enemies under the ruins of the house, except the Holy Ghost, Who had wrought many wonders through him, had secretly commanded him to do this." He assigns the same reason in the case of certain holy women, who at the time of persecution took their own lives, and who are commemorated by the Church.
Reply Obj. 5: It belongs to fortitude that a man does not shrink from being slain by another, for the sake of the good of virtue, and that he may avoid sin. But that a man take his own life in order to avoid penal evils has indeed an appearance of fortitude (for which reason some, among whom was Razias, have killed themselves thinking to act from fortitude), yet it is not true fortitude, but rather a weakness of soul unable to bear penal evils, as the Philosopher (Ethic. iii, 7) and Augustine (De Civ. Dei 22, 23) declare. _______________________
SIXTH
14:43 Sed cum per festinationem non certo ictu plagam dedisset, et turbae intra ostia irrumperent, recurrens audacter ad murum praecipitavit semetipsum viriliter in turbas :
But whereas through haste he missed of giving himself a sure wound, and the crowd was breaking into the doors, he ran boldly to the wall, and manfully threw himself down to the crowd:
Τῇ δὲ πληγῇ μὴ κατευθικτήσας διὰ τὴν τοῦ ἀγῶνος σπουδὴν, καὶ τῶν ὄχλων εἴσω τῶν θυρωμάτων εἰσβαλόντων, ἀναδραμὼν γενναίως ἐπὶ τὸ τεῖχος, κατεκρήμνισεν ἑαυτὸν ἀνδρείως εἰς τοὺς ὄχλους.
14:44 quibus velociter locum dantibus casui ejus, venit per mediam cervicem.
*H But they quickly making room for his fall, he came upon the midst of the neck.
Ver. 44. Neck. Venit per medium cervicem. — In the Greek it is κενεωνα, which signifies a void place, where there is no building; (Ch. Grot.) and also "the belly," which accounts for his not being killed on the spot. G.
Τῶν δὲ ταχέως ἀναποδισάντων, γενομένου διαστήματος ἦλθε κατὰ μέσον τὸν κενεῶνα.
14:45 Et cum adhuc spiraret, accensus animo, surrexit, et cum sanguis ejus magno fluxu deflueret, et gravissimis vulneribus esset saucius, cursu turbam pertransiit :
And as he had yet breath in him, being inflamed in mind, he arose: and while his blood ran down with a great stream, and he was grievously wounded, he ran through the crowd:
Ἔτι δὲ ἔμπνους ὑπάρχων καὶ πεπυρωμένος τοῖς θυμοῖς, ἐξαναστὰς φερομένων κρουνηδὸν τῶν αἱμάτων, καὶ δυσχερῶν ὄντων τῶν τραυμάτων, δρόμῳ τοὺς ὄχλους διελθὼν, καὶ στὰς ἐπί τινος πέτρας ἀποῤῥωγάδος,
14:46 et stans supra quamdam petram praeruptam, et jam exsanguis effectus, complexus intestina sua, utrisque manibus projecit super turbas, invocans dominatorem vitae ac spiritus ut haec illi iterum redderet : atque ita vita defunctus est.
And standing upon a steep rock, when he was now almost without blood, grasping his bowels, with both hands he cast them upon the throng, calling upon the Lord of life and spirit, to restore these to him again: and so he departed this life.
παντελῶς ἔξαιμος ἤδη γενόμενος, προβαλὼν τὰ ἔντερα, καὶ λαβὼν ἑκατέραις ταῖς χερσὶν, ἐνέσεισε τοῖς ὄχλοις· καὶ ἐπικαλεσάμενος τὸν δεσπόζοντα τῆς ζωῆς καὶ τοῦ πνεύματος, ταῦτα αὐτῷ πάλιν ἀποδοῦναι, τόνδε τὸν τρόπον μετήλλαξεν.