| I Maccabees 13:29
| And round about these he set great pillars; and upon the pillars, arms, for a perpetual memory; and by the arms, ships carved, which might be seen by all that sailed on the sea.
| Arms, to denote their victories or solicitude for the people's welfare both by sea and land. The Machabees had repaired the port of Joppe, by which they traded with the Mediterranean, 1 Machabees 10:75., and 14:5. Trophies of arms, in reality or in sculpture, were commonly placed on the tombs of great generals, Ezechiel 32:27. (Virgil) (Calmet) -- Simon promoted not vain but true glory, exciting others to imitate the virtuous. (Worthington) --- The humble desire honour in God; proud men will be honoured more than God. (St. Augustine, contra Secund. xvii.) --- How many epitaphs record the ambition and vices of men! Those which praise real virtues extend the glory of God, who is the author of them all. (Worthington)
|