1 maccabees 4:28 - And in the next year he gathered together threescore thousand chosen footmen, and five thousand horse, that he might subdue them.

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 4:28

What does "1 maccabees 4:28" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 4:28 describes Judas Maccabeus raising an army in preparation for battle. Let's break it down:

"And in the next year...": This refers to the year following a previous event, likely a military victory or period of relative peace. It signifies a continuation of the conflict.

"...he gathered together threescore thousand chosen footmen...": "Threescore" means sixty. So, this indicates Judas assembled 60,000 carefully selected infantry soldiers (footmen). The word "chosen" suggests these were experienced or particularly skilled soldiers, not just a random levy.

"...and five thousand horse...": This means he also gathered 5,000 cavalry soldiers (horsemen). Cavalry were often used for scouting, flanking maneuvers, and charging into enemy lines.

"...that he might subdue them.": This explains the purpose of the army: to conquer or defeat their enemies, who are likely the Seleucid Greeks, the antagonists in the Book of Maccabees.

In essence, the verse means that Judas Maccabeus, in the following year, built up a substantial and well-selected army of 60,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry with the goal of defeating his adversaries, the Seleucid Empire.

This verse demonstrates the scale of the Maccabean Revolt and the serious preparations Judas was making for war. The large numbers suggest the revolt was gaining momentum and becoming a significant threat to the Seleucid control over Judea.

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