1 maccabees 2:34 - And they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the word of the king, to profane the Sabbath day.
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What does "1 maccabees 2:34" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 2:34 is a powerful statement of defiance against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to force the Jewish people to abandon their religious practices, specifically the observance of the Sabbath. Let's break it down:
"And they said, We will not come forth..." This refers to a group of Jews who were hiding, likely to avoid persecution or forced assimilation. The Seleucid authorities were likely demanding that they come out of hiding, likely to participate in activities that violated Jewish law.
"...neither will we do the word of the king..." This is a direct refusal to obey the commands of the Seleucid king (likely Antiochus IV Epiphanes) which were aimed at suppressing Jewish religious practices.
"...to profane the Sabbath day." This is the specific reason given for their disobedience. The Seleucids were forcing Jews to violate the Sabbath (the day of rest observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening) by performing work or engaging in activities that were considered forbidden according to Jewish law. Profaning the Sabbath was a grave sin.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Religious Resistance: It highlights the determination of some Jews to resist the Seleucid Empire's attempts to suppress their religion and force them to adopt Hellenistic customs.
Importance of the Sabbath: It underscores the central importance of the Sabbath in Jewish identity and religious practice. They were willing to face potential consequences, even death, rather than violate the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Courage and Defiance: It portrays a moment of courage and defiance against a powerful empire. These Jews were choosing their faith over their safety and comfort.
Catalyst for Revolt: This kind of resistance ultimately contributed to the Maccabean Revolt, a successful rebellion against Seleucid rule led by the Maccabee family.
In summary, this verse is a critical moment in the historical account of the Maccabean Revolt, and shows the strength of religious beliefs in the face of persecution.
1 maccabees 2:34 - And they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the word of the king, to profane the Sabbath day.
What does "1 maccabees 2:34" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 2:34 is a powerful statement of defiance against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to force the Jewish people to abandon their religious practices, specifically the observance of the Sabbath. Let's break it down:
"And they said, We will not come forth..." This refers to a group of Jews who were hiding, likely to avoid persecution or forced assimilation. The Seleucid authorities were likely demanding that they come out of hiding, likely to participate in activities that violated Jewish law.
"...neither will we do the word of the king..." This is a direct refusal to obey the commands of the Seleucid king (likely Antiochus IV Epiphanes) which were aimed at suppressing Jewish religious practices.
"...to profane the Sabbath day." This is the specific reason given for their disobedience. The Seleucids were forcing Jews to violate the Sabbath (the day of rest observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening) by performing work or engaging in activities that were considered forbidden according to Jewish law. Profaning the Sabbath was a grave sin.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Religious Resistance: It highlights the determination of some Jews to resist the Seleucid Empire's attempts to suppress their religion and force them to adopt Hellenistic customs.
Importance of the Sabbath: It underscores the central importance of the Sabbath in Jewish identity and religious practice. They were willing to face potential consequences, even death, rather than violate the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Courage and Defiance: It portrays a moment of courage and defiance against a powerful empire. These Jews were choosing their faith over their safety and comfort.
Catalyst for Revolt: This kind of resistance ultimately contributed to the Maccabean Revolt, a successful rebellion against Seleucid rule led by the Maccabee family.
In summary, this verse is a critical moment in the historical account of the Maccabean Revolt, and shows the strength of religious beliefs in the face of persecution.