1 maccabees 2:41 - And they took counsel on that day, saying, whoever shall come against us to battle on the Sabbath day, let us fight against him, and we shall in no wise all die, as our kindred died in the secret places.
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What does "1 maccabees 2:41" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 2:41 is a pivotal moment in the Maccabean Revolt, marking a shift in the way the Jewish people under Mattathias and his sons would respond to attacks on the Sabbath. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"And they took counsel on that day...": This refers to Mattathias and his followers, who were devout Jews resisting the decrees of the Seleucid Greek rulers that were trying to suppress Jewish religious practices. "That day" likely refers to a Sabbath day when they had been attacked.
"...saying, whoever shall come against us to battle on the Sabbath day, let us fight against him...": This is the core decision. Prior to this, devout Jews had refused to defend themselves on the Sabbath, believing it was a violation of God's commandment to keep the Sabbath holy. This led to them being easily slaughtered by their enemies who knew they wouldn't fight back. This statement marks a radical departure from that tradition. They decide that self-preservation takes precedence when attacked on the Sabbath.
"...and we shall in no wise all die, as our kindred died in the secret places.": This explains the reasoning behind their decision. "Our kindred" refers to other Jews who had been killed because they refused to fight back on the Sabbath. "Secret places" likely refers to caves or other hiding places where they sought refuge, but were discovered and killed because they would not defend themselves. The verse highlights the dire consequences of their previous inaction and their determination not to repeat that mistake. They are acknowledging the tragedy and making a pragmatic decision to ensure their survival.
In essence, this verse signifies:
A major shift in strategy during the Maccabean Revolt.
A recognition of the need for self-defense, even on the Sabbath, to prevent annihilation.
A pragmatic interpretation of Jewish law in the face of persecution.
The survival of the Jewish people became more important than strict adherence to Sabbath observance, and the Jewish people determined to defend themselves when attacked, even on the Sabbath.
This decision was controversial, as it potentially violated the traditional interpretation of Sabbath law. However, it was deemed necessary for the survival of the Jewish community and the preservation of their faith. It set a precedent that would be debated and reinterpreted throughout Jewish history.
1 maccabees 2:41 - And they took counsel on that day, saying, whoever shall come against us to battle on the Sabbath day, let us fight against him, and we shall in no wise all die, as our kindred died in the secret places.
What does "1 maccabees 2:41" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 2:41 is a pivotal moment in the Maccabean Revolt, marking a shift in the way the Jewish people under Mattathias and his sons would respond to attacks on the Sabbath. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"And they took counsel on that day...": This refers to Mattathias and his followers, who were devout Jews resisting the decrees of the Seleucid Greek rulers that were trying to suppress Jewish religious practices. "That day" likely refers to a Sabbath day when they had been attacked.
"...saying, whoever shall come against us to battle on the Sabbath day, let us fight against him...": This is the core decision. Prior to this, devout Jews had refused to defend themselves on the Sabbath, believing it was a violation of God's commandment to keep the Sabbath holy. This led to them being easily slaughtered by their enemies who knew they wouldn't fight back. This statement marks a radical departure from that tradition. They decide that self-preservation takes precedence when attacked on the Sabbath.
"...and we shall in no wise all die, as our kindred died in the secret places.": This explains the reasoning behind their decision. "Our kindred" refers to other Jews who had been killed because they refused to fight back on the Sabbath. "Secret places" likely refers to caves or other hiding places where they sought refuge, but were discovered and killed because they would not defend themselves. The verse highlights the dire consequences of their previous inaction and their determination not to repeat that mistake. They are acknowledging the tragedy and making a pragmatic decision to ensure their survival.
In essence, this verse signifies:
A major shift in strategy during the Maccabean Revolt.
A recognition of the need for self-defense, even on the Sabbath, to prevent annihilation.
A pragmatic interpretation of Jewish law in the face of persecution.
The survival of the Jewish people became more important than strict adherence to Sabbath observance, and the Jewish people determined to defend themselves when attacked, even on the Sabbath.
This decision was controversial, as it potentially violated the traditional interpretation of Sabbath law. However, it was deemed necessary for the survival of the Jewish community and the preservation of their faith. It set a precedent that would be debated and reinterpreted throughout Jewish history.