2 esdras 16:68 - For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you with that which is slain to idols.
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What does "2 esdras 16:68" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 16:68 describes a time of great persecution and suffering for the Jewish people, likely during the period the book was written (around the late 1st century CE). Let's break down the meaning:
"For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you": This refers to a widespread and intense anger directed towards the Jewish community. The "great multitude" likely symbolizes the non-Jewish people among whom the Jews lived, perhaps fueled by political, religious, or economic tensions. "Kindled" implies that this wrath is about to explode into action.
"and they shall take away certain of you": This means that some Jews will be captured or arrested by the hostile "multitude." It suggests a selective targeting rather than a total extermination.
"and feed you with that which is slain to idols": This is the crux of the religious persecution. Being forced to eat food sacrificed to idols was a direct violation of Jewish dietary laws and a symbolic act of forced conversion or renunciation of their faith. It was considered a profound defilement and a betrayal of God. This was commonly used as a method of trying to force someone to renounce their faith or commit apostasy.
Overall Interpretation:
The verse paints a grim picture of a future where the Jewish people will face:
Widespread Hostility: Intense anger from the non-Jewish population.
Selective Persecution: Some Jews will be targeted, arrested, or captured.
Forced Apostasy: Being compelled to eat food sacrificed to idols as a way to break their faith and force them to renounce their God.
Historical Context:
2 Esdras, or 4 Ezra, is an apocalyptic text that seeks to explain the suffering of the Jewish people and offer them hope during times of crisis. The book was written during a period of significant upheaval, likely after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Many scholars believe that the book reflects the trauma and anxiety of the Jewish community following this event. The imagery of persecution and forced idolatry likely draws on historical experiences and anxieties about potential future oppressions under Roman rule or other foreign powers.
In essence, the verse serves as a warning and a call to remain steadfast in faith, even in the face of severe persecution. The author uses vivid imagery to underscore the gravity of the situation and to urge readers to maintain their religious identity in the midst of adversity.
2 esdras 16:68 - For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you, and they shall take away certain of you, and feed you with that which is slain to idols.
What does "2 esdras 16:68" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 16:68 describes a time of great persecution and suffering for the Jewish people, likely during the period the book was written (around the late 1st century CE). Let's break down the meaning:
"For, behold, the burning wrath of a great multitude is kindled over you": This refers to a widespread and intense anger directed towards the Jewish community. The "great multitude" likely symbolizes the non-Jewish people among whom the Jews lived, perhaps fueled by political, religious, or economic tensions. "Kindled" implies that this wrath is about to explode into action.
"and they shall take away certain of you": This means that some Jews will be captured or arrested by the hostile "multitude." It suggests a selective targeting rather than a total extermination.
"and feed you with that which is slain to idols": This is the crux of the religious persecution. Being forced to eat food sacrificed to idols was a direct violation of Jewish dietary laws and a symbolic act of forced conversion or renunciation of their faith. It was considered a profound defilement and a betrayal of God. This was commonly used as a method of trying to force someone to renounce their faith or commit apostasy.
Overall Interpretation:
The verse paints a grim picture of a future where the Jewish people will face:
Widespread Hostility: Intense anger from the non-Jewish population.
Selective Persecution: Some Jews will be targeted, arrested, or captured.
Forced Apostasy: Being compelled to eat food sacrificed to idols as a way to break their faith and force them to renounce their God.
Historical Context:
2 Esdras, or 4 Ezra, is an apocalyptic text that seeks to explain the suffering of the Jewish people and offer them hope during times of crisis. The book was written during a period of significant upheaval, likely after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Many scholars believe that the book reflects the trauma and anxiety of the Jewish community following this event. The imagery of persecution and forced idolatry likely draws on historical experiences and anxieties about potential future oppressions under Roman rule or other foreign powers.
In essence, the verse serves as a warning and a call to remain steadfast in faith, even in the face of severe persecution. The author uses vivid imagery to underscore the gravity of the situation and to urge readers to maintain their religious identity in the midst of adversity.