One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.
Read Chapter 41
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Angels. Elim. That is, the mighty, the most valiant, shall fear this monstrous fish, and in their fear shall seek to be purified, (Challoner) by contribution. (Sanchez)
R. Levi has given a ridiculous exposition, which is adopted by Sa (Amama) and others, (Haydock; see Ezechiel ii. 7.; Aristotle iv. prob. 32.) as the natural consequences of fear. (Calmet) (Menochius)
The Fathers refer this to the fall of Lucifer, when the other angels might tremble for their own safety. (Haydock)
Angels with reverent fear honour God's power, and his most perfect servants are filled with apprehensions at his judgments; as the most valiant are terrified at the sight of this huge fish. (Worthington)
Septuagint, "If he turn, there is fear among the wild quadrupeds, jumping on the land. "Hebrew, 'When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings, they purify themselves. "(Protestants) or "spoil themselves "(Calmet) expecting nothing but certain death. (Amama)
54. These scales of sinners are both hardened and joined together, so as not to be penetrated by any breath of life from the mouth of preachers. For those whom a like guilt associates, the same does a perverse defence also crowd together in obstinate agreement, in order that they may protect each other with mutual defence for their sins. For every one fears for himself, when he beholds another admonished or corrected, and therefore arises with the like feeling against the words of reprovers, because, in protecting another, he protects himself. It is therefore well said; One is joined to another, and not even a breath comes between them; because while they mutually shield each other in their iniquities by their proud defence, they suffer not the breath of holy exhortation in any way to reach them.
