1 maccabees 8:19 - And they went to Rome (and the way was exceeding long), and they entered into the senate house, and answered and said,

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 8:19

What does "1 maccabees 8:19" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 8:19 describes a diplomatic mission by the Maccabees to Rome. Let's break it down:

"And they went to Rome (and the way was exceeding long)": This indicates that representatives of the Jewish people (likely Judas Maccabeus, though he himself did not travel) undertook a difficult and lengthy journey to reach Rome. The parenthetical comment emphasizes the distance and effort involved, highlighting the importance they placed on this mission. Rome was a major power at the time, far from Judea.

"and they entered into the senate house": The senate house was the central governing body in the Roman Republic. This shows that the Maccabean representatives were granted an audience with a powerful and influential political institution. This access underscores the seriousness with which the Romans treated the Maccabees.

"and answered and said,": This introduces the content of the speech or message delivered by the Maccabean envoys to the Roman Senate. They presented their case, likely seeking an alliance and recognition of their independence from the Seleucid Empire.

In summary, this verse establishes that the Maccabees made a significant effort to forge a relationship with Rome, gaining access to the highest levels of the Roman government. This was a strategic move aimed at strengthening their position and securing support in their fight for independence.