This verse from 1 Maccabees 13:49 describes the dire situation of the remaining Seleucid Greek garrison holed up in the citadel of Jerusalem after Simon Maccabeus besieged it. Let's break it down:
"But they of the citadel in Jerusalem were hindered from going forth, and from going into the country...": This means the Seleucid soldiers and any sympathizers sheltering within the citadel were trapped. Simon's forces had effectively blockaded them. They couldn't leave the citadel walls.
"...and from buying and selling...": This further emphasizes their isolation and lack of supplies. They couldn't access the market to purchase food or other necessities. No trade or resupply was possible.
"...and they hungered exceedingly, and a great number of them perished through famine.": The consequences of the blockade were severe. Deprived of food, the people in the citadel suffered greatly. "Hungered exceedingly" underscores the severity of their hunger, and "a great number of them perished through famine" highlights the deadly outcome. The siege was effective in starving out the occupants.
In essence, the verse describes the siege of the Seleucid citadel in Jerusalem by Simon Maccabeus. The blockade was so complete that the people trapped inside were cut off from all supplies, leading to widespread starvation and death.
Historical Context:
This passage is important in understanding the Maccabean Revolt. The citadel in Jerusalem had been a Seleucid stronghold, a persistent thorn in the side of the Jewish population. Its capture was a significant victory for the Maccabees, symbolizing the liberation of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish autonomy. The siege, and the resulting suffering of those inside the citadel, highlights the ruthlessness and determination of Simon Maccabeus in securing Jewish independence. It's also worth noting that 1 Maccabees is written from a pro-Maccabean perspective, so it emphasizes the justice of their cause and the suffering inflicted on those opposing them.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 13:49 describes the dire situation of the remaining Seleucid Greek garrison holed up in the citadel of Jerusalem after Simon Maccabeus besieged it. Let's break it down:
"But they of the citadel in Jerusalem were hindered from going forth, and from going into the country...": This means the Seleucid soldiers and any sympathizers sheltering within the citadel were trapped. Simon's forces had effectively blockaded them. They couldn't leave the citadel walls.
"...and from buying and selling...": This further emphasizes their isolation and lack of supplies. They couldn't access the market to purchase food or other necessities. No trade or resupply was possible.
"...and they hungered exceedingly, and a great number of them perished through famine.": The consequences of the blockade were severe. Deprived of food, the people in the citadel suffered greatly. "Hungered exceedingly" underscores the severity of their hunger, and "a great number of them perished through famine" highlights the deadly outcome. The siege was effective in starving out the occupants.
In essence, the verse describes the siege of the Seleucid citadel in Jerusalem by Simon Maccabeus. The blockade was so complete that the people trapped inside were cut off from all supplies, leading to widespread starvation and death.
Historical Context:
This passage is important in understanding the Maccabean Revolt. The citadel in Jerusalem had been a Seleucid stronghold, a persistent thorn in the side of the Jewish population. Its capture was a significant victory for the Maccabees, symbolizing the liberation of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish autonomy. The siege, and the resulting suffering of those inside the citadel, highlights the ruthlessness and determination of Simon Maccabeus in securing Jewish independence. It's also worth noting that 1 Maccabees is written from a pro-Maccabean perspective, so it emphasizes the justice of their cause and the suffering inflicted on those opposing them.
