This verse from 2 Maccabees 12:32 refers to a military campaign undertaken by Judas Maccabeus and his forces after the Jewish festival of Pentecost. Let's break it down:
"But after the feast called Pentecost...": Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew) was and is a major Jewish agricultural and pilgrimage festival, celebrated 50 days after Passover. This phrase indicates that there was a period of rest and religious observance for the Jewish forces before their next military engagement.
"...they marched in haste against Gorgias...": "They" refers to Judas Maccabeus and his army. "Marched in haste" suggests a rapid mobilization and movement. "Gorgias" was a prominent general of the Seleucid Empire, which controlled Judea at the time. In 1 Maccabees, Gorgias is depicted as an able commander.
"...the governor of Idumaea": This identifies Gorgias's role and territory. Idumaea was a region south of Judea, inhabited by the Edomites. As governor, Gorgias would have been responsible for maintaining order and enforcing Seleucid authority in the region. His position indicates that Idumaea was a strategically important area for the Seleucids, possibly due to its proximity to Judea and its control over trade routes.
In summary, the verse describes Judas Maccabeus leading his forces in a swift military action against Gorgias, the Seleucid governor of Idumaea, following the celebration of Pentecost. It implies that Judas's army didn't stay idle after the festival but continued to fight for Jewish independence and religious freedom. It highlights the ongoing conflict between the Maccabees and the Seleucid Empire and suggests that Gorgias was a key figure in the Seleucid administration of the region.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 12:32 refers to a military campaign undertaken by Judas Maccabeus and his forces after the Jewish festival of Pentecost. Let's break it down:
"But after the feast called Pentecost...": Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew) was and is a major Jewish agricultural and pilgrimage festival, celebrated 50 days after Passover. This phrase indicates that there was a period of rest and religious observance for the Jewish forces before their next military engagement.
"...they marched in haste against Gorgias...": "They" refers to Judas Maccabeus and his army. "Marched in haste" suggests a rapid mobilization and movement. "Gorgias" was a prominent general of the Seleucid Empire, which controlled Judea at the time. In 1 Maccabees, Gorgias is depicted as an able commander.
"...the governor of Idumaea": This identifies Gorgias's role and territory. Idumaea was a region south of Judea, inhabited by the Edomites. As governor, Gorgias would have been responsible for maintaining order and enforcing Seleucid authority in the region. His position indicates that Idumaea was a strategically important area for the Seleucids, possibly due to its proximity to Judea and its control over trade routes.
In summary, the verse describes Judas Maccabeus leading his forces in a swift military action against Gorgias, the Seleucid governor of Idumaea, following the celebration of Pentecost. It implies that Judas's army didn't stay idle after the festival but continued to fight for Jewish independence and religious freedom. It highlights the ongoing conflict between the Maccabees and the Seleucid Empire and suggests that Gorgias was a key figure in the Seleucid administration of the region.