This verse from 2 Maccabees 12:18 is providing a specific detail about why the Maccabean forces didn't encounter Timotheus in a particular district. Let's break it down:
"And Timotheus they found not in occupation of that district...": This means when the Maccabean army arrived, they didn't find Timotheus (a commander who was hostile to the Jews) present and in control of that region.
"...for he had then departed from the district without accomplishing anything...": The reason they didn't find Timotheus is that he had already left the area. The phrase "without accomplishing anything" suggests he hadn't achieved his goals or successfully subdued the area before leaving.
"...but had left behind a garrison, and that a very strong one, in a certain post.": Although Timotheus himself wasn't there, he didn't entirely abandon the district. He left behind a "garrison" - a military force stationed to defend a position. The verse emphasizes that this garrison was "very strong," meaning it was a substantial and well-defended force stationed at a specific location ("a certain post").
In essence, the verse tells us:
The Maccabean forces didn't find Timotheus because he had left the district before they arrived, apparently without achieving any significant victories. However, he had left behind a large and well-defended garrison at a strategic point within that region.
Significance in Context:
This verse sets the stage for the next part of the story. It indicates that even though Timotheus himself was gone, the Maccabean forces still faced a formidable challenge in the form of his well-fortified garrison. This likely means a siege or battle will follow, as the Maccabees need to overcome this strong military presence to truly control the region. The author is highlighting the continued resistance they face despite Timotheus' apparent retreat. It serves to build suspense and emphasize the difficulty of the Maccabean struggle.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 12:18 is providing a specific detail about why the Maccabean forces didn't encounter Timotheus in a particular district. Let's break it down:
"And Timotheus they found not in occupation of that district...": This means when the Maccabean army arrived, they didn't find Timotheus (a commander who was hostile to the Jews) present and in control of that region.
"...for he had then departed from the district without accomplishing anything...": The reason they didn't find Timotheus is that he had already left the area. The phrase "without accomplishing anything" suggests he hadn't achieved his goals or successfully subdued the area before leaving.
"...but had left behind a garrison, and that a very strong one, in a certain post.": Although Timotheus himself wasn't there, he didn't entirely abandon the district. He left behind a "garrison" - a military force stationed to defend a position. The verse emphasizes that this garrison was "very strong," meaning it was a substantial and well-defended force stationed at a specific location ("a certain post").
In essence, the verse tells us:
The Maccabean forces didn't find Timotheus because he had left the district before they arrived, apparently without achieving any significant victories. However, he had left behind a large and well-defended garrison at a strategic point within that region.
Significance in Context:
This verse sets the stage for the next part of the story. It indicates that even though Timotheus himself was gone, the Maccabean forces still faced a formidable challenge in the form of his well-fortified garrison. This likely means a siege or battle will follow, as the Maccabees need to overcome this strong military presence to truly control the region. The author is highlighting the continued resistance they face despite Timotheus' apparent retreat. It serves to build suspense and emphasize the difficulty of the Maccabean struggle.
