This verse from 2 Maccabees 4:30 describes a revolt by the people of Tarsus and Mallus. Let's break down what it means:
"Now while such was the state of things..." This refers to the preceding context in 2 Maccabees. Chapter 4 describes the increasing Hellenization (adoption of Greek culture) of Jerusalem and Judea under the high priest Jason. It was a time of political intrigue, corruption, and tension between traditional Jewish customs and Greek practices.
"...it came to pass that they of Tarsus and Mallus made insurrection..." An "insurrection" is a rebellion or uprising against authority. The people of Tarsus and Mallus (two cities in Cilicia, modern-day Turkey) revolted.
"...because they were to be given as a present to Antiochis, the king’s concubine." This explains the reason for the revolt. The cities of Tarsus and Mallus, or at least their inhabitants (likely as slaves or for their wealth), were being offered as a gift to Antiochis, the concubine of the king. This would have been seen as a grave injustice and an infringement on their freedom and rights.
In Summary:
The verse describes a revolt in Tarsus and Mallus because the inhabitants were to be given as a gift, possibly as slaves or for their wealth, to the king's concubine, Antiochis. This highlights the abuse of power and the injustices that were prevalent during this historical period. This event is set against the backdrop of broader political and cultural tensions, with the author of Maccabees focusing on the dangers of encroaching Hellenistic power on traditional Jewish life.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 4:30 describes a revolt by the people of Tarsus and Mallus. Let's break down what it means:
"Now while such was the state of things..." This refers to the preceding context in 2 Maccabees. Chapter 4 describes the increasing Hellenization (adoption of Greek culture) of Jerusalem and Judea under the high priest Jason. It was a time of political intrigue, corruption, and tension between traditional Jewish customs and Greek practices.
"...it came to pass that they of Tarsus and Mallus made insurrection..." An "insurrection" is a rebellion or uprising against authority. The people of Tarsus and Mallus (two cities in Cilicia, modern-day Turkey) revolted.
"...because they were to be given as a present to Antiochis, the king’s concubine." This explains the reason for the revolt. The cities of Tarsus and Mallus, or at least their inhabitants (likely as slaves or for their wealth), were being offered as a gift to Antiochis, the concubine of the king. This would have been seen as a grave injustice and an infringement on their freedom and rights.
In Summary:
The verse describes a revolt in Tarsus and Mallus because the inhabitants were to be given as a gift, possibly as slaves or for their wealth, to the king's concubine, Antiochis. This highlights the abuse of power and the injustices that were prevalent during this historical period. This event is set against the backdrop of broader political and cultural tensions, with the author of Maccabees focusing on the dangers of encroaching Hellenistic power on traditional Jewish life.
