2 maccabees 12:38 - And Judas gathering his army came to the city of Adullam; and as the seventh day was coming on, they purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the Sabbath there.
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What does "2 maccabees 12:38" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 12:38 describes Judas Maccabeus and his army preparing for battle and observing the Sabbath. Let's break it down:
"And Judas gathering his army came to the city of Adullam": This indicates Judas Maccabeus is mobilizing his forces after a series of battles. Adullam was a historical city in the region of Judah, possibly chosen as a strategic location for its terrain or previous significance.
"and as the seventh day was coming on": This phrase signifies that the Sabbath (the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening) was approaching.
"they purified themselves according to the custom": Ritual purification was a common practice in Judaism before engaging in religious observances or entering sacred spaces. In this context, it suggests the soldiers were spiritually preparing for the Sabbath. This likely involved washing, abstaining from certain activities, and perhaps prayer or other rituals.
"and kept the Sabbath there": This means they observed the Sabbath in Adullam, refraining from work and dedicating the day to rest, prayer, and religious observance, as prescribed by Jewish law.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Judas's military leadership: He is actively organizing and directing his troops.
The importance of religious observance: Even amidst conflict, Judas and his army prioritize following Jewish law and customs, particularly the Sabbath.
Preparation for battle: The purification suggests a spiritual readiness that complements their military preparation.
It demonstrates a commitment to both their military struggle for Jewish autonomy and their religious identity. This dedication to faith, even in times of war, is a recurring theme in the books of Maccabees.
2 maccabees 12:38 - And Judas gathering his army came to the city of Adullam; and as the seventh day was coming on, they purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the Sabbath there.
What does "2 maccabees 12:38" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 12:38 describes Judas Maccabeus and his army preparing for battle and observing the Sabbath. Let's break it down:
"And Judas gathering his army came to the city of Adullam": This indicates Judas Maccabeus is mobilizing his forces after a series of battles. Adullam was a historical city in the region of Judah, possibly chosen as a strategic location for its terrain or previous significance.
"and as the seventh day was coming on": This phrase signifies that the Sabbath (the Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening) was approaching.
"they purified themselves according to the custom": Ritual purification was a common practice in Judaism before engaging in religious observances or entering sacred spaces. In this context, it suggests the soldiers were spiritually preparing for the Sabbath. This likely involved washing, abstaining from certain activities, and perhaps prayer or other rituals.
"and kept the Sabbath there": This means they observed the Sabbath in Adullam, refraining from work and dedicating the day to rest, prayer, and religious observance, as prescribed by Jewish law.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Judas's military leadership: He is actively organizing and directing his troops.
The importance of religious observance: Even amidst conflict, Judas and his army prioritize following Jewish law and customs, particularly the Sabbath.
Preparation for battle: The purification suggests a spiritual readiness that complements their military preparation.
It demonstrates a commitment to both their military struggle for Jewish autonomy and their religious identity. This dedication to faith, even in times of war, is a recurring theme in the books of Maccabees.