Sin. Hence it is clear, that our first parent repented, (Worthington) and was saved, Genesis v. 5. (St. Irenæus iii. 34.; St. Augustine, ep. xcix. ad Evod.; Cornelius a Lapide) (Calmet)
Things. Before sin, he submitted willingly; but afterwards, he was forced to use all his ingenuity to preserve this dominion.
The unjust. Cain. We have no proof of his repentance.
Cause. The wickedness of the race of Cain. (Calmet)
Just. Noe[Noah].
Wood. Who would have thought that such a vessel would save mankind, &c., amid the raging storms? Noe must have been an able mechanic: (Calmet) but God both directed him, and closed up the door, Genesis vii. 16. (Haydock)
She knew the just. She found out and approved Abraham, (Calmet) Sem, or Heber, who took no part in building the tower. (St. Augustine, City of God) (Chap. xvi. 4.)
To God. Many say that Abraham was at first addicted to idolatry. (Philo.) (St. Augustine, &c.)
But not after he was directed by the light of heaven. (Calmet)
Strong. Gave him strength to stand firm against the efforts of his natural tenderness, when he was ordered to sacrifice his son. (Challoner)
Against. Literally, "in." To obey God was true compassion to his son, though it might have deprived him of this life. (Haydock)
How many virtues did not Abraham manifest on this occasion! (St. Ambrose, Off. ii. 5.)
The just man. Lot.
Pentapolis. The land of the five cities, Sodom, Gomorrah, &c. (Challoner)
The just. Jacob.
Of God. Or heaven open, and angels ascending and descending, Genesis xxxviii. 12.
Deceit. Laban's craft did not prevent Jacob from growing rich. (Haydock)
Enemies. Laban and Esau. (Calmet)
Conflict with the angel. (Challoner)
Just. Joseph. (Challoner)
Sinners. His brethren, &c. Septuagint, "from sin" of adultery. (Menochius)
Pit. Or prison, to which he was confined at the instigation of Potiphar's wife, always preserving his virtue. (Calmet)
He had also been let down into an old pit by his brethren. (Haydock)
Kingdom. Which he ruled under Pharao, Genesis xli. 40. (Calmet)
The Hebrews styled all in high authority kings. (Grotius)
God. Moses. (Challoner)
Numbers xii. 7., and Psalm civ. 26., &c.
Eloquent. They would, if possible, have sounded forth thy praise. (Dionysius)
The Hebrews had been kept in ignorance, and afraid to speak. (Calmet)
Infants, and dumb people, might also, by miracle, join in the song. (Haydock)
Wisdom 10Haydock Commentary