Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

The spectators of agonistic exercises, crowded around to a great height on the seats of the amphitheatre, apjieared like a cloud overshadowing the cham- pions. The saints of the Old Testament are likened to them. They may be regarded as witnesses of the Christian's struggle. " Because at the celebration of the games the victors, in the morning combats, did not receive the prizes till the evening, but looked at those who engaged in the succeeding combats, the apostle, in allusion to that custom, by a high rhetorical figure, represents the ancient patriarchs, and prophets, and judges, and kings, and captains, and righteous men, mentioned in the preceding chapter, who had been victorious in their own combats, as standing round the Hebrews, and observing how they acquitted them- selves in the Christian race." Macknight.

G. TTipiKitfAivov. V. impositam. The Vulgate has reference to the lofty posi- tion of the spectators.

As the champions freed themselves from all incumbrance. St. Chrysostom explains the weight of sleep, indifference, and every kind of abject and worldly thoughts.

Gr. ivvipiiT'Ta.Tov. G. " The sin which doth so easily beset MS." The sin may be considered the weight which we are to cast off, or the enemy that assails us. Rom. vi. 4 ; Eph. iv. 22 ; Coloss. iii. 8 ; 1 Peter ii. 1; iv. 2. Apostacy is probably meant especially.

The eagerness of an athlete to engage in the race is to be imitated by the Christian, who should fearlessly go forward, ti'usting in Divine aid. Patience, under evils, enables us to advance in the way of God.

As to our model and support : He has gone before us, and He will crown our fidelity.

Lit. "that what is lame may not be turned out, but rather be healed." The figure is taken from a rough, uneven road, on which, if a man, who is somewhat lame, walk, his lameness is increased : whilst by moderate exercise on a smooth road, an incipient lameness from paralysis might gradually disappear, by the strengthening of the foot. " Make straight the path for thy feet, and all thy ways shall be established. Decline not to the right hand, nor to the left : turn away thy foot from evil." Prov. iv. 26, 27.