2 maccabees 13:17 - And this had been accomplished when the day was but now dawning, because of the Lord’s protection that gave Judas help.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 13:17

What does "2 maccabees 13:17" mean?


The verse "And this had been accomplished when the day was but now dawning, because of the Lord’s protection that gave Judas help" (2 Maccabees 13:17) refers to a victory achieved by Judas Maccabeus and his forces in battle against their Seleucid enemies. Let's break down the meaning:

"And this had been accomplished when the day was but now dawning..." This describes the timing of the victory. It happened very early in the morning, just as the sun was rising. The early timing could suggest a surprise attack, a long and hard-fought battle that ended at dawn, or divine intervention helping them finish the fight quickly.

"...because of the Lord’s protection that gave Judas help." This is the key to understanding the verse. The victory is attributed to divine assistance. The author believes that God intervened to protect Judas and his army, enabling them to achieve what they did. The "help" likely refers to both physical strength and strategic success in the battle. In the context of 2 Maccabees, the author consistently highlights the importance of faith and God's support in the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucids.

In summary, the verse means that Judas Maccabeus achieved a victory early in the morning thanks to God's help and protection. This highlights the theme of divine intervention in the Maccabean revolt, emphasizing the belief that their success was due to their faith in God.

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