This verse from 2 Maccabees 1:5 expresses a desire for God's forgiveness, attention, and unwavering support, especially during hardship. Let's break it down:
"and hearken to your supplications": This means "listen carefully to your prayers and requests." It's a plea for God to pay attention to their needs and petitions.
"and be reconciled with you": This refers to restoring a broken relationship with God. It implies that the people have done something to offend or distance themselves from God and are seeking forgiveness and a return to a harmonious relationship. "Reconciliation" means being brought back into a state of agreement and friendship.
"and not forsake you in an evil time": This is a prayer for God's continued presence and support during difficult and challenging periods. It expresses a hope that God will not abandon them when they are suffering or facing adversity. To be "forsaken" means to be abandoned or deserted. An "evil time" refers to a period of trouble, suffering, or wickedness.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a heartfelt prayer asking God to:
1. Hear their prayers.
2. Forgive them and restore their relationship with Him.
3. Remain with them and support them, especially during times of hardship and suffering.
It reflects a desire for divine mercy, reconciliation, and unwavering support in the face of adversity, which are common themes in Jewish and Christian scripture. It also implies the belief that humans can stray from God's path and need to actively seek his forgiveness and restoration to a right relationship.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 1:5 expresses a desire for God's forgiveness, attention, and unwavering support, especially during hardship. Let's break it down:
"and hearken to your supplications": This means "listen carefully to your prayers and requests." It's a plea for God to pay attention to their needs and petitions.
"and be reconciled with you": This refers to restoring a broken relationship with God. It implies that the people have done something to offend or distance themselves from God and are seeking forgiveness and a return to a harmonious relationship. "Reconciliation" means being brought back into a state of agreement and friendship.
"and not forsake you in an evil time": This is a prayer for God's continued presence and support during difficult and challenging periods. It expresses a hope that God will not abandon them when they are suffering or facing adversity. To be "forsaken" means to be abandoned or deserted. An "evil time" refers to a period of trouble, suffering, or wickedness.
Overall Meaning:
The verse is a heartfelt prayer asking God to:
1. Hear their prayers.
2. Forgive them and restore their relationship with Him.
3. Remain with them and support them, especially during times of hardship and suffering.
It reflects a desire for divine mercy, reconciliation, and unwavering support in the face of adversity, which are common themes in Jewish and Christian scripture. It also implies the belief that humans can stray from God's path and need to actively seek his forgiveness and restoration to a right relationship.