1 maccabees 12:8 - And Onias entreated honorably the man that was sent, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of confederacy and friendship.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 12:8

What does "1 maccabees 12:8" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 12:8 describes a positive diplomatic interaction. Let's break it down:

"And Onias entreated honorably the man that was sent..."
Onias refers to Onias III, the High Priest in Jerusalem at this time.
"Entreated honorably" means Onias treated the messenger with respect and courtesy. He received him in a distinguished and dignified manner, suitable for a representative of a foreign power.
"The man that was sent" refers to a messenger or envoy sent by the Spartans. 1 Maccabees 12 details correspondence between the Jews (Judah Maccabee and later Onias) and the Spartans.

"...and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of confederacy and friendship."
Onias received official letters brought by the envoy.
These letters contained an official statement or declaration of "confederacy and friendship" between the Spartans and the Jews. Confederacy implies a formal alliance or agreement for mutual support, perhaps in times of war or other difficulties. Friendship suggests a general goodwill and cooperative relationship.

In essence, the verse means:

Onias III, the High Priest, warmly welcomed the Spartan envoy and received official letters that formally expressed an alliance and friendship between the Jewish people and the Spartans. It's a scene depicting diplomatic relations and the establishment of a political bond between two nations.

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