2 maccabees 2:16 - Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification, we write to you; you⌃ will therefore do well if you⌃ keep the days.
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What does "2 maccabees 2:16" mean?
The verse 2 Maccabees 2:16, "Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification, we write to you; you will therefore do well if you keep the days," is part of a letter sent from the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea to the Jews in Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification...": This refers to the upcoming celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, a cleansing and restoring after it had been defiled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The "purification" or "cleansing" refers to this rededication.
"...we write to you...": This indicates the purpose of the letter: to inform the Jews in Egypt about what is happening in Jerusalem.
"...you will therefore do well if you keep the days.": The key point of the verse is the call to the Jews in Egypt to also celebrate the anniversary of the rededication. "Keep the days" implies observing the same celebratory period, commemorating the purification and rededication of the Temple. This celebration would later become known as Hanukkah.
In summary:
The verse is essentially an invitation and encouragement. The Jews in Jerusalem are telling the Jews in Egypt that they are about to celebrate the rededication of the Temple and urging them to join in the celebration, even though they are geographically separated. This is intended to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among the Jewish people, both in Judea and in the diaspora.
Important Context:
Understanding the historical context of the Maccabean Revolt (described in 1 and 2 Maccabees) is crucial for grasping the significance of this verse. The revolt was against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to Hellenize the Jews and suppress their religious practices. The rededication of the Temple was a major victory, symbolizing the restoration of Jewish religious freedom.
2 maccabees 2:16 - Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification, we write to you; you⌃ will therefore do well if you⌃ keep the days.
What does "2 maccabees 2:16" mean?
The verse 2 Maccabees 2:16, "Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification, we write to you; you will therefore do well if you keep the days," is part of a letter sent from the Jews in Jerusalem and Judea to the Jews in Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"Seeing then that we are about to keep the purification...": This refers to the upcoming celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, a cleansing and restoring after it had been defiled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The "purification" or "cleansing" refers to this rededication.
"...we write to you...": This indicates the purpose of the letter: to inform the Jews in Egypt about what is happening in Jerusalem.
"...you will therefore do well if you keep the days.": The key point of the verse is the call to the Jews in Egypt to also celebrate the anniversary of the rededication. "Keep the days" implies observing the same celebratory period, commemorating the purification and rededication of the Temple. This celebration would later become known as Hanukkah.
In summary:
The verse is essentially an invitation and encouragement. The Jews in Jerusalem are telling the Jews in Egypt that they are about to celebrate the rededication of the Temple and urging them to join in the celebration, even though they are geographically separated. This is intended to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among the Jewish people, both in Judea and in the diaspora.
Important Context:
Understanding the historical context of the Maccabean Revolt (described in 1 and 2 Maccabees) is crucial for grasping the significance of this verse. The revolt was against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to Hellenize the Jews and suppress their religious practices. The rededication of the Temple was a major victory, symbolizing the restoration of Jewish religious freedom.