This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:42 describes a financial concession made by King Alexander Balas to the Jewish people, likely to gain their favor and support. Let's break it down:
"And beside this...": This indicates that Alexander is listing this concession in addition to other favors or agreements he has made.
"...the five thousand shekels of silver, which they received from the uses of the sanctuary from the revenue year by year...": This refers to an annual payment of 5,000 shekels of silver that the Jewish people were previously required to pay to the treasury. This money came from the "uses of the sanctuary," meaning it was likely derived from tithes, offerings, or other sources of revenue related to the Temple in Jerusalem.
"...this also is released...": "Released" means that Alexander is waiving this annual payment. The Jewish people no longer have to pay the 5,000 shekels.
"...because it appertains to the priests that minister.": The reason given for the release is that the money rightfully belongs to the priests who serve in the Temple. The priests relied on these revenues to support their work and maintain the Temple.
In summary, King Alexander Balas is canceling a yearly tax of 5,000 shekels of silver that the Jewish people had to pay. He justifies this action by stating that the money should instead go to the priests who serve in the Temple, as it rightfully belongs to them.
Significance:
Political Maneuvering: Alexander Balas was a Seleucid king competing for power. This concession was likely a political move to win over the Jewish population and secure their loyalty against his rivals, particularly Demetrius I Soter.
Religious Importance: This act would have been seen as a positive step for the Jewish people, as it strengthened the financial position of the Temple and its priests. This would have been particularly meaningful in the context of the Maccabean revolt, which sought to restore Jewish religious autonomy.
Historical Context: Understanding the political and religious climate of the time (the Maccabean period) is crucial to interpreting the significance of this verse. The Seleucid Empire, which controlled Judea, was in a state of internal conflict, and various factions were vying for power. This verse provides insight into the strategies used by these rulers to gain support.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:42 describes a financial concession made by King Alexander Balas to the Jewish people, likely to gain their favor and support. Let's break it down:
"And beside this...": This indicates that Alexander is listing this concession in addition to other favors or agreements he has made.
"...the five thousand shekels of silver, which they received from the uses of the sanctuary from the revenue year by year...": This refers to an annual payment of 5,000 shekels of silver that the Jewish people were previously required to pay to the treasury. This money came from the "uses of the sanctuary," meaning it was likely derived from tithes, offerings, or other sources of revenue related to the Temple in Jerusalem.
"...this also is released...": "Released" means that Alexander is waiving this annual payment. The Jewish people no longer have to pay the 5,000 shekels.
"...because it appertains to the priests that minister.": The reason given for the release is that the money rightfully belongs to the priests who serve in the Temple. The priests relied on these revenues to support their work and maintain the Temple.
In summary, King Alexander Balas is canceling a yearly tax of 5,000 shekels of silver that the Jewish people had to pay. He justifies this action by stating that the money should instead go to the priests who serve in the Temple, as it rightfully belongs to them.
Significance:
Political Maneuvering: Alexander Balas was a Seleucid king competing for power. This concession was likely a political move to win over the Jewish population and secure their loyalty against his rivals, particularly Demetrius I Soter.
Religious Importance: This act would have been seen as a positive step for the Jewish people, as it strengthened the financial position of the Temple and its priests. This would have been particularly meaningful in the context of the Maccabean revolt, which sought to restore Jewish religious autonomy.
Historical Context: Understanding the political and religious climate of the time (the Maccabean period) is crucial to interpreting the significance of this verse. The Seleucid Empire, which controlled Judea, was in a state of internal conflict, and various factions were vying for power. This verse provides insight into the strategies used by these rulers to gain support.
