1 maccabees 11:62 - And they of Gaza made request to Jonathan, and he gave them his right hand, and took the sons of their princes for hostages, and sent them away to Jerusalem; and he passed through the country as far as Damascus.
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What does "1 maccabees 11:62" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:62 describes a diplomatic and military action by Jonathan Maccabeus. Let's break it down:
"And they of Gaza made request to Jonathan...": The people of Gaza, a coastal city in the region, approached Jonathan Maccabeus with a request. This likely means they were seeking some sort of alliance, protection, or agreement with Jonathan. Given the context of the Maccabean revolt, Gaza might have been looking for security against the Seleucid Empire or rival factions.
"...and he gave them his right hand...": This is a symbolic gesture of a treaty, alliance, or agreement. Giving one's "right hand" was a common way to seal a deal or promise in ancient times. It signified trustworthiness and commitment.
"...and took the sons of their princes for hostages...": Jonathan accepted hostages from Gaza, specifically the sons of their leaders ("princes"). This was a common practice in ancient diplomacy to ensure that the agreement was upheld. The presence of these high-status hostages in Jonathan's custody would deter Gaza from breaking the terms of their agreement. Their safety was tied to Gaza's continued compliance.
"...and sent them away to Jerusalem...": The hostages were sent to Jerusalem, the center of Jonathan's power and the Jewish state. This further emphasized Jonathan's control and ensured the hostages were secure.
"...and he passed through the country as far as Damascus.": This indicates Jonathan continued his military or diplomatic activities, traveling northward through the region, eventually reaching Damascus. This demonstrates the extent of Jonathan's influence and power, as Damascus was a significant city under Seleucid control. His ability to travel there suggests a degree of control or at least safe passage through the intervening territory.
In summary:
The verse describes a strategic alliance formed by Jonathan Maccabeus with Gaza. To secure their commitment, he took the sons of Gaza's leaders as hostages, solidifying his authority and ensuring Gaza's loyalty. Furthermore, it shows his growing power and influence, as he was able to move freely as far as Damascus, demonstrating his growing military and political power in the region.
1 maccabees 11:62 - And they of Gaza made request to Jonathan, and he gave them his right hand, and took the sons of their princes for hostages, and sent them away to Jerusalem; and he passed through the country as far as Damascus.
What does "1 maccabees 11:62" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:62 describes a diplomatic and military action by Jonathan Maccabeus. Let's break it down:
"And they of Gaza made request to Jonathan...": The people of Gaza, a coastal city in the region, approached Jonathan Maccabeus with a request. This likely means they were seeking some sort of alliance, protection, or agreement with Jonathan. Given the context of the Maccabean revolt, Gaza might have been looking for security against the Seleucid Empire or rival factions.
"...and he gave them his right hand...": This is a symbolic gesture of a treaty, alliance, or agreement. Giving one's "right hand" was a common way to seal a deal or promise in ancient times. It signified trustworthiness and commitment.
"...and took the sons of their princes for hostages...": Jonathan accepted hostages from Gaza, specifically the sons of their leaders ("princes"). This was a common practice in ancient diplomacy to ensure that the agreement was upheld. The presence of these high-status hostages in Jonathan's custody would deter Gaza from breaking the terms of their agreement. Their safety was tied to Gaza's continued compliance.
"...and sent them away to Jerusalem...": The hostages were sent to Jerusalem, the center of Jonathan's power and the Jewish state. This further emphasized Jonathan's control and ensured the hostages were secure.
"...and he passed through the country as far as Damascus.": This indicates Jonathan continued his military or diplomatic activities, traveling northward through the region, eventually reaching Damascus. This demonstrates the extent of Jonathan's influence and power, as Damascus was a significant city under Seleucid control. His ability to travel there suggests a degree of control or at least safe passage through the intervening territory.
In summary:
The verse describes a strategic alliance formed by Jonathan Maccabeus with Gaza. To secure their commitment, he took the sons of Gaza's leaders as hostages, solidifying his authority and ensuring Gaza's loyalty. Furthermore, it shows his growing power and influence, as he was able to move freely as far as Damascus, demonstrating his growing military and political power in the region.