1 maccabees 6:18 - And those who were in the citadel shut up Israel round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the Gentiles.
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What does "1 maccabees 6:18" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 6:18 describes a tense and hostile situation in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"And those who were in the citadel...": The "citadel" refers to the Akra, a fortified structure built by the Seleucid Greeks within Jerusalem. It was a symbol of foreign occupation and a base of power for those loyal to the Seleucid king (and those who had assimilated into their culture, often referred to as Hellenizers).
"...shut up Israel round about the sanctuary...": This indicates that the Akra was strategically positioned to control access to the Temple Mount (the "sanctuary"), the holiest place for the Jews. The Akra's garrison could effectively isolate the Temple and prevent the Jews from freely practicing their religion. This implies a siege-like scenario.
"...and sought always their hurt...": The Akra's garrison was constantly looking for opportunities to harm the Jewish population. This could include raiding, harassment, sabotage, and acts of violence against those trying to worship or travel to the Temple.
"...and the strengthening of the Gentiles.": The garrison actively worked to support and empower the "Gentiles" (non-Jewish people, specifically those loyal to the Seleucids) within Jerusalem and the surrounding area. This involved bolstering their political influence, military strength, and economic power, further marginalizing the Jewish population.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of the Akra as a hostile outpost, actively suppressing the Jewish population, preventing free access to the Temple, and promoting the power of the Seleucid Greek authorities and their supporters. It highlights the deep religious and political conflict between the Jewish people and the Seleucid Empire during the Maccabean Revolt.
1 maccabees 6:18 - And those who were in the citadel shut up Israel round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the Gentiles.
What does "1 maccabees 6:18" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 6:18 describes a tense and hostile situation in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"And those who were in the citadel...": The "citadel" refers to the Akra, a fortified structure built by the Seleucid Greeks within Jerusalem. It was a symbol of foreign occupation and a base of power for those loyal to the Seleucid king (and those who had assimilated into their culture, often referred to as Hellenizers).
"...shut up Israel round about the sanctuary...": This indicates that the Akra was strategically positioned to control access to the Temple Mount (the "sanctuary"), the holiest place for the Jews. The Akra's garrison could effectively isolate the Temple and prevent the Jews from freely practicing their religion. This implies a siege-like scenario.
"...and sought always their hurt...": The Akra's garrison was constantly looking for opportunities to harm the Jewish population. This could include raiding, harassment, sabotage, and acts of violence against those trying to worship or travel to the Temple.
"...and the strengthening of the Gentiles.": The garrison actively worked to support and empower the "Gentiles" (non-Jewish people, specifically those loyal to the Seleucids) within Jerusalem and the surrounding area. This involved bolstering their political influence, military strength, and economic power, further marginalizing the Jewish population.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of the Akra as a hostile outpost, actively suppressing the Jewish population, preventing free access to the Temple, and promoting the power of the Seleucid Greek authorities and their supporters. It highlights the deep religious and political conflict between the Jewish people and the Seleucid Empire during the Maccabean Revolt.