This verse from 2 Maccabees 6:14 expresses a theological perspective on God's dealings with the Jewish people (referred to as "us") compared to how He deals with other nations (the "other nations"). Let's break it down:
"For in the case of the other nations the Sovereign Lord does with longsuffering forbear...": This part says that God is patient and tolerant ("longsuffering") with other nations. He doesn't immediately punish them for their sins.
"...until that he punish them when they have attained to the full measure of their sins...": God's patience with other nations has a limit. He waits until their wickedness has reached its peak or "full measure" before bringing judgment or punishment upon them.
"but not so judged he as touching us...": This is the key part that highlights the difference. God doesn't deal with the Jewish people in the same way.
Interpretation:
The verse suggests that God holds the Jewish people to a higher standard than other nations. He does not wait for them to reach the "full measure of their sins" before correcting them. Instead, He disciplines them more directly and immediately.
Possible Reasons for the Difference:
Covenant Relationship: The Jewish people had a special covenant with God, which came with blessings but also greater responsibilities. Because of this unique relationship, God expected more from them and held them accountable in a different way.
Corrective Discipline: The immediate judgment on the Jewish people is seen as a form of corrective discipline or teaching. It is meant to bring them back to righteousness and prevent them from straying too far from God's laws.
A Warning Example: The trials and tribulations of the Jewish people served as an example to other nations. It demonstrated the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
In summary, the verse highlights the belief that God has a unique and more intense relationship with the Jewish people, leading Him to discipline them more directly and promptly than other nations. This concept is often linked to ideas of covenant, responsibility, and God's desire to guide His chosen people towards righteousness.
This verse from 2 Maccabees 6:14 expresses a theological perspective on God's dealings with the Jewish people (referred to as "us") compared to how He deals with other nations (the "other nations"). Let's break it down:
"For in the case of the other nations the Sovereign Lord does with longsuffering forbear...": This part says that God is patient and tolerant ("longsuffering") with other nations. He doesn't immediately punish them for their sins.
"...until that he punish them when they have attained to the full measure of their sins...": God's patience with other nations has a limit. He waits until their wickedness has reached its peak or "full measure" before bringing judgment or punishment upon them.
"but not so judged he as touching us...": This is the key part that highlights the difference. God doesn't deal with the Jewish people in the same way.
Interpretation:
The verse suggests that God holds the Jewish people to a higher standard than other nations. He does not wait for them to reach the "full measure of their sins" before correcting them. Instead, He disciplines them more directly and immediately.
Possible Reasons for the Difference:
Covenant Relationship: The Jewish people had a special covenant with God, which came with blessings but also greater responsibilities. Because of this unique relationship, God expected more from them and held them accountable in a different way.
Corrective Discipline: The immediate judgment on the Jewish people is seen as a form of corrective discipline or teaching. It is meant to bring them back to righteousness and prevent them from straying too far from God's laws.
A Warning Example: The trials and tribulations of the Jewish people served as an example to other nations. It demonstrated the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
In summary, the verse highlights the belief that God has a unique and more intense relationship with the Jewish people, leading Him to discipline them more directly and promptly than other nations. This concept is often linked to ideas of covenant, responsibility, and God's desire to guide His chosen people towards righteousness.