This verse from 2 Maccabees 13:12 describes a period of intense prayer and preparation before a battle. Let's break it down:
"So when they had all done the same thing together...": This emphasizes unity. The people are acting in unison, sharing a common purpose.
"...beseeching the merciful Lord with weeping and fastings and prostration for three days without ceasing...": This details the nature of their prayer.
"Beseeching the merciful Lord": They are pleading with God for help, acknowledging His mercy.
"Weeping": Demonstrates their deep sorrow and desperation for God's intervention.
"Fastings": Abstaining from food is a sign of humility and intense devotion. It's a way to focus entirely on prayer.
"Prostration": Lying face down on the ground is a gesture of complete submission and humility before God.
"For three days without ceasing": Highlights the duration and intensity of their prayer. It wasn't a casual prayer; it was a dedicated, continuous effort.
"Judas exhorted them and commanded they should join him for service.":
"Judas": Refers to Judas Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire.
"Exhorted them": Encouraged and urged them.
"Commanded they should join him for service": He's calling them to action, to fight for their cause, likely after receiving assurance or strength through their prayer. The "service" implies military service, preparing for battle.
In essence, the verse depicts a community unifying in fervent prayer and repentance before God, seeking His favor and intervention. After this period of intense spiritual preparation, Judas Maccabeus calls them to battle, implying that they are now spiritually ready and confident in God's help. It's a classic example of seeking divine guidance and strength before facing a challenge.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 13:12 describes a period of intense prayer and preparation before a battle. Let's break it down:
"So when they had all done the same thing together...": This emphasizes unity. The people are acting in unison, sharing a common purpose.
"...beseeching the merciful Lord with weeping and fastings and prostration for three days without ceasing...": This details the nature of their prayer.
"Beseeching the merciful Lord": They are pleading with God for help, acknowledging His mercy.
"Weeping": Demonstrates their deep sorrow and desperation for God's intervention.
"Fastings": Abstaining from food is a sign of humility and intense devotion. It's a way to focus entirely on prayer.
"Prostration": Lying face down on the ground is a gesture of complete submission and humility before God.
"For three days without ceasing": Highlights the duration and intensity of their prayer. It wasn't a casual prayer; it was a dedicated, continuous effort.
"Judas exhorted them and commanded they should join him for service.":
"Judas": Refers to Judas Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire.
"Exhorted them": Encouraged and urged them.
"Commanded they should join him for service": He's calling them to action, to fight for their cause, likely after receiving assurance or strength through their prayer. The "service" implies military service, preparing for battle.
In essence, the verse depicts a community unifying in fervent prayer and repentance before God, seeking His favor and intervention. After this period of intense spiritual preparation, Judas Maccabeus calls them to battle, implying that they are now spiritually ready and confident in God's help. It's a classic example of seeking divine guidance and strength before facing a challenge.