1 maccabees 11:17 - And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 maccabees 11:17" mean?
The verse "And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy" from 1 Maccabees 11:17 describes a specific historical event following the death of Alexander Balas, who had been the Seleucid king. Let's break down what it means:
Alexander: This refers to Alexander Balas, a claimant to the Seleucid throne who had been ruling for some time but was in conflict with Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt.
Zabdiel the Arabian: Zabdiel was likely a local ruler or chieftain of an Arab tribe. Alexander Balas had fled to Zabdiel for refuge after suffering defeats in battle.
took off Alexander's head: This means Zabdiel assassinated Alexander Balas, beheading him. It was a brutal act of betrayal.
sent it to Ptolemy: Zabdiel sent the severed head of Alexander Balas to Ptolemy VI Philometor. This was done as a gesture of submission, alliance, or perhaps to gain favor with Ptolemy. It signaled Zabdiel's removal of support for Alexander and his desire to align himself with the victorious Ptolemy.
In essence, the verse narrates a key event in the power struggles of the Hellenistic period. Zabdiel, seeking political advantage or fearing the consequences of harboring a defeated king, betrayed and murdered Alexander Balas, sending his head to Ptolemy as a sign of loyalty or submission.
1 maccabees 11:17 - And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy.
What does "1 maccabees 11:17" mean?
The verse "And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy" from 1 Maccabees 11:17 describes a specific historical event following the death of Alexander Balas, who had been the Seleucid king. Let's break down what it means:
Alexander: This refers to Alexander Balas, a claimant to the Seleucid throne who had been ruling for some time but was in conflict with Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt.
Zabdiel the Arabian: Zabdiel was likely a local ruler or chieftain of an Arab tribe. Alexander Balas had fled to Zabdiel for refuge after suffering defeats in battle.
took off Alexander's head: This means Zabdiel assassinated Alexander Balas, beheading him. It was a brutal act of betrayal.
sent it to Ptolemy: Zabdiel sent the severed head of Alexander Balas to Ptolemy VI Philometor. This was done as a gesture of submission, alliance, or perhaps to gain favor with Ptolemy. It signaled Zabdiel's removal of support for Alexander and his desire to align himself with the victorious Ptolemy.
In essence, the verse narrates a key event in the power struggles of the Hellenistic period. Zabdiel, seeking political advantage or fearing the consequences of harboring a defeated king, betrayed and murdered Alexander Balas, sending his head to Ptolemy as a sign of loyalty or submission.