2 maccabees 11:26 - You will therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.
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What does "2 maccabees 11:26" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 11:26 is part of a letter from the Romans to the Jewish people, assuring them of their continued friendship and alliance. Let's break down the meaning:
"You will therefore do well to send messengers to them...": This refers to a directive for the Seleucid rulers (specifically the rulers of Syria) to send representatives to the Jewish people. The "you" is likely addressed to Lysias, a high-ranking Seleucid official.
"...and give them the right hand of friendship...": This is a symbolic gesture of peace and alliance. Offering the right hand (for a handshake) was a common way to signify trust and agreement.
"...that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart...": This means the Romans wanted the Jewish people to be reassured and confident. By understanding the Romans' intentions (which were to maintain the alliance), they would feel secure.
"...and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.": This is a key point. The Romans wanted the Jews to focus on their internal matters and governance, free from the threat of external interference or oppression. In other words, the Romans are saying, "We want you to be at peace and manage your own affairs without fear."
In essence, the verse is a message of reassurance from the Romans, communicated through the Seleucids, to the Jewish people. The goal was to maintain a peaceful and beneficial relationship, allowing the Jewish people to govern themselves without undue interference.
Context is important: This verse is part of a broader narrative in 2 Maccabees about the struggles of the Jewish people for religious and political autonomy under Seleucid rule. The Roman intervention (in the form of letters like this) was meant to support the Jewish people and maintain stability in the region. The Romans saw the Jewish people as a useful ally.
2 maccabees 11:26 - You will therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.
What does "2 maccabees 11:26" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 11:26 is part of a letter from the Romans to the Jewish people, assuring them of their continued friendship and alliance. Let's break down the meaning:
"You will therefore do well to send messengers to them...": This refers to a directive for the Seleucid rulers (specifically the rulers of Syria) to send representatives to the Jewish people. The "you" is likely addressed to Lysias, a high-ranking Seleucid official.
"...and give them the right hand of friendship...": This is a symbolic gesture of peace and alliance. Offering the right hand (for a handshake) was a common way to signify trust and agreement.
"...that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart...": This means the Romans wanted the Jewish people to be reassured and confident. By understanding the Romans' intentions (which were to maintain the alliance), they would feel secure.
"...and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.": This is a key point. The Romans wanted the Jews to focus on their internal matters and governance, free from the threat of external interference or oppression. In other words, the Romans are saying, "We want you to be at peace and manage your own affairs without fear."
In essence, the verse is a message of reassurance from the Romans, communicated through the Seleucids, to the Jewish people. The goal was to maintain a peaceful and beneficial relationship, allowing the Jewish people to govern themselves without undue interference.
Context is important: This verse is part of a broader narrative in 2 Maccabees about the struggles of the Jewish people for religious and political autonomy under Seleucid rule. The Roman intervention (in the form of letters like this) was meant to support the Jewish people and maintain stability in the region. The Romans saw the Jewish people as a useful ally.