1 maccabees 3:39 - and with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven thousand horse, to go into the land of Judah, and to destroy it, according to the word of the king.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 3:39

What does "1 maccabees 3:39" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 3:39 describes a military force sent by the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes (or his regent) to invade and destroy the land of Judah. Let's break down the meaning:

"and with them he sent forty thousand footmen...": This indicates a large infantry contingent of 40,000 soldiers. These footmen would be the primary fighting force, engaging in close combat and siege warfare.
"...and seven thousand horse...": This refers to a cavalry force of 7,000 horsemen. Cavalry was important for scouting, flanking maneuvers, and pursuit. While smaller in number than the infantry, cavalry was a powerful component of the army.
"...to go into the land of Judah...": This clearly states the destination of the military force: the territory of Judah, the Jewish homeland.
"...and to destroy it...": This is the core of the verse's meaning. The Seleucid king's intention was to devastate the land of Judah. This likely involved not just military conquest, but also the destruction of cities, religious sites, and the suppression of the Jewish people.
"...according to the word of the king.": This emphasizes that the invasion and destruction were carried out on the direct orders of the king. This underscores the deliberate and official nature of the aggression.

In summary, the verse means that the Seleucid king sent a large and powerful army to invade Judah with the explicit purpose of destroying it, reflecting the Seleucid policy of suppressing Jewish religious practices and asserting their control over the region.

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