This verse from 1 Maccabees 9:70 describes a situation where Jonathan, now the leader of the Jewish rebels following the death of his brother Judas Maccabeus, is seeking peace with a rival faction or ruler. Let's break it down:
"And Jonathan had knowledge thereof...": Jonathan became aware of something. The context of 1 Maccabees 9 suggests he learned of the weakened position of a rival leader or group, likely the Seleucid Empire or a related authority in the region.
"...and sent ambassadors to him...": Jonathan dispatched representatives to this rival ruler. An "ambassador" is a person sent as a diplomatic representative on a special mission.
"...to the end that they should make peace with him...": The purpose of sending the ambassadors was to negotiate a peace treaty. Jonathan sought a formal cessation of hostilities and a peaceful relationship with the other party.
"...and that he should restore to them the captives.": As a condition for peace, Jonathan demanded the return of Jewish captives held by the other side. This was a common objective in ancient warfare, as captives were often enslaved or held for ransom.
In essence, the verse describes Jonathan initiating peace talks with a hostile entity and setting the release of Jewish prisoners as a key term of the agreement.
This verse highlights Jonathan's diplomatic skills and strategic thinking. Even while facing challenges as a rebel leader, he recognized the value of negotiating peace and securing the release of his people. It also shows the ongoing conflict and shifting power dynamics of the Maccabean Revolt.
This verse from 1 Maccabees 9:70 describes a situation where Jonathan, now the leader of the Jewish rebels following the death of his brother Judas Maccabeus, is seeking peace with a rival faction or ruler. Let's break it down:
"And Jonathan had knowledge thereof...": Jonathan became aware of something. The context of 1 Maccabees 9 suggests he learned of the weakened position of a rival leader or group, likely the Seleucid Empire or a related authority in the region.
"...and sent ambassadors to him...": Jonathan dispatched representatives to this rival ruler. An "ambassador" is a person sent as a diplomatic representative on a special mission.
"...to the end that they should make peace with him...": The purpose of sending the ambassadors was to negotiate a peace treaty. Jonathan sought a formal cessation of hostilities and a peaceful relationship with the other party.
"...and that he should restore to them the captives.": As a condition for peace, Jonathan demanded the return of Jewish captives held by the other side. This was a common objective in ancient warfare, as captives were often enslaved or held for ransom.
In essence, the verse describes Jonathan initiating peace talks with a hostile entity and setting the release of Jewish prisoners as a key term of the agreement.
This verse highlights Jonathan's diplomatic skills and strategic thinking. Even while facing challenges as a rebel leader, he recognized the value of negotiating peace and securing the release of his people. It also shows the ongoing conflict and shifting power dynamics of the Maccabean Revolt.