This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:49 describes the aftermath of a military victory by the Jewish forces, likely under the leadership of Jonathan Maccabeus. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"And they of the city saw that the Jews had made themselves masters of the city as they would..." - This indicates that the Jewish forces had effectively taken control of the city. The phrase "as they would" suggests they had free rein, able to do as they pleased within the city. They weren't just occupying it; they were governing it. This victory likely came after a siege or a battle.
"...and they waxed faint in their hearts..." - The inhabitants of the city, presumably those who were not Jewish or who opposed the Maccabean cause, became discouraged and fearful. "Waxed faint in their hearts" means their courage failed them; they were losing hope.
"...and they cried out to the king with supplication, saying..." - Faced with the new reality of Jewish control, the city's inhabitants desperately appealed to their king (likely a Seleucid ruler) for help. They cried out "with supplication," meaning they pleaded earnestly and humbly, begging for intervention and relief from the Jewish dominance. They are hoping the king will send an army to restore the previous order.
In essence, the verse depicts a moment of dramatic shift in power. The Jews have gained control, the non-Jewish residents are terrified and demoralized, and their last resort is to appeal to their king for assistance. The verse highlights the impact of the Maccabean victories and the resulting anxiety and desperation among those who opposed them.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:49 describes the aftermath of a military victory by the Jewish forces, likely under the leadership of Jonathan Maccabeus. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"And they of the city saw that the Jews had made themselves masters of the city as they would..." - This indicates that the Jewish forces had effectively taken control of the city. The phrase "as they would" suggests they had free rein, able to do as they pleased within the city. They weren't just occupying it; they were governing it. This victory likely came after a siege or a battle.
"...and they waxed faint in their hearts..." - The inhabitants of the city, presumably those who were not Jewish or who opposed the Maccabean cause, became discouraged and fearful. "Waxed faint in their hearts" means their courage failed them; they were losing hope.
"...and they cried out to the king with supplication, saying..." - Faced with the new reality of Jewish control, the city's inhabitants desperately appealed to their king (likely a Seleucid ruler) for help. They cried out "with supplication," meaning they pleaded earnestly and humbly, begging for intervention and relief from the Jewish dominance. They are hoping the king will send an army to restore the previous order.
In essence, the verse depicts a moment of dramatic shift in power. The Jews have gained control, the non-Jewish residents are terrified and demoralized, and their last resort is to appeal to their king for assistance. The verse highlights the impact of the Maccabean victories and the resulting anxiety and desperation among those who opposed them.
