This verse from 1 Maccabees 16:13 describes the ambition and treacherous plotting of Ptolemy, son of Abubus, against Simon Maccabeus and his sons. Let's break it down:
"And his heart was lifted up..." This means Ptolemy became arrogant and ambitious. He developed an inflated sense of his own importance and capability.
"...and he was minded to make himself master of the country..." This is Ptolemy's goal: to seize control of the land, which at that time was likely Judea or a specific region within it. He desires to become the ruler.
"...and he took counsel deceitfully against Simon and his sons..." Ptolemy starts to plot against Simon Maccabeus, the current ruler, and his heirs. The word "deceitfully" is key. He's not acting openly but scheming and using trickery to achieve his aim. He is secretly planning a way to take Simon and his family out of the picture.
"...to make away with them." This is the most direct statement of Ptolemy's sinister intent. "To make away with them" means to murder or eliminate Simon and his sons, presumably to remove any obstacles to his own rule.
In essence, this verse reveals Ptolemy's motivation (power-hungry ambition) and his method (treachery and murder) to achieve that motivation. It sets the stage for a conflict where Ptolemy will attempt to overthrow Simon and his family through deception and violence. This verse is a strong condemnation of Ptolemy's actions and character.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 16:13 describes the ambition and treacherous plotting of Ptolemy, son of Abubus, against Simon Maccabeus and his sons. Let's break it down:
"And his heart was lifted up..." This means Ptolemy became arrogant and ambitious. He developed an inflated sense of his own importance and capability.
"...and he was minded to make himself master of the country..." This is Ptolemy's goal: to seize control of the land, which at that time was likely Judea or a specific region within it. He desires to become the ruler.
"...and he took counsel deceitfully against Simon and his sons..." Ptolemy starts to plot against Simon Maccabeus, the current ruler, and his heirs. The word "deceitfully" is key. He's not acting openly but scheming and using trickery to achieve his aim. He is secretly planning a way to take Simon and his family out of the picture.
"...to make away with them." This is the most direct statement of Ptolemy's sinister intent. "To make away with them" means to murder or eliminate Simon and his sons, presumably to remove any obstacles to his own rule.
In essence, this verse reveals Ptolemy's motivation (power-hungry ambition) and his method (treachery and murder) to achieve that motivation. It sets the stage for a conflict where Ptolemy will attempt to overthrow Simon and his family through deception and violence. This verse is a strong condemnation of Ptolemy's actions and character.