1 maccabees 10:20 - And now we have appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation, and to be called the king’s Friend (and he sent to him a purple robe and a crown of gold), and to take our part, and to keep friendship with us.
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What does "1 maccabees 10:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:20 is significant because it describes the political and religious appointment of Jonathan Maccabeus, a key figure in Jewish history. Let's break it down:
"And now we have appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation...": This refers to the Seleucid King Alexander Balas appointing Jonathan as the High Priest of the Jewish people. The High Priest was the religious leader of the Jews, a position of immense authority and importance. This was a strategic move by Balas to gain Jonathan's favor and loyalty. Prior to this, the High Priesthood had been vacant for a period, and its legitimacy was contested.
"...and to be called the king’s Friend...": This was not just a casual title, but a formal designation, a high honor and a sign of royal favor and closeness to the king. "King's Friend" (Greek: philos tou basileōs) was a specific title used in Hellenistic kingdoms to denote a close advisor and confidant of the ruler. It signified a close relationship, political power, and influence.
"(and he sent to him a purple robe and a crown of gold)...": These were symbols of royalty and authority. Purple dye was expensive and associated with royalty, while a gold crown was a clear indication of kingly power. These gifts were meant to visually affirm Jonathan's elevated status and his new position of power within the kingdom's structure. While the verse doesn't say that he was being crowned king, these were very significant symbolic gifts.
"...and to take our part, and to keep friendship with us.": This underscores the political nature of the appointment. Balas is explicitly stating that he expects Jonathan's support and loyalty in return for the honors he has bestowed. He wants Jonathan to be an ally, a collaborator, and to maintain a friendly relationship with him and the Seleucid kingdom. This was a deal: power and prestige in exchange for political allegiance.
In summary, this verse describes a politically motivated appointment of Jonathan Maccabeus as High Priest and "King's Friend" by Alexander Balas. The appointment was accompanied by symbolic gifts of royal status and a clear expectation of Jonathan's loyalty and support. This event marked a turning point in the Maccabean Revolt, as it solidified Jonathan's position and gave him the authority to lead his people with the backing (however conditional) of a major power. It also highlights the complex political landscape of the time, where alliances and power struggles were common.
1 maccabees 10:20 - And now we have appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation, and to be called the king’s Friend (and he sent to him a purple robe and a crown of gold), and to take our part, and to keep friendship with us.
What does "1 maccabees 10:20" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:20 is significant because it describes the political and religious appointment of Jonathan Maccabeus, a key figure in Jewish history. Let's break it down:
"And now we have appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation...": This refers to the Seleucid King Alexander Balas appointing Jonathan as the High Priest of the Jewish people. The High Priest was the religious leader of the Jews, a position of immense authority and importance. This was a strategic move by Balas to gain Jonathan's favor and loyalty. Prior to this, the High Priesthood had been vacant for a period, and its legitimacy was contested.
"...and to be called the king’s Friend...": This was not just a casual title, but a formal designation, a high honor and a sign of royal favor and closeness to the king. "King's Friend" (Greek: philos tou basileōs) was a specific title used in Hellenistic kingdoms to denote a close advisor and confidant of the ruler. It signified a close relationship, political power, and influence.
"(and he sent to him a purple robe and a crown of gold)...": These were symbols of royalty and authority. Purple dye was expensive and associated with royalty, while a gold crown was a clear indication of kingly power. These gifts were meant to visually affirm Jonathan's elevated status and his new position of power within the kingdom's structure. While the verse doesn't say that he was being crowned king, these were very significant symbolic gifts.
"...and to take our part, and to keep friendship with us.": This underscores the political nature of the appointment. Balas is explicitly stating that he expects Jonathan's support and loyalty in return for the honors he has bestowed. He wants Jonathan to be an ally, a collaborator, and to maintain a friendly relationship with him and the Seleucid kingdom. This was a deal: power and prestige in exchange for political allegiance.
In summary, this verse describes a politically motivated appointment of Jonathan Maccabeus as High Priest and "King's Friend" by Alexander Balas. The appointment was accompanied by symbolic gifts of royal status and a clear expectation of Jonathan's loyalty and support. This event marked a turning point in the Maccabean Revolt, as it solidified Jonathan's position and gave him the authority to lead his people with the backing (however conditional) of a major power. It also highlights the complex political landscape of the time, where alliances and power struggles were common.