1 maccabees 10:7 - And Jonathan came to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of those who were in the citadel:
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What does "1 maccabees 10:7" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:7 describes a significant moment in the early Hasmonean period. Let's break it down:
"And Jonathan came to Jerusalem..." Jonathan was the brother of Judas Maccabeus, the famous leader of the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire. After Judas' death, Jonathan took over leadership. His arrival in Jerusalem signals his claim to authority and control over the city.
"...and read the letters..." The "letters" in question were official communications, likely from Alexander Balas, a contender for the Seleucid throne. These letters would have contained promises or concessions made to Jonathan and the Jewish people in exchange for their support in the ongoing power struggle within the Seleucid Empire. Reading these letters publicly was a way for Jonathan to demonstrate his diplomatic success and strengthen his position.
"...in the audience of all the people..." Reading the letters "in the audience of all the people" means doing so publicly, in front of a large gathering. This served several purposes:
Public legitimacy: It showed the people that Jonathan was acting in their best interest and that he had achieved something significant on their behalf.
Public support: By demonstrating the favor he had gained from Alexander Balas, Jonathan aimed to solidify his support among the Jewish population.
"...and of those who were in the citadel:" The "citadel" (also known as the Akra) was a fortified area in Jerusalem that was still held by Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) forces or their sympathizers. This was a key strategic point, and the presence of the letters being read to those in the citadel is highly significant.
Intimidation: Showing the occupants of the citadel that Jonathan had the backing of a Seleucid claimant could intimidate them or encourage them to surrender.
Propaganda: It sent a clear message that the Seleucids were divided and that Jonathan had gained a powerful ally. This might demoralize those holding the citadel.
Negotiation: It could have been a prelude to negotiations for the surrender or removal of the Seleucid garrison from the citadel.
In essence, 1 Maccabees 10:7 is a moment where Jonathan publicly asserts his leadership and diplomatic successes, demonstrating his influence over the Jewish people and even attempting to influence the Seleucid forces still present in Jerusalem. It's a strategic move to consolidate his power and gain control over the city. The act of reading the letters publicly was a crucial tool for gaining public support and potentially weakening the remaining Seleucid presence.
1 maccabees 10:7 - And Jonathan came to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of those who were in the citadel:
What does "1 maccabees 10:7" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:7 describes a significant moment in the early Hasmonean period. Let's break it down:
"And Jonathan came to Jerusalem..." Jonathan was the brother of Judas Maccabeus, the famous leader of the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire. After Judas' death, Jonathan took over leadership. His arrival in Jerusalem signals his claim to authority and control over the city.
"...and read the letters..." The "letters" in question were official communications, likely from Alexander Balas, a contender for the Seleucid throne. These letters would have contained promises or concessions made to Jonathan and the Jewish people in exchange for their support in the ongoing power struggle within the Seleucid Empire. Reading these letters publicly was a way for Jonathan to demonstrate his diplomatic success and strengthen his position.
"...in the audience of all the people..." Reading the letters "in the audience of all the people" means doing so publicly, in front of a large gathering. This served several purposes:
Public legitimacy: It showed the people that Jonathan was acting in their best interest and that he had achieved something significant on their behalf.
Public support: By demonstrating the favor he had gained from Alexander Balas, Jonathan aimed to solidify his support among the Jewish population.
"...and of those who were in the citadel:" The "citadel" (also known as the Akra) was a fortified area in Jerusalem that was still held by Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) forces or their sympathizers. This was a key strategic point, and the presence of the letters being read to those in the citadel is highly significant.
Intimidation: Showing the occupants of the citadel that Jonathan had the backing of a Seleucid claimant could intimidate them or encourage them to surrender.
Propaganda: It sent a clear message that the Seleucids were divided and that Jonathan had gained a powerful ally. This might demoralize those holding the citadel.
Negotiation: It could have been a prelude to negotiations for the surrender or removal of the Seleucid garrison from the citadel.
In essence, 1 Maccabees 10:7 is a moment where Jonathan publicly asserts his leadership and diplomatic successes, demonstrating his influence over the Jewish people and even attempting to influence the Seleucid forces still present in Jerusalem. It's a strategic move to consolidate his power and gain control over the city. The act of reading the letters publicly was a crucial tool for gaining public support and potentially weakening the remaining Seleucid presence.