1 maccabees 9:43 - And Bacchides heard it, and he came on the Sabbath day to the banks of Jordan with a great army.
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What does "1 maccabees 9:43" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 9:43 describes a specific military action by Bacchides, a general of the Seleucid Empire, during the Maccabean Revolt. Let's break down the meaning:
"And Bacchides heard it..." This likely refers to Bacchides receiving intelligence about Jewish rebels led by Jonathan Maccabaeus and his brothers.
"...and he came on the Sabbath day..." This is a crucial detail. The Sabbath is a holy day in Judaism, observed on Saturday, and is meant for rest and religious observance. Jewish law prohibits work on the Sabbath, which, under certain interpretations, could extend to military activity. The choice to attack on the Sabbath day was a calculated decision by Bacchides.
"...to the banks of Jordan..." The Jordan River was a strategically important location. It formed a natural border, and controlling its banks was vital for military movements and securing territory.
"...with a great army." This emphasizes the size and strength of the Seleucid forces commanded by Bacchides. It underscores the challenge faced by the Maccabean rebels.
Combined Meaning and Significance:
The verse portrays Bacchides as an opportunistic and ruthless commander. By attacking on the Sabbath, he likely hoped to catch the Jewish rebels off guard, knowing that they might be less prepared or less willing to fight due to their religious obligations. The verse underscores the stark contrast between the Seleucids, who were willing to exploit Jewish religious practices for military advantage, and the Maccabees, who were fighting to defend their faith and way of life. The location at the Jordan River highlights the strategic importance of the area and sets the stage for a potential battle or confrontation between the Seleucid army and the Maccabean forces.
1 maccabees 9:43 - And Bacchides heard it, and he came on the Sabbath day to the banks of Jordan with a great army.
What does "1 maccabees 9:43" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 9:43 describes a specific military action by Bacchides, a general of the Seleucid Empire, during the Maccabean Revolt. Let's break down the meaning:
"And Bacchides heard it..." This likely refers to Bacchides receiving intelligence about Jewish rebels led by Jonathan Maccabaeus and his brothers.
"...and he came on the Sabbath day..." This is a crucial detail. The Sabbath is a holy day in Judaism, observed on Saturday, and is meant for rest and religious observance. Jewish law prohibits work on the Sabbath, which, under certain interpretations, could extend to military activity. The choice to attack on the Sabbath day was a calculated decision by Bacchides.
"...to the banks of Jordan..." The Jordan River was a strategically important location. It formed a natural border, and controlling its banks was vital for military movements and securing territory.
"...with a great army." This emphasizes the size and strength of the Seleucid forces commanded by Bacchides. It underscores the challenge faced by the Maccabean rebels.
Combined Meaning and Significance:
The verse portrays Bacchides as an opportunistic and ruthless commander. By attacking on the Sabbath, he likely hoped to catch the Jewish rebels off guard, knowing that they might be less prepared or less willing to fight due to their religious obligations. The verse underscores the stark contrast between the Seleucids, who were willing to exploit Jewish religious practices for military advantage, and the Maccabees, who were fighting to defend their faith and way of life. The location at the Jordan River highlights the strategic importance of the area and sets the stage for a potential battle or confrontation between the Seleucid army and the Maccabean forces.