1 maccabees 2:64 - And you⌃, my children, be strong, and show yourselves men in behalf of the law; for therein shall you⌃ obtain glory.
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What does "1 maccabees 2:64" mean?
This verse, from 1 Maccabees 2:64, is part of the final instructions of Mattathias, the father of the Maccabees, to his sons as he is dying. Let's break down the meaning:
"And you, my children, be strong..." This is a direct and powerful exhortation. Mattathias is urging his sons to be courageous and resilient in the face of the challenges they will face.
"...and show yourselves men in behalf of the law..." This is the core of the verse. "Show yourselves men" doesn't just mean be male, but rather, to be brave, righteous, and act with integrity and strength. "In behalf of the law" refers to the Torah, the Jewish law. Mattathias is telling his sons to defend the Torah, even to the point of physical resistance. At this time, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes was attempting to eradicate Jewish practices and enforce Hellenistic customs. Mattathias and his sons were leading the resistance.
"...for therein shall you obtain glory." This explains the reward for their actions. Mattathias assures his sons that by defending the Torah, they will achieve lasting honor and recognition. This "glory" may refer to earthly fame and remembrance, but could also have a spiritual dimension, implying reward in the afterlife or a place in God's favor.
In essence, the verse means:
Mattathias is commanding his sons to be brave and courageous in defending the Jewish faith and the Torah against their oppressors. He promises them that if they do so, they will achieve lasting glory and honor.
Context is Important:
To fully understand this verse, it's crucial to know the historical context. The Maccabean revolt was a desperate struggle for religious freedom and national survival. Antiochus IV's policies were seen as an existential threat to Judaism. Mattathias's words were a call to action, urging his sons to fight for what they believed in, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. He is essentially telling them to be willing to fight and, if necessary, die for their faith because their devotion to God and the law will be remembered forever.
1 maccabees 2:64 - And you⌃, my children, be strong, and show yourselves men in behalf of the law; for therein shall you⌃ obtain glory.
What does "1 maccabees 2:64" mean?
This verse, from 1 Maccabees 2:64, is part of the final instructions of Mattathias, the father of the Maccabees, to his sons as he is dying. Let's break down the meaning:
"And you, my children, be strong..." This is a direct and powerful exhortation. Mattathias is urging his sons to be courageous and resilient in the face of the challenges they will face.
"...and show yourselves men in behalf of the law..." This is the core of the verse. "Show yourselves men" doesn't just mean be male, but rather, to be brave, righteous, and act with integrity and strength. "In behalf of the law" refers to the Torah, the Jewish law. Mattathias is telling his sons to defend the Torah, even to the point of physical resistance. At this time, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes was attempting to eradicate Jewish practices and enforce Hellenistic customs. Mattathias and his sons were leading the resistance.
"...for therein shall you obtain glory." This explains the reward for their actions. Mattathias assures his sons that by defending the Torah, they will achieve lasting honor and recognition. This "glory" may refer to earthly fame and remembrance, but could also have a spiritual dimension, implying reward in the afterlife or a place in God's favor.
In essence, the verse means:
Mattathias is commanding his sons to be brave and courageous in defending the Jewish faith and the Torah against their oppressors. He promises them that if they do so, they will achieve lasting glory and honor.
Context is Important:
To fully understand this verse, it's crucial to know the historical context. The Maccabean revolt was a desperate struggle for religious freedom and national survival. Antiochus IV's policies were seen as an existential threat to Judaism. Mattathias's words were a call to action, urging his sons to fight for what they believed in, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. He is essentially telling them to be willing to fight and, if necessary, die for their faith because their devotion to God and the law will be remembered forever.