2 maccabees 11:18 - What things soever therefore had need to be brought before the king I declared to him, and what things were possible he allowed.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 11:18

What does "2 maccabees 11:18" mean?


This verse from 2 Maccabees 11:18 is a bit vague without the surrounding context, but here's a breakdown of what it likely means:

"What things soever therefore had need to be brought before the king...": This refers to matters that required the king's attention, decision, or approval. The speaker (likely a Jewish representative) had a responsibility to present these issues to the king (likely a Seleucid king). It could involve petitions, grievances, requests for permission, reports on situations, or any matter of importance.

"...I declared to him...": The speaker presented these matters to the king clearly and openly. They explained the issues at hand.

"...and what things were possible he allowed.": Of the issues presented, the king approved or granted the requests that he deemed feasible or within his power and willingness to grant. He did not grant everything, only what he considered "possible." This could be limited by:

Political considerations: What was politically expedient or wouldn't upset other groups.
Resource limitations: What the king had the resources to provide.
Personal preferences: What the king was personally inclined to support.
Legal or traditional constraints: What the king was permitted to authorize.

In essence, the verse depicts a process of communication and negotiation. The speaker is acting as an intermediary, bringing matters of concern to the king, and the king is selectively granting requests based on his own assessment of their feasibility. It highlights the power dynamic between the Jewish representatives and the Seleucid king. The Jews could only receive what the king was willing to give.

To fully understand the verse, it's crucial to consider:

The historical context: 2 Maccabees deals with the struggles of the Jewish people during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The verse likely refers to negotiations between Jewish representatives and a Seleucid king regarding the rights and freedoms of the Jewish people.
The specific situation: Knowing what kind of "things" were being brought before the king would provide more clarity. Were they requests for religious freedom, tax relief, or something else?

Without further context, this interpretation is the most plausible based on the verse itself.

What categories does "2 maccabees 11:18" have?