2 maccabees 5:9 - and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands perished himself in a strange land, having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelter there because they were near of kin;
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What does "2 maccabees 5:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 5:9 is describing the fate of a historical figure, Menelaus, who was a Jewish High Priest during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The verse says:
"and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands perished himself in a strange land, having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelter there because they were near of kin;"
Let's break it down:
"and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands...": This refers to Menelaus. He was heavily implicated in the turmoil and persecution of Jews in Judea under Antiochus IV. He likely played a role in the displacement and exile of many Jewish people due to his collaboration with the Seleucid regime.
"...perished himself in a strange land...": This tells us that Menelaus died outside of his homeland.
"...having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelter there because they were near of kin;": This is the most interesting part. It describes Menelaus's attempt to seek refuge among the Lacedaemonians (Spartans). The reason he sought refuge with the Spartans was that he believed them to be his kindred. The Spartans and the Jews believed they came from the same ancestor. This would indicate he thought that they would be more sympathetic to his plight.
In summary, the verse describes the poetic justice of Menelaus's fate. He caused many to be exiled and suffer in foreign lands, and ultimately, he himself died in exile in a foreign land. He sought refuge with the Spartans because he believed they were related to the Jews, but his hope for safety there was ultimately futile, as he met his demise in exile.
2 maccabees 5:9 - and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands perished himself in a strange land, having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelter there because they were near of kin;
What does "2 maccabees 5:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 5:9 is describing the fate of a historical figure, Menelaus, who was a Jewish High Priest during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The verse says:
"and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands perished himself in a strange land, having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelter there because they were near of kin;"
Let's break it down:
"and he that had driven many from their own country into strange lands...": This refers to Menelaus. He was heavily implicated in the turmoil and persecution of Jews in Judea under Antiochus IV. He likely played a role in the displacement and exile of many Jewish people due to his collaboration with the Seleucid regime.
"...perished himself in a strange land...": This tells us that Menelaus died outside of his homeland.
"...having crossed the sea to the Lacedaemonians, as thinking to find shelter there because they were near of kin;": This is the most interesting part. It describes Menelaus's attempt to seek refuge among the Lacedaemonians (Spartans). The reason he sought refuge with the Spartans was that he believed them to be his kindred. The Spartans and the Jews believed they came from the same ancestor. This would indicate he thought that they would be more sympathetic to his plight.
In summary, the verse describes the poetic justice of Menelaus's fate. He caused many to be exiled and suffer in foreign lands, and ultimately, he himself died in exile in a foreign land. He sought refuge with the Spartans because he believed they were related to the Jews, but his hope for safety there was ultimately futile, as he met his demise in exile.