2 maccabees 3:31 - But quickly certain of Heliodorus’s familiar friends implored Onias to call upon the Most High, and grant life to him who lay quite at the last gasp.
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What does "2 maccabees 3:31" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 3:31 describes a moment of desperation where Heliodorus, who had been struck down after attempting to plunder the Temple in Jerusalem, is on the verge of death. Let's break it down:
"But quickly certain of Heliodorus’s familiar friends": These were close companions or associates of Heliodorus. They were likely part of his retinue.
"implored Onias to call upon the Most High": They pleaded with Onias, the High Priest, to pray to God (referred to as "the Most High"). This is significant because Onias was a respected figure known for his piety, and his intercession was seen as having power.
"and grant life to him who lay quite at the last gasp": They asked God to spare Heliodorus's life, who was practically breathing his last breath, meaning he was on the brink of death.
In essence, the verse illustrates that even those who were loyal to Heliodorus, a figure who had initially been intent on violating the Temple, recognized the power of God and sought the intervention of the High Priest to save his life when he was at death's door. It highlights the fear and respect that even outsiders held for the God of Israel and the importance of the High Priest's role as an intermediary between the people and God.
2 maccabees 3:31 - But quickly certain of Heliodorus’s familiar friends implored Onias to call upon the Most High, and grant life to him who lay quite at the last gasp.
What does "2 maccabees 3:31" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 3:31 describes a moment of desperation where Heliodorus, who had been struck down after attempting to plunder the Temple in Jerusalem, is on the verge of death. Let's break it down:
"But quickly certain of Heliodorus’s familiar friends": These were close companions or associates of Heliodorus. They were likely part of his retinue.
"implored Onias to call upon the Most High": They pleaded with Onias, the High Priest, to pray to God (referred to as "the Most High"). This is significant because Onias was a respected figure known for his piety, and his intercession was seen as having power.
"and grant life to him who lay quite at the last gasp": They asked God to spare Heliodorus's life, who was practically breathing his last breath, meaning he was on the brink of death.
In essence, the verse illustrates that even those who were loyal to Heliodorus, a figure who had initially been intent on violating the Temple, recognized the power of God and sought the intervention of the High Priest to save his life when he was at death's door. It highlights the fear and respect that even outsiders held for the God of Israel and the importance of the High Priest's role as an intermediary between the people and God.