This verse from 2 Maccabees 14:17 is describing a specific moment in a battle between Jewish forces and the army of Nicanor, a general under the Seleucid King Demetrius. Let's break it down:
"But Simon, the brother of Judas..." This introduces Simon Maccabeus, one of the brothers leading the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Judas refers to Judas Maccabeus, the main leader.
"...had encountered Nicanor..." Simon has engaged Nicanor in battle. They've come face-to-face.
"...yet not till late..." This suggests the encounter happened later in the day or perhaps later in the overall course of the battle. It might imply that Simon arrived on the scene after other fighting had already taken place.
"...having received a check by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries." This is the crucial part explaining the context of Simon's encounter. The phrase implies Simon's forces had initially faced a setback or a "check." This "check" was due to a "sudden consternation" (meaning a sudden feeling of alarm or confusion) that was caused by his adversaries.
The phrase "by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries" implies that his opponents took Simon's group by surprise, potentially using tactics to scare them into disarray.
In summary, the verse describes a moment where Simon Maccabeus is in battle with Nicanor. However, the encounter is happening later in the day or later in the fight, and Simon's forces were initially on the defensive or suffered a setback because their opponents startled them, most likely with some surprise move.
Significance:
This verse hints at the challenges the Maccabean forces faced. They were not always winning easily. The element of surprise and the impact of fear played a role in the battles.
It also sets the stage for what likely happens next in the narrative. Simon, despite this initial setback, is now engaged with Nicanor. The reader expects to see how Simon responds and whether he can overcome this disadvantage.
It highlights the individual courage and leadership of Simon Maccabeus as he engages with a high-ranking enemy commander despite earlier difficulties.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 14:17 is describing a specific moment in a battle between Jewish forces and the army of Nicanor, a general under the Seleucid King Demetrius. Let's break it down:
"But Simon, the brother of Judas..." This introduces Simon Maccabeus, one of the brothers leading the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Judas refers to Judas Maccabeus, the main leader.
"...had encountered Nicanor..." Simon has engaged Nicanor in battle. They've come face-to-face.
"...yet not till late..." This suggests the encounter happened later in the day or perhaps later in the overall course of the battle. It might imply that Simon arrived on the scene after other fighting had already taken place.
"...having received a check by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries." This is the crucial part explaining the context of Simon's encounter. The phrase implies Simon's forces had initially faced a setback or a "check." This "check" was due to a "sudden consternation" (meaning a sudden feeling of alarm or confusion) that was caused by his adversaries.
The phrase "by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries" implies that his opponents took Simon's group by surprise, potentially using tactics to scare them into disarray.
In summary, the verse describes a moment where Simon Maccabeus is in battle with Nicanor. However, the encounter is happening later in the day or later in the fight, and Simon's forces were initially on the defensive or suffered a setback because their opponents startled them, most likely with some surprise move.
Significance:
This verse hints at the challenges the Maccabean forces faced. They were not always winning easily. The element of surprise and the impact of fear played a role in the battles.
It also sets the stage for what likely happens next in the narrative. Simon, despite this initial setback, is now engaged with Nicanor. The reader expects to see how Simon responds and whether he can overcome this disadvantage.
It highlights the individual courage and leadership of Simon Maccabeus as he engages with a high-ranking enemy commander despite earlier difficulties.
