This verse from 1 Maccabees 7:29 describes a moment of deception and peril during the conflict between Judas Maccabeus and his forces, and the Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) army and their collaborators. Let's break it down:
"And he came to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably." This refers to an envoy or representative (likely from the Seleucid side) approaching Judas Maccabeus. The phrase "saluted one another peaceably" indicates a show of diplomacy and apparent good intentions. The envoy likely carried messages or proposals, attempting to create a facade of peaceful negotiation.
"And the enemies were ready to take away Judas by violence." This reveals the treacherous nature of the encounter. Despite the outward appearance of peace, Judas's enemies (likely Seleucid soldiers or their allies) were secretly positioned to seize him by force. This indicates the peaceful salutation was a ruse intended to lower Judas's guard and allow for his capture.
In essence, the verse depicts a trap:
The Seleucids are attempting to capture Judas Maccabeus under the guise of peaceful negotiation. They aim to surprise and overpower him, thereby eliminating a key leader of the Jewish rebellion. The contrast between the "peaceable" greeting and the hidden threat highlights the duplicity and the precarious situation facing Judas Maccabeus and his followers. This kind of betrayal was a common theme during the Maccabean revolt, and this verse is setting the scene for a further development of the conflict.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 7:29 describes a moment of deception and peril during the conflict between Judas Maccabeus and his forces, and the Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) army and their collaborators. Let's break it down:
"And he came to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably." This refers to an envoy or representative (likely from the Seleucid side) approaching Judas Maccabeus. The phrase "saluted one another peaceably" indicates a show of diplomacy and apparent good intentions. The envoy likely carried messages or proposals, attempting to create a facade of peaceful negotiation.
"And the enemies were ready to take away Judas by violence." This reveals the treacherous nature of the encounter. Despite the outward appearance of peace, Judas's enemies (likely Seleucid soldiers or their allies) were secretly positioned to seize him by force. This indicates the peaceful salutation was a ruse intended to lower Judas's guard and allow for his capture.
In essence, the verse depicts a trap:
The Seleucids are attempting to capture Judas Maccabeus under the guise of peaceful negotiation. They aim to surprise and overpower him, thereby eliminating a key leader of the Jewish rebellion. The contrast between the "peaceable" greeting and the hidden threat highlights the duplicity and the precarious situation facing Judas Maccabeus and his followers. This kind of betrayal was a common theme during the Maccabean revolt, and this verse is setting the scene for a further development of the conflict.