2 maccabees 3:7 - And when Apollonius met the king, he informed him of the money whereof he had been told; and the king appointed Heliodorus, who was his chancellor, and sent him with a commandment to accomplish the removal of the aforesaid money.

Generated Verse: 2 maccabees 3:7

What does "2 maccabees 3:7" mean?


This verse from 2 Maccabees 3:7 describes a pivotal moment in the story leading to the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

"And when Apollonius met the king..." This Apollonius is a figure of authority, likely a government official or commander representing the Seleucid Empire, which ruled Judea at this time. He is meeting with the Seleucid King Seleucus IV Philopator.

"...he informed him of the money whereof he had been told..." Apollonius is reporting to the king about a large amount of money stored in the Temple treasury in Jerusalem. The "money" is not just royal funds, but likely also included deposits and donations made by the Jewish people for religious and charitable purposes, placing it under the Temple's safekeeping. Apollonius is implying or suggesting this money should be taken by the king. The source of his information is not given, but it's likely based on rumors or intelligence gathered in Judea.

"...and the king appointed Heliodorus, who was his chancellor..." King Seleucus IV, tempted by the prospect of wealth, appoints Heliodorus, his chancellor (chief minister or treasurer), to carry out the task. This shows the king's trust in Heliodorus and the seriousness of the mission.

"...and sent him with a commandment to accomplish the removal of the aforesaid money." The king gives Heliodorus a direct order (a commandment) to go to Jerusalem and seize the money stored in the Temple. This is a very significant act because it violates the Temple's sanctity and the rights of the Jewish people. The phrase "accomplish the removal" implies a forceful or deliberate act of appropriation.

In essence, this verse sets the stage for the main conflict of this part of 2 Maccabees. Apollonius's information about the Temple's wealth triggers the king's greed, leading to the dispatch of Heliodorus to confiscate the funds. This action is a direct challenge to Jewish religious autonomy and a potential act of desecration, which is a major offense to the Jewish faith. The rest of the chapter recounts Heliodorus's attempt to seize the money and the divine intervention that prevents him from succeeding.

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