Pr. (Eccl 10:4) - Ecclesiasticus 10:4

Ecclesiasticus 10:4

^10:4^ The power of the earth is in the hand of God, and all iniquity of nations is execrable, and in his time he will raise up a profitable ruler over it.

1. These words suit the subject matter of this epistle. For in the preceding epistles he instructed the Church in matters pertaining to its unity; now he instructs the Church’s rulers, who are, as it were, its chief members. In regard to rulers it is necessary to see how they are established and what purpose they serve.

They are established in God, because the power of the earth is in the hand of God; and this in three ways: first, because it has its source in God: there is no power but from God (Rom 13:1); second, because it must be regulated according to God: by me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things (Prov 8:15); third, because this power is set up according to God’s plan: he changes times and ages; takes away kingdoms and establishes them (Dan 2:21).

The purpose it serves is also shown, because it is directed to restraining human wickedness, because all iniquity of nations is execrable: the law is not made for the just man (1 Tim 1:9). Rulers should behave in three ways in the face of evil: first, they should sincerely hate it: his soul had a hatred of evil (2 Macc 3:1); second, they should forbid it: the king who sits on the throne of judgment, scatters away all evil with his look (Prov 20:8); third, they should punish evil deeds: he is God’s minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him who does evil (Rom 13:4).

Then we are notified about its use when he says, he will raise up a profitable ruler. For a ruler is profitable for three things, which are indicated in Sirach: Joseph, the prince of his brethren (Sir 49:17). He should support the brethren by his power: and a strong king shall rule over them (Isa 19:4); the ruler of his brethren: he directs them by his wisdom: but the prince will devise such things as are worthy of a prince, and he shall stand above the rulers (Isa 32:8); in the midst of the brethren their chief is honorable (Sir 10:24); the stay of the people: he should restrain the unjust with justice: for you will save the humble people: but wilt bring down the eyes of the proud (Ps 17:28).

2. Thus the subject matter of these epistles is clear, because it is directed to the building up of those who shall rule the faithful: among these some rule in spiritual matters, as the prelates of the Church. These he instructs first. Some rule in temporal matters. These are the second ones to be instructed: and this in the epistle to Philemon.

Three epistles are directed to the first group to correspond to the three things competent to prelates: the first of these is that they govern the people; second, that they suffer for the people; third, that they restrain the wicked.

The first group is instructed in the first epistle to Timothy; the second in the second epistle to Timothy, where he treats of martyrdom; the third in the epistle to Titus, in which he teaches how to avoid heretics.