2 maccabees 14:36 - so now, O holy Lord of all hallowing, keep undefiled forever this house that has been lately cleansed.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 14:36

What does "2 maccabees 14:36" mean?


This verse, 2 Maccabees 14:36, is a prayer, likely uttered in response to a recent victory or event that has restored the Temple in Jerusalem to a state of purity. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

"So now, O holy Lord of all hallowing..." This is an invocation to God, acknowledging His supreme holiness and His role as the source of all holiness or sanctification. "Hallowing" means making holy or sacred.

"...keep undefiled forever this house..." "This house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. The speaker is asking God to protect the Temple from any future desecration or defilement.

"...that has been lately cleansed." This indicates that the Temple had recently been polluted or profaned, and measures have been taken to purify and restore it. This cleansing likely refers to historical events detailed in the Books of Maccabees, specifically the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes and its subsequent rededication by Judas Maccabeus.

In summary, the verse is a plea to God to perpetually safeguard the Temple, which had recently been purified after a period of desecration, ensuring its continued sanctity.

Historical Context and Significance

Maccabean Revolt: The Books of Maccabees chronicle the struggle of the Jewish people against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid ruler, attempted to Hellenize Judea, suppressing Jewish religious practices and defiling the Temple.

Temple Desecration: Antiochus IV desecrated the Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing unclean animals within its precincts.

Rededication: Judas Maccabeus led a successful revolt, recaptured Jerusalem, and purified the Temple. This event is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Prayer for Preservation: In light of this history, the prayer in 2 Maccabees 14:36 reflects a deep desire to prevent any recurrence of such defilement and to maintain the Temple as a sacred space dedicated to God.

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