1 maccabees 2:47 - And they pursued after the sons of pride, and the work prospered in their hand.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 2:47

What does "1 maccabees 2:47" mean?


This verse, "And they pursued after the sons of pride, and the work prospered in their hand," from 1 Maccabees 2:47, describes the initial successes of the Maccabean revolt led by Mattathias and his sons. Let's break it down:

"And they pursued after the sons of pride...": This refers to the Maccabees actively fighting against those who were considered arrogant and oppressive. "Sons of pride" is a term used to describe those who were imposing Hellenistic (Greek) customs and beliefs on the Jewish people and persecuting those who remained faithful to Jewish law and traditions. It's a derogatory term highlighting their perceived arrogance and disregard for Jewish identity. The people they are pursuing are primarily the Seleucid Greek officials and the Hellenized Jews who collaborated with them.

"...and the work prospered in their hand.": This means that their efforts to fight against the oppressors and defend their faith were successful. The "work" refers to their rebellion, their efforts to purify the land and restore Jewish practices, and their attempts to preserve their religious and cultural identity. The phrase "prospered in their hand" suggests that God was with them, blessing their efforts and allowing them to achieve victories.

In summary, the verse means that the Maccabees actively fought against the arrogant Hellenizers and their Seleucid overlords, and their rebellion was initially successful, indicating divine favor.

Context and Significance:

This verse appears early in the Book of Maccabees, immediately after Mattathias slays a Jew who was sacrificing to an idol in Modin, sparking the rebellion. It sets the tone for the rest of the book, highlighting the righteous zeal of the Maccabees and their initial successes in resisting oppression. The idea that their "work prospered in their hand" is crucial. It establishes that they are fighting for a just cause and have divine support.

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