The verse "now therefore let us give the right hand to these men, and make peace with them and with all their nation," from 1 Maccabees 6:58 reflects a moment of strategic negotiation and compromise during the Maccabean Revolt. Here's a breakdown of what it means in context:

Context: This verse occurs within the story of the Seleucid King Antiochus V Eupator's campaign against the Jewish rebels led by Judas Maccabeus. Antiochus V has laid siege to Beth-zur and the situation is difficult.
"Let us give the right hand": Giving the right hand was a common symbol of friendship, agreement, and the sealing of a covenant or treaty. It signified trust and commitment to the terms of the agreement.
"These men": This refers to the Jewish defenders of Beth-zur.
"Make peace with them and with all their nation": This indicates a desire to end the conflict with the Jewish people as a whole.

In essence, the verse means the Seleucid leadership is proposing a peace treaty with the Jewish people, acknowledging the need to end the conflict and establish a peaceful relationship.

Reasons for this proposal:

Military Difficulty: The Seleucid army was facing a stubborn defense at Beth-zur and elsewhere. The revolt was proving to be more difficult and costly than anticipated.
Internal Pressures: Antiochus V was young and facing challenges to his rule. The campaign in Judea might have been draining resources needed elsewhere.
Pragmatism: The Seleucid leadership might have recognized that completely crushing the Jewish resistance was unlikely and that a compromise was the more practical solution.

The passage represents a significant shift in the conflict. While previous Seleucid rulers had been bent on suppressing Jewish religious practices and culture, Antiochus V seems willing to negotiate and concede some level of autonomy to the Jewish people in order to secure peace. The peace didn't last long, but it was a respite in a turbulent period.