2 Maccabees 10:31 is a verse from the historical account of the Maccabean Revolt, specifically detailing a battle against Timotheus and his forces. The verse states: "And there were slain twenty thousand and five hundred, beside six hundred horsemen."
Meaning and Interpretation:
"And there were slain twenty thousand and five hundred..." This indicates that 20,500 infantry or foot soldiers from Timotheus's army were killed in the battle.
"...beside six hundred horsemen." This signifies that in addition to the 20,500 infantry soldiers, 600 cavalry soldiers (those riding horses) were also killed.
Combined Meaning: The verse is giving a specific accounting of the number of enemy soldiers killed in the battle. It's emphasizing the scale of the Maccabean victory. It implies a significant defeat for Timotheus's forces.
Historical Context:
Maccabean Revolt: This verse comes from the context of the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE), where Jewish rebels fought against the Seleucid Empire, which was trying to impose Hellenistic culture and religion on Judea. 2 Maccabees is written to glorify the victory and the rededication of the temple.
Accuracy of Numbers: As with many ancient historical texts, the exact accuracy of the numbers reported in 2 Maccabees is a matter of debate among historians and biblical scholars. It's possible the numbers are exaggerated for emphasis or to create a more dramatic effect. Ancient writers often used numbers symbolically.
In summary, 2 Maccabees 10:31 is an account of the casualties in a battle during the Maccabean Revolt, claiming that 20,500 infantry and 600 horsemen were killed on the opposing side. It emphasizes the magnitude of the Maccabean victory.
2 Maccabees 10:31 is a verse from the historical account of the Maccabean Revolt, specifically detailing a battle against Timotheus and his forces. The verse states: "And there were slain twenty thousand and five hundred, beside six hundred horsemen."
Meaning and Interpretation:
"And there were slain twenty thousand and five hundred..." This indicates that 20,500 infantry or foot soldiers from Timotheus's army were killed in the battle.
"...beside six hundred horsemen." This signifies that in addition to the 20,500 infantry soldiers, 600 cavalry soldiers (those riding horses) were also killed.
Combined Meaning: The verse is giving a specific accounting of the number of enemy soldiers killed in the battle. It's emphasizing the scale of the Maccabean victory. It implies a significant defeat for Timotheus's forces.
Historical Context:
Maccabean Revolt: This verse comes from the context of the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE), where Jewish rebels fought against the Seleucid Empire, which was trying to impose Hellenistic culture and religion on Judea. 2 Maccabees is written to glorify the victory and the rededication of the temple.
Accuracy of Numbers: As with many ancient historical texts, the exact accuracy of the numbers reported in 2 Maccabees is a matter of debate among historians and biblical scholars. It's possible the numbers are exaggerated for emphasis or to create a more dramatic effect. Ancient writers often used numbers symbolically.
In summary, 2 Maccabees 10:31 is an account of the casualties in a battle during the Maccabean Revolt, claiming that 20,500 infantry and 600 horsemen were killed on the opposing side. It emphasizes the magnitude of the Maccabean victory.
