This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:22 describes a reaction by a ruler to something he heard, and the immediate actions he takes in response. Let's break it down:
"And he heard, and was angered;": This tells us that the ruler (who is likely Demetrius II, as the context of 1 Maccabees 11 suggests) received some news that upset him. We don't know exactly what the news was from this specific verse, but based on the surrounding context of 1 Maccabees, it is likely news about Jonathan's growing power and alliance with Demetrius' rival, Alexander Balas.
"but when he heard it, he set forth immediately, and came to Ptolemais,": Despite his anger, the ruler reacted swiftly. He travelled quickly to Ptolemais (modern-day Acre), an important coastal city.
"and wrote to Jonathan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.": Upon arriving, he sent a message to Jonathan (the leader of the Maccabees/Jewish forces). The message contains two key points:
"that he should not besiege it": He ordered Jonathan to stop laying siege to Ptolemais. This suggests that Jonathan was already in the process of attacking or planning to attack the city.
"and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.": He summoned Jonathan for a meeting in Ptolemais, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. This implies the ruler wanted to negotiate or resolve the issue quickly.
In essence, the verse depicts a ruler, angered by news of Jonathan's actions (likely his growing power), rushing to Ptolemais and ordering Jonathan to cease his siege of the city and meet with him immediately. The ruler likely wants to reassess the situation and perhaps win Jonathan back to his side or at least negotiate a truce.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:22 describes a reaction by a ruler to something he heard, and the immediate actions he takes in response. Let's break it down:
"And he heard, and was angered;": This tells us that the ruler (who is likely Demetrius II, as the context of 1 Maccabees 11 suggests) received some news that upset him. We don't know exactly what the news was from this specific verse, but based on the surrounding context of 1 Maccabees, it is likely news about Jonathan's growing power and alliance with Demetrius' rival, Alexander Balas.
"but when he heard it, he set forth immediately, and came to Ptolemais,": Despite his anger, the ruler reacted swiftly. He travelled quickly to Ptolemais (modern-day Acre), an important coastal city.
"and wrote to Jonathan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.": Upon arriving, he sent a message to Jonathan (the leader of the Maccabees/Jewish forces). The message contains two key points:
"that he should not besiege it": He ordered Jonathan to stop laying siege to Ptolemais. This suggests that Jonathan was already in the process of attacking or planning to attack the city.
"and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.": He summoned Jonathan for a meeting in Ptolemais, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. This implies the ruler wanted to negotiate or resolve the issue quickly.
In essence, the verse depicts a ruler, angered by news of Jonathan's actions (likely his growing power), rushing to Ptolemais and ordering Jonathan to cease his siege of the city and meet with him immediately. The ruler likely wants to reassess the situation and perhaps win Jonathan back to his side or at least negotiate a truce.
