1 maccabees 3:15 - And there went up with him also a mighty army of the ungodly to help him, to take vengeance on the children of Israel.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 3:15

What does "1 maccabees 3:15" mean?


This verse, 1 Maccabees 3:15, describes the forces arrayed against the Jewish rebels led by Judas Maccabeus. Let's break it down:

"And there went up with him..." "Him" refers to Apollonius, a Syrian general. The passage indicates that a force was dispatched alongside Apollonius to confront the Jewish rebels.

"...also a mighty army of the ungodly..." This is a key phrase. "Mighty army" suggests a significant military force. "Ungodly" is how the author of 1 Maccabees describes the enemies of the Jewish people. It's a term used to denote those who did not follow the laws and customs of Judaism, and were often seen as impious or wicked. This term is used to show a contrast to the Israelites, who were supposed to be Godly.

"...to help him, to take vengeance on the children of Israel." This explains the purpose of the army: to assist Apollonius in retaliating against the Israelites. "Vengeance" implies that the Syrian Seleucid government, represented by Apollonius, felt wronged or challenged by the Jewish people and sought to punish them. The "children of Israel" refers to the Jewish people who were resisting the Seleucid king's attempts to Hellenize them and suppress their religious practices.

In essence, the verse depicts a large, impious army sent by the Seleucid Empire, under the command of Apollonius, to suppress the Jewish rebellion and punish the Jewish people for their resistance.

Historical Context:

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Maccabean Revolt. The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes had attempted to impose Hellenistic culture and religious practices on the Jews, which led to widespread resistance. This verse describes one of the early battles in that revolt, where the Seleucid forces aimed to crush the Jewish rebellion.

What categories does "1 maccabees 3:15" have?