1 maccabees 10:45 - And for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, shall the expense be given also out of the king’s revenue, and for the building of the walls in Judea.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 10:45

What does "1 maccabees 10:45" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:45 is part of a larger context where Demetrius I Soter, the Seleucid king, is trying to secure the loyalty of Jonathan Maccabeus and the Jewish people. In this specific verse, Demetrius is promising:

Financial support for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls: The "building of the walls of Jerusalem" refers to the physical reconstruction of the city's defenses. Jerusalem's walls had been damaged during previous conflicts, and rebuilding them was crucial for the city's security and prestige.
Financial support for fortifying Jerusalem: The phrase "fortifying thereof round about" means strengthening the city's defenses.
The source of the funds: The phrase "expense be given also out of the king's revenue" indicates that Demetrius is promising to pay for the construction costs from the royal treasury.
Financial support for building the walls in Judea: the last portion of the verse indicates that the Demetrius is also promising to pay for the rebuilding of the walls in Judea

In essence, the verse is a political promise by Demetrius I to provide financial assistance for the rebuilding and fortification of Jerusalem and Judea. This was likely intended as a gesture to win favor with Jonathan Maccabeus and the Jewish people, hoping they would support him against his rivals for the Seleucid throne.

Understanding the context is important. The Maccabean revolt was a struggle for Jewish religious and political autonomy against the Seleucid Empire. Promises like this were common tactics in the power struggles within the Seleucid kingdom, as different factions sought to gain allies. While the promise was made, its long-term fulfillment and impact would depend on the constantly shifting political landscape of the region.

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