They were stoned. — As Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:20-22), and — according to a Jewish tradition mentioned by Tertullian and others — Jeremiah. (See Matthew 23:35; Matthew 23:37.)
They were sawn asunder. — An ancient tradition, mentioned both by Jewish and by early Christian writers, relates that Isaiah was thus put to death by order of Manasseh. The following words, “they were tempted,” are very remarkable in such a position; and many conjectures have been hazarded on the supposition that a mistake of transcription has occurred. If the text is correct, the writer is speaking of the promises and allurements by which the persecutors sought to overcome the constancy of God’s servants.
Slain with the sword. — See 1 Kings 19:1; 1 Kings 19:10; Jeremiah 26:23.
They wandered about. — Rather, they went about, as outcasts; compelled to live the life of wanderers and exiles.
Tormented. — Rather, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and the holes of the earth. Once more the Maccabæan persecutions seem to be chiefly in view. (See 1Ma. 2:28-29; 2Ma. 5:27; 2Ma. 6:11. Comp. also 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Kings 18:4.)