George Leo Haydock

Prayer. Greek, “adoration, that they might receive a blessing from the Most High.” (Haydock) — Power. In keeping Philopator out of the temple. God granted his request, (Calmet. litaneios ) “and scourged him who was so insolent and bold…throwing him like a reed, unable to move, and speechless on the pavement,” 2 Machabees ii. 26. After Philopator’s guards had removed him, the high priest congratulated the people, (ver. 26.) expressing his abhorrence of their enemies in general, though he only mentions three neighbouring nations which had shewn a particular enmity to the Jews, when a contrary behaviour might have been expected, ver. 28. (Haydock)