2 maccabees 10:14 - But Gorgias, when he was made governor of the district, maintained a force of mercenaries, and at every turn kept up war with the Jews.
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What does "2 maccabees 10:14" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 10:14 describes the actions of Gorgias, who had been appointed governor of a region (likely within the Seleucid Empire, which ruled Judea at the time). Let's break it down:
"But Gorgias, when he was made governor of the district...": This establishes Gorgias as a figure of authority, holding the position of governor over a specific territory. The "district" is likely a region within Judea or a neighboring area under Seleucid control.
"...maintained a force of mercenaries...": Gorgias employed soldiers who were hired for pay, rather than being part of a standing army loyal to the Seleucid king. This was a common practice in ancient times. Mercenaries were often used for their fighting skills and willingness to serve, although they could be less reliable or more prone to looting and other misbehavior if not properly controlled.
"...and at every turn kept up war with the Jews.": This highlights Gorgias' hostile stance toward the Jewish people. He was constantly engaged in conflict or military operations against them. The phrase "at every turn" suggests that he actively sought opportunities to fight or harass the Jewish population.
In summary, this verse portrays Gorgias as an aggressive governor who used mercenary soldiers to continually wage war against the Jews.
Historical Context and Significance:
The book of 2 Maccabees recounts the period of the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE), where Jewish rebels fought against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to Hellenize (impose Greek culture and religion) Judea.
Gorgias was a real historical figure who was a Seleucid general. His actions in the text align with the broader conflict between the Seleucids and the Jewish people who resisted their rule.
This verse underscores the challenges and oppression faced by the Jews during this time. The constant warfare and hostility from figures like Gorgias fueled the Maccabean Revolt and the Jewish struggle for independence.
The reliance on mercenaries also speaks to the Seleucid Empire's military practices and its efforts to maintain control over rebellious regions like Judea.
Essentially, the verse sets the stage for further conflict and portrays Gorgias as a key antagonist in the events described in 2 Maccabees.
2 maccabees 10:14 - But Gorgias, when he was made governor of the district, maintained a force of mercenaries, and at every turn kept up war with the Jews.
What does "2 maccabees 10:14" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 10:14 describes the actions of Gorgias, who had been appointed governor of a region (likely within the Seleucid Empire, which ruled Judea at the time). Let's break it down:
"But Gorgias, when he was made governor of the district...": This establishes Gorgias as a figure of authority, holding the position of governor over a specific territory. The "district" is likely a region within Judea or a neighboring area under Seleucid control.
"...maintained a force of mercenaries...": Gorgias employed soldiers who were hired for pay, rather than being part of a standing army loyal to the Seleucid king. This was a common practice in ancient times. Mercenaries were often used for their fighting skills and willingness to serve, although they could be less reliable or more prone to looting and other misbehavior if not properly controlled.
"...and at every turn kept up war with the Jews.": This highlights Gorgias' hostile stance toward the Jewish people. He was constantly engaged in conflict or military operations against them. The phrase "at every turn" suggests that he actively sought opportunities to fight or harass the Jewish population.
In summary, this verse portrays Gorgias as an aggressive governor who used mercenary soldiers to continually wage war against the Jews.
Historical Context and Significance:
The book of 2 Maccabees recounts the period of the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE), where Jewish rebels fought against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to Hellenize (impose Greek culture and religion) Judea.
Gorgias was a real historical figure who was a Seleucid general. His actions in the text align with the broader conflict between the Seleucids and the Jewish people who resisted their rule.
This verse underscores the challenges and oppression faced by the Jews during this time. The constant warfare and hostility from figures like Gorgias fueled the Maccabean Revolt and the Jewish struggle for independence.
The reliance on mercenaries also speaks to the Seleucid Empire's military practices and its efforts to maintain control over rebellious regions like Judea.
Essentially, the verse sets the stage for further conflict and portrays Gorgias as a key antagonist in the events described in 2 Maccabees.