This verse from 2 Maccabees 15:1 describes a plan of attack by Nicanor against Judas Maccabeus and his forces. Let's break it down:
"But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the region of Samaria...": Nicanor, a Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) general, received intelligence that Judas Maccabeus and his Jewish rebel army were located in the region of Samaria. This means Nicanor was actively seeking to engage them in battle.
"...resolved to set upon them with all security on the day of rest.": Nicanor decided to attack Judas and his men on the Sabbath (the "day of rest" in Jewish tradition). He believed this would give him an advantage because he assumed the Jews would be observing the Sabbath and therefore be less prepared for battle, making them an easier target. The phrase "with all security" suggests he was confident in his planned strategy and expected an easy victory.
In essence, Nicanor's plan was to exploit the Jewish Sabbath observance to launch a surprise attack, assuming that their religious practices would make them vulnerable. This highlights the religious and cultural conflict that was a central aspect of the Maccabean Revolt.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 15:1 describes a plan of attack by Nicanor against Judas Maccabeus and his forces. Let's break it down:
"But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the region of Samaria...": Nicanor, a Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) general, received intelligence that Judas Maccabeus and his Jewish rebel army were located in the region of Samaria. This means Nicanor was actively seeking to engage them in battle.
"...resolved to set upon them with all security on the day of rest.": Nicanor decided to attack Judas and his men on the Sabbath (the "day of rest" in Jewish tradition). He believed this would give him an advantage because he assumed the Jews would be observing the Sabbath and therefore be less prepared for battle, making them an easier target. The phrase "with all security" suggests he was confident in his planned strategy and expected an easy victory.
In essence, Nicanor's plan was to exploit the Jewish Sabbath observance to launch a surprise attack, assuming that their religious practices would make them vulnerable. This highlights the religious and cultural conflict that was a central aspect of the Maccabean Revolt.