2 maccabees 11:30 - They therefore that depart home up to the thirties day of Xanthicus shall have our friendship, with full permission

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 11:30

What does "2 maccabees 11:30" mean?


This verse is part of a letter that the Seleucid king Antiochus V Eupator sent to the Jewish people during the Maccabean revolt. Let's break it down:

"They therefore that depart home...": This refers to Jewish soldiers or citizens who had been fighting or living outside their homes (likely Jerusalem and the surrounding areas) due to the conflict. It's offering them a safe return.

"...up to the thirtieth day of Xanthicus...": This sets a deadline. Xanthicus was a Macedonian month, roughly corresponding to April. So, they had until the 30th of April to return home.

"...shall have our friendship...": This is the key point. It promises those who return by the deadline will be treated as friends by the Seleucid government. This implies a cessation of hostilities or persecution.

"...with full permission...": This emphasizes that they have official authorization to return and resettle. It suggests they will not be harassed or penalized for their absence or past actions.

In summary, the verse is an amnesty offer. It's a part of Antiochus V's attempt to make peace with the Jews by allowing those who had fled or fought against him to return home safely, with the promise of no retribution and the possibility of restored relations. The deadline suggests urgency and a desire to quickly stabilize the region.

What categories does "2 maccabees 11:30" have?