This verse, "and made him one of his Friends, and honored him with great honor;" from 1 Maccabees 14:39 is referring to Simon Maccabeus and the high regard he was held in by the Roman Senate.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"and made him one of his Friends": This is a formal, diplomatic title. The term "Friend" (Greek: philos) was used by Hellenistic rulers and by the Roman Senate to denote individuals who were close to them and were considered allies or confidants. It wasn't simply a casual friendship but signified a formal alliance and a relationship of trust and importance. The Roman Senate granting Simon this title signified their approval and alliance.
"and honored him with great honor;": This underscores the high esteem in which the Roman Senate held Simon. It indicates that they bestowed significant prestige and possibly material benefits upon him. The term "great honor" can encompass various forms of recognition, such as gifts, official decrees in his favor, diplomatic support, and granting him authority or privileges.
In essence, this verse highlights the recognition and favor that Simon Maccabeus received from the Roman Senate for his leadership, diplomatic efforts, and success in securing Judean independence. It signified a crucial alliance that strengthened Judea's position in the world. The verse is meant to emphasize Simon's importance and the respect he commanded on the international stage.
This verse, "and made him one of his Friends, and honored him with great honor;" from 1 Maccabees 14:39 is referring to Simon Maccabeus and the high regard he was held in by the Roman Senate.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"and made him one of his Friends": This is a formal, diplomatic title. The term "Friend" (Greek: philos) was used by Hellenistic rulers and by the Roman Senate to denote individuals who were close to them and were considered allies or confidants. It wasn't simply a casual friendship but signified a formal alliance and a relationship of trust and importance. The Roman Senate granting Simon this title signified their approval and alliance.
"and honored him with great honor;": This underscores the high esteem in which the Roman Senate held Simon. It indicates that they bestowed significant prestige and possibly material benefits upon him. The term "great honor" can encompass various forms of recognition, such as gifts, official decrees in his favor, diplomatic support, and granting him authority or privileges.
In essence, this verse highlights the recognition and favor that Simon Maccabeus received from the Roman Senate for his leadership, diplomatic efforts, and success in securing Judean independence. It signified a crucial alliance that strengthened Judea's position in the world. The verse is meant to emphasize Simon's importance and the respect he commanded on the international stage.