This verse, from 1 Maccabees 11:41, is a request from Jonathan Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish rebellion, to King Demetrius II Nicator of the Seleucid Empire. Let's break down the meaning:
"And Jonathan sent to king Demetrius...": This establishes that Jonathan is communicating with the Seleucid King Demetrius II. Jonathan, having gained considerable power and influence, now feels confident enough to make a significant request of the king.
"...that he should cast out of Jerusalem them of the citadel, and those who were in the strongholds...": This is the core of the request. Jonathan wants Demetrius to remove the Seleucid soldiers and their allies from two key locations in Jerusalem:
"Them of the citadel": The citadel (likely the Akra) was a fortified area in Jerusalem, controlled by Seleucid forces and their supporters. It served as a base from which they could exert control over the city and harass the Jewish population.
"Those who were in the strongholds": This refers to other fortified positions within Jerusalem and the surrounding area held by Seleucid troops or loyalists. These strongholds were a constant source of trouble for the Jewish people.
"...for they fought against Israel continually.": This explains the reason for Jonathan's request. The Seleucid forces and their allies were constantly at war with the Jewish population ("Israel"). They were a source of ongoing conflict and harassment, preventing the Jewish people from living in peace and practicing their religion freely.
In essence, the verse shows Jonathan asking King Demetrius to remove the Seleucid military presence from Jerusalem, as they are a constant source of conflict and oppression for the Jewish people. This demonstrates Jonathan's ambition to consolidate Jewish control over Jerusalem and secure their freedom from foreign domination. Jonathan is trying to use diplomacy with a king of the Seleucid Empire to achieve a crucial military/political aim. He is trying to get the Seleucid army to weaken their position within Israel by voluntarily withdrawing troops.
This verse, from 1 Maccabees 11:41, is a request from Jonathan Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish rebellion, to King Demetrius II Nicator of the Seleucid Empire. Let's break down the meaning:
"And Jonathan sent to king Demetrius...": This establishes that Jonathan is communicating with the Seleucid King Demetrius II. Jonathan, having gained considerable power and influence, now feels confident enough to make a significant request of the king.
"...that he should cast out of Jerusalem them of the citadel, and those who were in the strongholds...": This is the core of the request. Jonathan wants Demetrius to remove the Seleucid soldiers and their allies from two key locations in Jerusalem:
"Them of the citadel": The citadel (likely the Akra) was a fortified area in Jerusalem, controlled by Seleucid forces and their supporters. It served as a base from which they could exert control over the city and harass the Jewish population.
"Those who were in the strongholds": This refers to other fortified positions within Jerusalem and the surrounding area held by Seleucid troops or loyalists. These strongholds were a constant source of trouble for the Jewish people.
"...for they fought against Israel continually.": This explains the reason for Jonathan's request. The Seleucid forces and their allies were constantly at war with the Jewish population ("Israel"). They were a source of ongoing conflict and harassment, preventing the Jewish people from living in peace and practicing their religion freely.
In essence, the verse shows Jonathan asking King Demetrius to remove the Seleucid military presence from Jerusalem, as they are a constant source of conflict and oppression for the Jewish people. This demonstrates Jonathan's ambition to consolidate Jewish control over Jerusalem and secure their freedom from foreign domination. Jonathan is trying to use diplomacy with a king of the Seleucid Empire to achieve a crucial military/political aim. He is trying to get the Seleucid army to weaken their position within Israel by voluntarily withdrawing troops.
