This verse from 1 Maccabees 7:49 describes the establishment of an annual commemoration of a specific victory. Let's break it down:
"And they ordained to keep this day year by year": This means they formally decided to celebrate this particular day every year as an annual event or festival. The word "ordained" suggests an official or decreed establishment.
"to wit, the thirteenth day of Adar": "To wit" is an archaic phrase meaning "that is to say" or "specifically." So, this specifies that the day being commemorated annually is the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar.
Context within 1 Maccabees 7:
To fully understand this, consider the context of 1 Maccabees 7:
The chapter describes a period of turmoil and conflict between the Maccabean rebels (led by Judas Maccabeus) and the Seleucid Empire.
Specifically, around verse 46-50, it narrates the defeat of Nicanor, a Seleucid general, by Judas Maccabeus. This victory was particularly significant and a turning point.
Therefore, the verse 1 Maccabees 7:49 means that the Jewish people established an annual celebration to remember and commemorate the victory over Nicanor that occurred on the 13th of Adar.
Significance:
This verse is important because it highlights:
The importance of historical memory: The people saw the need to remember significant events and preserve their cultural and religious identity through annual celebrations.
The significance of the victory: The victory over Nicanor was seen as crucial enough to warrant annual commemoration.
The roots of Purim-like celebrations: While the victory on the 13th of Adar is distinct from Purim (which falls on the 14th of Adar), some scholars suggest that the celebrations related to Nicanor's defeat influenced the development of Purim traditions. Both celebrations involve commemorating victories over enemies. However, it's crucial to understand they are distinct celebrations with separate origins and narratives.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 7:49 describes the establishment of an annual commemoration of a specific victory. Let's break it down:
"And they ordained to keep this day year by year": This means they formally decided to celebrate this particular day every year as an annual event or festival. The word "ordained" suggests an official or decreed establishment.
"to wit, the thirteenth day of Adar": "To wit" is an archaic phrase meaning "that is to say" or "specifically." So, this specifies that the day being commemorated annually is the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar.
Context within 1 Maccabees 7:
To fully understand this, consider the context of 1 Maccabees 7:
The chapter describes a period of turmoil and conflict between the Maccabean rebels (led by Judas Maccabeus) and the Seleucid Empire.
Specifically, around verse 46-50, it narrates the defeat of Nicanor, a Seleucid general, by Judas Maccabeus. This victory was particularly significant and a turning point.
Therefore, the verse 1 Maccabees 7:49 means that the Jewish people established an annual celebration to remember and commemorate the victory over Nicanor that occurred on the 13th of Adar.
Significance:
This verse is important because it highlights:
The importance of historical memory: The people saw the need to remember significant events and preserve their cultural and religious identity through annual celebrations.
The significance of the victory: The victory over Nicanor was seen as crucial enough to warrant annual commemoration.
The roots of Purim-like celebrations: While the victory on the 13th of Adar is distinct from Purim (which falls on the 14th of Adar), some scholars suggest that the celebrations related to Nicanor's defeat influenced the development of Purim traditions. Both celebrations involve commemorating victories over enemies. However, it's crucial to understand they are distinct celebrations with separate origins and narratives.
