Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

Bethlehem was already addressed as the tower of the flock, Migdal Ada". It is called Ephrata. Gen.

The ruler here predicted is no ordinary prince, since His origin is declared to be eternal. Isaiah 9:0; Zach. 6 : 18. Rabbi Abbendana explains the text of the Messiah. St Jerome paraphrases it:

The assumption of the flesh does not interfere with the majesty of the Godhead : for He was born of Me before all ages, and the Author of time is not limited to time."

This is referred by many to the Mother of the Messiah. R. remarks that the Jews of that period were persuaded that His birth would be mysterious and extraordinary. H. has no reference to the pains of childbirth. SL Jerome explains it in the first place of the conversion of the Gentiles, and adds: "It may be also understood otherwise. The Lord will grant the temple and Jerusalem and the Jews to sub* sist until the time when the Virgin shall bring; forth', after which when her Infant shall have received the spoils of Samaria, and the strength of Damascus, on the destruction of the J ewish people, a remnant of Israel shall be saved, and the brethren of Christ, namely the Apostles, shall be converted to the faith of the patriarchs and prophets, who foretold the coming of Christ."

P. " And this man." L. " In this manner." It may be understood that in this way peace shall be secured, and the independence of the nation maintained. Christ is our peace.

Under the name of the Assyrian, their most formidable foe, any enemy may be meant In case of an invasion, the Israelites relied on their prince to raise many others for their protection : seven and eight being put for many. The protection and blessing of Christ to His faithful people are meant by these statements.

Though king of Babylon, he extended his dominion to Assyria.

Fortified cities, or rather fortresses, are meant, as the following clause shows.

Their happiness depends wholly on the Divine blessing. St Jerome understands by tbs dew, u the doctrines of the apostles sprinkled over all nations by the Lord." u Extraordinary energy and power over their enemies are promised them. These predictions were fulfilled in the diffusion of the faith among the Gentiles, notwithstanding the violent persecutions. u These were used chiefly in war. The prophet declares that they shall be taken away as no longer needed.