This verse from 1 Maccabees 16:15 describes a treacherous act against Simon Maccabeus and his sons, setting the stage for their assassination. Let's break it down:
"and the son of Abubus": This refers to Ptolemy, son of Abubus. Ptolemy was Simon Maccabeus' son-in-law, having married Simon's daughter. He was also the governor of Jericho.
"received them deceitfully": Ptolemy invited Simon and his sons, Judas and Mattathias, under false pretenses. He likely acted in a friendly manner, hiding his true intentions.
"into the little stronghold that is called Dok": Dok (also spelled Docus or Doq) was a small fortress or fortified estate near Jericho. Ptolemy had built this stronghold.
"which he had built": Emphasizes Ptolemy's ownership and control of the location, giving him an advantage.
"and made them a great banquet": Ptolemy hosted a large, elaborate meal, likely to create a sense of trust and security. This would have lowered their guard.
"and hid men there": This is the most crucial part. Ptolemy secretly stationed armed men within the stronghold, preparing to ambush Simon and his sons during or after the banquet.
In summary, the verse describes how Ptolemy lured Simon Maccabeus and his sons to a banquet at Dok, a stronghold he controlled, while secretly positioning his men for an ambush. It highlights the betrayal and deception employed by Ptolemy, setting the scene for the murders that follow. The banquet was a ruse, a calculated attempt to eliminate Simon and his sons and seize power for himself.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 16:15 describes a treacherous act against Simon Maccabeus and his sons, setting the stage for their assassination. Let's break it down:
"and the son of Abubus": This refers to Ptolemy, son of Abubus. Ptolemy was Simon Maccabeus' son-in-law, having married Simon's daughter. He was also the governor of Jericho.
"received them deceitfully": Ptolemy invited Simon and his sons, Judas and Mattathias, under false pretenses. He likely acted in a friendly manner, hiding his true intentions.
"into the little stronghold that is called Dok": Dok (also spelled Docus or Doq) was a small fortress or fortified estate near Jericho. Ptolemy had built this stronghold.
"which he had built": Emphasizes Ptolemy's ownership and control of the location, giving him an advantage.
"and made them a great banquet": Ptolemy hosted a large, elaborate meal, likely to create a sense of trust and security. This would have lowered their guard.
"and hid men there": This is the most crucial part. Ptolemy secretly stationed armed men within the stronghold, preparing to ambush Simon and his sons during or after the banquet.
In summary, the verse describes how Ptolemy lured Simon Maccabeus and his sons to a banquet at Dok, a stronghold he controlled, while secretly positioning his men for an ambush. It highlights the betrayal and deception employed by Ptolemy, setting the scene for the murders that follow. The banquet was a ruse, a calculated attempt to eliminate Simon and his sons and seize power for himself.
