This verse from 1 Maccabees 9:35 is part of the narrative describing the conflict between Jonathan Maccabeus and his brother Simon against their Seleucid Greek enemies. Let's break down what's happening:
"And Jonathan sent his brother, a leader of the multitude...": Jonathan, recognizing the need to secure their belongings, sends his brother (likely Simon, though not explicitly stated here - other passages confirm Simon was often in charge of logistics and defense) who is a leader among the Jewish people. The "multitude" refers to the Jewish people following Jonathan.
"...and implored his friends the Nabathaeans...": Jonathan is using his connections. The Nabathaeans were an Arab people inhabiting the region south and east of Judea. They were known for their trade and were generally independent. In this context, Jonathan considers them friends, meaning they have a somewhat amicable relationship, and Jonathan is pleading for their help. He hopes to get the Nabataeans to agree to something.
"...that they might leave with them their baggage, which was much.": This clarifies the "help" Jonathan is seeking. The Jewish fighters, under pressure from their enemies, need a safe place to store their supplies and personal belongings ("baggage"). This baggage could include weapons, food, clothing, and other necessities for survival. The phrase "which was much" indicates they had a significant amount of belongings to protect.
In summary:
Jonathan, facing military pressure, sends his brother (probably Simon) to ask their allies, the Nabathaeans, to safeguard the Jewish people's belongings. This suggests that Jonathan anticipated a dangerous situation where they might need to move quickly or engage in battle without the burden of their supplies. He's essentially asking the Nabathaeans for temporary safe storage for their belongings, so the people can be more mobile.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 9:35 is part of the narrative describing the conflict between Jonathan Maccabeus and his brother Simon against their Seleucid Greek enemies. Let's break down what's happening:
"And Jonathan sent his brother, a leader of the multitude...": Jonathan, recognizing the need to secure their belongings, sends his brother (likely Simon, though not explicitly stated here - other passages confirm Simon was often in charge of logistics and defense) who is a leader among the Jewish people. The "multitude" refers to the Jewish people following Jonathan.
"...and implored his friends the Nabathaeans...": Jonathan is using his connections. The Nabathaeans were an Arab people inhabiting the region south and east of Judea. They were known for their trade and were generally independent. In this context, Jonathan considers them friends, meaning they have a somewhat amicable relationship, and Jonathan is pleading for their help. He hopes to get the Nabataeans to agree to something.
"...that they might leave with them their baggage, which was much.": This clarifies the "help" Jonathan is seeking. The Jewish fighters, under pressure from their enemies, need a safe place to store their supplies and personal belongings ("baggage"). This baggage could include weapons, food, clothing, and other necessities for survival. The phrase "which was much" indicates they had a significant amount of belongings to protect.
In summary:
Jonathan, facing military pressure, sends his brother (probably Simon) to ask their allies, the Nabathaeans, to safeguard the Jewish people's belongings. This suggests that Jonathan anticipated a dangerous situation where they might need to move quickly or engage in battle without the burden of their supplies. He's essentially asking the Nabathaeans for temporary safe storage for their belongings, so the people can be more mobile.
