1 maccabees 13:47 - And Simon was reconciled to them, and did not fight against them: and he put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with singing and giving praise.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 13:47

What does "1 maccabees 13:47" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 13:47 describes Simon Maccabeus's actions after securing control of Gazara (also spelled Gezer). Let's break it down:

"And Simon was reconciled to them, and did not fight against them:" This indicates that Simon, having successfully besieged Gazara, reached a peaceful agreement with the remaining inhabitants. He chose not to continue the violence or massacre them. This suggests a degree of pragmatism and perhaps even mercy.

"and he put them out of the city:" This part describes the expulsion of the former inhabitants. The reasons for this aren't explicitly stated in this verse, but the following clauses imply a religious motive. It's likely that the people being expelled were not Jewish and practiced idolatry, which was unacceptable to Simon, who sought to purify the land.

"and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were:" This highlights Simon's religious zeal. He purged the city of idolatrous symbols and practices. This aligns with the Maccabean goal of restoring Jewish religious practices and purging the land of Hellenistic influences and pagan worship.

"and so entered into it with singing and giving praise." After the cleansing and expulsion, Simon entered Gazara in a triumphant procession, accompanied by singing and praises to God. This signifies the re-establishment of Jewish control and the restoration of pure worship. It was a religious and political victory that was celebrated openly.

In summary, 1 Maccabees 13:47 describes Simon Maccabeus securing Gazara, expelling its former non-Jewish inhabitants (likely due to their idolatrous practices), purifying the city of idolatry, and then triumphantly entering it with religious celebrations. It's a story of conquest, religious purification, and the assertion of Jewish power and religious authority.

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