This verse from 1 Maccabees 5:16 describes a moment of crisis and response within the Jewish community during the Maccabean revolt. Let's break it down:
"Now when Judas and the people heard these words...": This refers to Judas Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish rebellion, and the Jewish populace who were his followers. They received some kind of report or news. What that news was would be found in the surrounding verses.
"...there assembled together a great congregation...": In response to the news they had received, a large gathering of Jewish people took place. This indicates a sense of urgency and importance.
"...to consult what they should do for their kindred...": The purpose of the gathering was to deliberate or discuss the best course of action. They were concerned about the fate of their fellow Jewish people.
"...that were in tribulation, and were assaulted of them.": This clarifies the specific issue. Their "kindred" (fellow Jews) were suffering hardship ("in tribulation") and were under attack ("assaulted") by unspecified enemies (simply referred to as "them").
In summary, the verse describes a crisis meeting called by Judas Maccabeus and other Jewish leaders in response to news that their fellow Jews were in danger and under attack. The purpose of the meeting was to decide how to help their kinsmen in distress.
Context within 1 Maccabees: To fully understand the verse, it's important to know the context of 1 Maccabees. The book tells the story of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire, which was trying to Hellenize (impose Greek culture upon) Judea. This verse likely refers to Jews living in outlying areas of Judea or in neighboring regions who were being targeted by hostile local populations or Seleucid forces due to their Jewish identity. The surrounding verses in 1 Maccabees 5 provide the specific details of the situation to which the people are responding.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 5:16 describes a moment of crisis and response within the Jewish community during the Maccabean revolt. Let's break it down:
"Now when Judas and the people heard these words...": This refers to Judas Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish rebellion, and the Jewish populace who were his followers. They received some kind of report or news. What that news was would be found in the surrounding verses.
"...there assembled together a great congregation...": In response to the news they had received, a large gathering of Jewish people took place. This indicates a sense of urgency and importance.
"...to consult what they should do for their kindred...": The purpose of the gathering was to deliberate or discuss the best course of action. They were concerned about the fate of their fellow Jewish people.
"...that were in tribulation, and were assaulted of them.": This clarifies the specific issue. Their "kindred" (fellow Jews) were suffering hardship ("in tribulation") and were under attack ("assaulted") by unspecified enemies (simply referred to as "them").
In summary, the verse describes a crisis meeting called by Judas Maccabeus and other Jewish leaders in response to news that their fellow Jews were in danger and under attack. The purpose of the meeting was to decide how to help their kinsmen in distress.
Context within 1 Maccabees: To fully understand the verse, it's important to know the context of 1 Maccabees. The book tells the story of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire, which was trying to Hellenize (impose Greek culture upon) Judea. This verse likely refers to Jews living in outlying areas of Judea or in neighboring regions who were being targeted by hostile local populations or Seleucid forces due to their Jewish identity. The surrounding verses in 1 Maccabees 5 provide the specific details of the situation to which the people are responding.
