1 maccabees 10:77 - And Apollonius heard, and he gathered an army of three thousand horse, and a great army, and went to Azotus as though he were on a journey, and therewithal drew onward into the plain, because he had a multitude of horse, and trusted therein.
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What does "1 maccabees 10:77" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:77 describes Apollonius's response to something that happened prior in the narrative. Let's break it down:
"And Apollonius heard...": This implies Apollonius received news, likely concerning threats to Seleucid control or successes of the Maccabees/Jonathan. It sets the stage for his actions.
"...and he gathered an army of three thousand horse, and a great army...": Apollonius mobilizes a substantial force. The specific mention of "three thousand horse" (cavalry) highlights the importance of cavalry in Seleucid armies and in the terrain of Judea. The phrase "a great army" suggests a large number of infantry and other support troops.
"...and went to Azotus as though he were on a journey...": Azotus (modern Ashdod) was a Philistine city on the coastal plain, controlled by the Seleucids. Apollonius used the pretense of a regular journey to Azotus as a ruse or cover for his true intentions. This suggests a planned surprise attack or a strategy to avoid alerting his enemy prematurely.
"...and therewithal drew onward into the plain, because he had a multitude of horse, and trusted therein.": From Azotus, Apollonius's army moves into the coastal plain, which was suitable for cavalry maneuvers. The verse states that Apollonius felt confident because of his large number of horses. This indicates that Apollonius intended to use his cavalry to his advantage.
In summary:
Apollonius, upon hearing news of trouble (likely Jewish resistance), assembles a large army, including a significant cavalry force. He uses a journey to Azotus as a cover for his movement, intending to then move onto the plain, where his superior cavalry numbers would give him an advantage in battle.
Context and Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets up a battle between Apollonius and Jonathan Maccabeus. It highlights Apollonius's confidence in his military strength and his reliance on cavalry. It also illustrates the strategic importance of the terrain (the plain) in warfare during this period. His defeat, which follows in the next verses, is a key victory for Jonathan and the Maccabees in their struggle for independence.
1 maccabees 10:77 - And Apollonius heard, and he gathered an army of three thousand horse, and a great army, and went to Azotus as though he were on a journey, and therewithal drew onward into the plain, because he had a multitude of horse, and trusted therein.
What does "1 maccabees 10:77" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 10:77 describes Apollonius's response to something that happened prior in the narrative. Let's break it down:
"And Apollonius heard...": This implies Apollonius received news, likely concerning threats to Seleucid control or successes of the Maccabees/Jonathan. It sets the stage for his actions.
"...and he gathered an army of three thousand horse, and a great army...": Apollonius mobilizes a substantial force. The specific mention of "three thousand horse" (cavalry) highlights the importance of cavalry in Seleucid armies and in the terrain of Judea. The phrase "a great army" suggests a large number of infantry and other support troops.
"...and went to Azotus as though he were on a journey...": Azotus (modern Ashdod) was a Philistine city on the coastal plain, controlled by the Seleucids. Apollonius used the pretense of a regular journey to Azotus as a ruse or cover for his true intentions. This suggests a planned surprise attack or a strategy to avoid alerting his enemy prematurely.
"...and therewithal drew onward into the plain, because he had a multitude of horse, and trusted therein.": From Azotus, Apollonius's army moves into the coastal plain, which was suitable for cavalry maneuvers. The verse states that Apollonius felt confident because of his large number of horses. This indicates that Apollonius intended to use his cavalry to his advantage.
In summary:
Apollonius, upon hearing news of trouble (likely Jewish resistance), assembles a large army, including a significant cavalry force. He uses a journey to Azotus as a cover for his movement, intending to then move onto the plain, where his superior cavalry numbers would give him an advantage in battle.
Context and Significance:
This verse is significant because it sets up a battle between Apollonius and Jonathan Maccabeus. It highlights Apollonius's confidence in his military strength and his reliance on cavalry. It also illustrates the strategic importance of the terrain (the plain) in warfare during this period. His defeat, which follows in the next verses, is a key victory for Jonathan and the Maccabees in their struggle for independence.