2 maccabees 10:36 - And others climbing up in like manner, while the besieged were distracted with them that had made their way within, set fire to the towers, and kindling fires burned the blasphemers alive; while others broke open the gates, and, having given entrance to the rest of the band, occupied the city.
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What does "2 maccabees 10:36" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 10:36 describes a successful military assault on a besieged city. Let's break down the elements to understand its meaning:
"And others climbing up in like manner...": This refers to soldiers scaling the city walls, likely using ladders or siege equipment, mimicking the earlier successful climbers mentioned previously in the text.
"While the besieged were distracted with them that had made their way within...": The defenders (the "besieged") are divided and overwhelmed. Some soldiers have already infiltrated the city, causing chaos and drawing the defenders' attention away from the walls. This is a classic military tactic: create multiple points of attack to spread the enemy's resources thin.
"Set fire to the towers, and kindling fires burned the blasphemers alive...": The attackers target the city's defenses, specifically the towers, by setting them on fire. The people within the towers, referred to as "blasphemers," are burned alive. The term "blasphemers" is used from the Jewish perspective, implying that these individuals are considered enemies of their faith and are being punished for their impiety. In the context of the Maccabean revolt, this likely refers to Hellenized Jews or gentiles who had desecrated the Temple or practiced idolatrous rituals.
"While others broke open the gates, and, having given entrance to the rest of the band, occupied the city.": While some soldiers are scaling the walls and setting fires, another group focuses on breaching the city gates. Once the gates are open, the rest of the army floods into the city, overwhelming the remaining defenders and taking control of it.
In summary, the verse describes a complete and brutal victory for the attacking forces. They use a combination of tactics—infiltration, distraction, arson, and a frontal assault—to overcome the city's defenses. The term "blasphemers" adds a religious dimension to the conflict, portraying the siege as a righteous act against those who have offended the Jewish faith. It is likely written from the Jewish perspective to justify the use of extreme violence against their enemies.
Context within 2 Maccabees:
This verse is part of the historical narrative of the Maccabean revolt, a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire and their attempts to Hellenize Judea. The book aims to encourage fidelity to Jewish law and traditions in the face of foreign oppression. This depiction of a decisive victory, including the violent deaths of the perceived enemies of Judaism, serves to bolster the morale of the Jewish people and emphasize the importance of remaining true to their faith.
2 maccabees 10:36 - And others climbing up in like manner, while the besieged were distracted with them that had made their way within, set fire to the towers, and kindling fires burned the blasphemers alive; while others broke open the gates, and, having given entrance to the rest of the band, occupied the city.
What does "2 maccabees 10:36" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 10:36 describes a successful military assault on a besieged city. Let's break down the elements to understand its meaning:
"And others climbing up in like manner...": This refers to soldiers scaling the city walls, likely using ladders or siege equipment, mimicking the earlier successful climbers mentioned previously in the text.
"While the besieged were distracted with them that had made their way within...": The defenders (the "besieged") are divided and overwhelmed. Some soldiers have already infiltrated the city, causing chaos and drawing the defenders' attention away from the walls. This is a classic military tactic: create multiple points of attack to spread the enemy's resources thin.
"Set fire to the towers, and kindling fires burned the blasphemers alive...": The attackers target the city's defenses, specifically the towers, by setting them on fire. The people within the towers, referred to as "blasphemers," are burned alive. The term "blasphemers" is used from the Jewish perspective, implying that these individuals are considered enemies of their faith and are being punished for their impiety. In the context of the Maccabean revolt, this likely refers to Hellenized Jews or gentiles who had desecrated the Temple or practiced idolatrous rituals.
"While others broke open the gates, and, having given entrance to the rest of the band, occupied the city.": While some soldiers are scaling the walls and setting fires, another group focuses on breaching the city gates. Once the gates are open, the rest of the army floods into the city, overwhelming the remaining defenders and taking control of it.
In summary, the verse describes a complete and brutal victory for the attacking forces. They use a combination of tactics—infiltration, distraction, arson, and a frontal assault—to overcome the city's defenses. The term "blasphemers" adds a religious dimension to the conflict, portraying the siege as a righteous act against those who have offended the Jewish faith. It is likely written from the Jewish perspective to justify the use of extreme violence against their enemies.
Context within 2 Maccabees:
This verse is part of the historical narrative of the Maccabean revolt, a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire and their attempts to Hellenize Judea. The book aims to encourage fidelity to Jewish law and traditions in the face of foreign oppression. This depiction of a decisive victory, including the violent deaths of the perceived enemies of Judaism, serves to bolster the morale of the Jewish people and emphasize the importance of remaining true to their faith.