2 maccabees 14:23 - Nicanor tarried in Jerusalem, and did nothing to cause disturbance, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together.
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What does "2 maccabees 14:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 14:23 is essentially describing a period of relative calm and restraint from Nicanor, a Seleucid general. Let's break it down:
"Nicanor tarried in Jerusalem...": This means Nicanor stayed in Jerusalem for some time. He established himself there.
"...and did nothing to cause disturbance...": This is the crucial part. Despite being a powerful general in an occupying force, Nicanor refrained from inciting unrest or violence. He wasn't actively oppressing the people or provoking conflict.
"...but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together.": This suggests that there were gatherings of people in Jerusalem, likely either in anticipation of, or perhaps in protest against, Nicanor's presence. However, Nicanor didn't engage them violently. Instead, he sent them home, essentially de-escalating a potentially volatile situation.
In essence, the verse portrays Nicanor as temporarily adopting a policy of non-provocation and maintaining order through passive means rather than aggressive force. He was trying to keep the peace, at least for a time, by preventing large gatherings that could turn into riots or rebellions.
Context within 2 Maccabees: It's important to note the broader context of 2 Maccabees. The book recounts the struggles of the Jewish people against Seleucid rule, culminating in the Maccabean revolt. Nicanor is a significant antagonist in this narrative. Thus, this verse's portrayal of restraint is likely temporary and potentially strategic, rather than reflective of a fundamental change in his character or the Seleucid agenda. He is likely biding his time or waiting for instructions before taking further action. It may also be a way of lulling the Jewish population into a false sense of security.
The passage is significant as it may demonstrate the Seleucids' attempts to quell unrest in Judea without necessarily resorting to extreme violence, at least temporarily.
2 maccabees 14:23 - Nicanor tarried in Jerusalem, and did nothing to cause disturbance, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together.
What does "2 maccabees 14:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 14:23 is essentially describing a period of relative calm and restraint from Nicanor, a Seleucid general. Let's break it down:
"Nicanor tarried in Jerusalem...": This means Nicanor stayed in Jerusalem for some time. He established himself there.
"...and did nothing to cause disturbance...": This is the crucial part. Despite being a powerful general in an occupying force, Nicanor refrained from inciting unrest or violence. He wasn't actively oppressing the people or provoking conflict.
"...but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together.": This suggests that there were gatherings of people in Jerusalem, likely either in anticipation of, or perhaps in protest against, Nicanor's presence. However, Nicanor didn't engage them violently. Instead, he sent them home, essentially de-escalating a potentially volatile situation.
In essence, the verse portrays Nicanor as temporarily adopting a policy of non-provocation and maintaining order through passive means rather than aggressive force. He was trying to keep the peace, at least for a time, by preventing large gatherings that could turn into riots or rebellions.
Context within 2 Maccabees: It's important to note the broader context of 2 Maccabees. The book recounts the struggles of the Jewish people against Seleucid rule, culminating in the Maccabean revolt. Nicanor is a significant antagonist in this narrative. Thus, this verse's portrayal of restraint is likely temporary and potentially strategic, rather than reflective of a fundamental change in his character or the Seleucid agenda. He is likely biding his time or waiting for instructions before taking further action. It may also be a way of lulling the Jewish population into a false sense of security.
The passage is significant as it may demonstrate the Seleucids' attempts to quell unrest in Judea without necessarily resorting to extreme violence, at least temporarily.