1. The meaning suggested by Wisd. 7:17, viz., the physical elements of the universe. This interpretation is adopted by Beng. and Zahn, who find in it a reference to the fact that the Mosaic law not only fixes its sacred days and periods by the movements of the heavenly bodies, but contains many commands pertaining to physical matters; in a similar sense by Holsten; by Neander (Planting and Training, Bk. III, chap. 9; Bk. VI, chap. 1) with reference to material elements in both Judaism and heathenism
Page 515