This verse from 1 Maccabees 7:10 describes a specific historical event and highlights treachery:
"And they removed, and came with a great army into the land of Judah..." - This refers to a Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) army moving into the region of Judah (Judea). The Seleucids were the ruling power over this territory at the time. The phrase "great army" emphasizes the significant military threat posed to the Jewish people who were resisting Seleucid rule.
"...and he sent messengers to Judas and his kindred with words of peace deceitfully." - The "he" likely refers to a Seleucid commander or official (depending on the broader context of the chapter, it is likely Alcimus and Bacchides). This person sent messengers to Judas Maccabeus (the leader of the Jewish revolt) and his relatives (his brothers and allies). However, the "words of peace" offered were "deceitful," meaning they were a lie or a trick. The Seleucids were pretending to seek a peaceful resolution, but their true intention was likely to weaken or capture Judas and his followers to crush the rebellion.
In essence, the verse depicts the arrival of a large enemy army and the use of false peace overtures as a tactic to betray Judas Maccabeus and his forces. This demonstrates the treacherous and manipulative nature of the Seleucid rulers in their attempt to suppress the Jewish revolt. It sets the stage for further conflict and highlights the dangers faced by Judas and his followers.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 7:10 describes a specific historical event and highlights treachery:
"And they removed, and came with a great army into the land of Judah..." - This refers to a Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) army moving into the region of Judah (Judea). The Seleucids were the ruling power over this territory at the time. The phrase "great army" emphasizes the significant military threat posed to the Jewish people who were resisting Seleucid rule.
"...and he sent messengers to Judas and his kindred with words of peace deceitfully." - The "he" likely refers to a Seleucid commander or official (depending on the broader context of the chapter, it is likely Alcimus and Bacchides). This person sent messengers to Judas Maccabeus (the leader of the Jewish revolt) and his relatives (his brothers and allies). However, the "words of peace" offered were "deceitful," meaning they were a lie or a trick. The Seleucids were pretending to seek a peaceful resolution, but their true intention was likely to weaken or capture Judas and his followers to crush the rebellion.
In essence, the verse depicts the arrival of a large enemy army and the use of false peace overtures as a tactic to betray Judas Maccabeus and his forces. This demonstrates the treacherous and manipulative nature of the Seleucid rulers in their attempt to suppress the Jewish revolt. It sets the stage for further conflict and highlights the dangers faced by Judas and his followers.
