2 maccabees 10:17 - and assaulting them vigorously they made themselves masters of the positions, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and killed those that fell in their way, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
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What does "2 maccabees 10:17" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 10:17 describes a particularly brutal moment in a battle. Let's break down its meaning:
"and assaulting them vigorously they made themselves masters of the positions": This means the attacking force (likely the Maccabees) launched a strong and energetic assault on the enemy, successfully capturing the enemy's fortified positions. "Masters of the positions" implies they seized control of key strategic points, such as towers, gates, or sections of the wall.
"and kept off all that fought upon the wall": After taking the positions, the attackers prevented the remaining defenders from continuing to fight from the wall. They likely did this by pushing them back, eliminating them, or otherwise neutralizing the defenders.
"and killed those that fell in their way": This indicates a merciless pursuit of the enemy. Anyone who crossed the path of the victorious attackers was killed.
"and killed no fewer than twenty thousand": This is a staggering number, and its historical accuracy is debated (as with many large numbers in ancient texts). It suggests a massive slaughter of the enemy. The phrase "no fewer than" could imply the actual number was even higher.
In Summary: The verse portrays a successful and incredibly violent assault by the Maccabees. They captured enemy positions, prevented further defense from the wall, and engaged in a large-scale slaughter, resulting in the death of at least twenty thousand people.
Contextual Considerations:
Historical Accuracy: It is important to note that 2 Maccabees is considered a secondary historical source, meaning it was written some time after the events it describes. Its primary purpose is to encourage religious zeal and offer a particular interpretation of the Maccabean Revolt. Therefore, the numbers given (like 20,000) should be treated with skepticism. They may be exaggerations to emphasize the scale of the victory and God's intervention.
Propaganda: Like many ancient historical texts, 2 Maccabees likely contains elements of propaganda aimed at bolstering the Maccabean cause and demonizing their enemies. The emphasis on violence and large-scale casualties can serve this purpose.
Religious Significance: Within the context of 2 Maccabees, these victories are seen as evidence of God's favor and support for the Jewish people in their struggle against foreign oppression and religious persecution.
In conclusion, the verse describes a brutal and decisive victory, highlighting the Maccabean forces' prowess in battle and the devastating consequences for their enemies. While the exact historical details may be subject to interpretation, the verse's message is clear: the Maccabees achieved a significant triumph through force and violence, demonstrating God's power and their own commitment to defending their faith and land.
2 maccabees 10:17 - and assaulting them vigorously they made themselves masters of the positions, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and killed those that fell in their way, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
What does "2 maccabees 10:17" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 10:17 describes a particularly brutal moment in a battle. Let's break down its meaning:
"and assaulting them vigorously they made themselves masters of the positions": This means the attacking force (likely the Maccabees) launched a strong and energetic assault on the enemy, successfully capturing the enemy's fortified positions. "Masters of the positions" implies they seized control of key strategic points, such as towers, gates, or sections of the wall.
"and kept off all that fought upon the wall": After taking the positions, the attackers prevented the remaining defenders from continuing to fight from the wall. They likely did this by pushing them back, eliminating them, or otherwise neutralizing the defenders.
"and killed those that fell in their way": This indicates a merciless pursuit of the enemy. Anyone who crossed the path of the victorious attackers was killed.
"and killed no fewer than twenty thousand": This is a staggering number, and its historical accuracy is debated (as with many large numbers in ancient texts). It suggests a massive slaughter of the enemy. The phrase "no fewer than" could imply the actual number was even higher.
In Summary: The verse portrays a successful and incredibly violent assault by the Maccabees. They captured enemy positions, prevented further defense from the wall, and engaged in a large-scale slaughter, resulting in the death of at least twenty thousand people.
Contextual Considerations:
Historical Accuracy: It is important to note that 2 Maccabees is considered a secondary historical source, meaning it was written some time after the events it describes. Its primary purpose is to encourage religious zeal and offer a particular interpretation of the Maccabean Revolt. Therefore, the numbers given (like 20,000) should be treated with skepticism. They may be exaggerations to emphasize the scale of the victory and God's intervention.
Propaganda: Like many ancient historical texts, 2 Maccabees likely contains elements of propaganda aimed at bolstering the Maccabean cause and demonizing their enemies. The emphasis on violence and large-scale casualties can serve this purpose.
Religious Significance: Within the context of 2 Maccabees, these victories are seen as evidence of God's favor and support for the Jewish people in their struggle against foreign oppression and religious persecution.
In conclusion, the verse describes a brutal and decisive victory, highlighting the Maccabean forces' prowess in battle and the devastating consequences for their enemies. While the exact historical details may be subject to interpretation, the verse's message is clear: the Maccabees achieved a significant triumph through force and violence, demonstrating God's power and their own commitment to defending their faith and land.