1 maccabees 16:4 - And he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war and horsemen, and they went against Cendebaeus, and slept at Modin.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 16:4

What does "1 maccabees 16:4" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 16:4 describes a military maneuver in the context of the Maccabean revolt. Let's break it down:

"And he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war and horsemen...": This refers to John Hyrcanus, the leader of the Jewish forces (successor to his father, Simon Maccabeus). He selected a force of 20,000 soldiers, including infantry ("men of war") and cavalry ("horsemen"). This indicates a substantial and well-equipped fighting force.

"...and they went against Cendebaeus...": Cendebaeus was a general of the Seleucid army (the Greek empire that ruled over Judea at this time). He was likely sent to reassert Seleucid control in the region and suppress the Maccabean rebellion.

"...and slept at Modin.": Modin was the ancestral home of the Maccabees. Saying they "slept at Modin" doesn't just mean they rested there; it implies that Modin served as a strategic base of operations for this campaign. It signifies a return to their roots and a rallying point for their forces. It also indicates that they were close to the enemy and prepared to engage.

In summary, the verse depicts John Hyrcanus mobilizing a significant army against the Seleucid general Cendebaeus, using Modin as a staging area for their offensive. It's a brief but important detail highlighting the ongoing conflict and the Maccabean's preparations for battle. The mention of Modin is particularly significant, emphasizing the Maccabean's connection to their homeland and the foundation of their rebellion.

What categories does "1 maccabees 16:4" have?