This verse from 2 Maccabees 14:29 is referring to a situation where someone, likely a political player or enemy of the king (most likely Alcimus), wants to achieve a certain goal (harming Judas Maccabeus) but can't do so openly or directly. Let's break it down:
"but because there was no dealing against the king": This suggests that the person couldn't act directly against the king's interests or go against the king's will. Perhaps the king was popular or had a strong hold on power, or maybe this person's position was tenuous and challenging the king would be too dangerous.
"he watched his time": The person was patient and observant, waiting for the right opportunity to act.
"to execute this purpose by stratagem": The "purpose" is the hidden objective. "Stratagem" means to use a clever, cunning, or deceptive strategy or trick to achieve the goal. The person couldn't achieve the purpose through straightforward means, so he resorted to manipulation, deception, or a hidden plan.
In essence, the verse describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a goal through cunning because they cannot do so directly or openly due to constraints related to the king's power or authority. It highlights a reliance on deception and manipulation to achieve a hidden agenda.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 14:29 is referring to a situation where someone, likely a political player or enemy of the king (most likely Alcimus), wants to achieve a certain goal (harming Judas Maccabeus) but can't do so openly or directly. Let's break it down:
"but because there was no dealing against the king": This suggests that the person couldn't act directly against the king's interests or go against the king's will. Perhaps the king was popular or had a strong hold on power, or maybe this person's position was tenuous and challenging the king would be too dangerous.
"he watched his time": The person was patient and observant, waiting for the right opportunity to act.
"to execute this purpose by stratagem": The "purpose" is the hidden objective. "Stratagem" means to use a clever, cunning, or deceptive strategy or trick to achieve the goal. The person couldn't achieve the purpose through straightforward means, so he resorted to manipulation, deception, or a hidden plan.
In essence, the verse describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a goal through cunning because they cannot do so directly or openly due to constraints related to the king's power or authority. It highlights a reliance on deception and manipulation to achieve a hidden agenda.
