2 maccabees 7:38 - and that in me and my kindred you may stay the wrath of the Almighty, which has been justly brought upon our whole race.
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What does "2 maccabees 7:38" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 7:38 is a powerful expression of faith, sacrifice, and intercession found within the context of a harrowing story of martyrdom. Let's break it down:
"and that in me and my kindred you may stay the wrath of the Almighty..."
This is a plea to God. The speaker, one of the seven brothers being tortured and killed for their faith, is asking God to accept their suffering as a means to avert or stop (stay) the divine wrath.
"My kindred" refers to his brothers who are suffering with him. He believes their collective suffering, their willingness to die rather than renounce their faith, has power to influence God's judgment.
"...which has been justly brought upon our whole race."
The speaker acknowledges that the Jewish people (their "race") have deserved God's anger. They likely see the current persecution and suffering as a consequence of past sins and disobedience.
"Justly brought" indicates that they believe God's judgment is fair and warranted. They are not claiming innocence but accepting responsibility for their people's transgressions.
In essence, the verse conveys the following ideas:
1. Atonement through Sacrifice: The brothers believe that their willingness to endure excruciating pain and death for their faith can serve as a form of atonement for the sins of the Jewish people. Their suffering can somehow appease God's anger and prevent further punishment.
2. Intercession: They are acting as intercessors, pleading with God on behalf of their people. They hope their sacrifice will move God to show mercy and forgiveness.
3. Acknowledgment of Guilt: They don't deny the culpability of the Jewish people. They understand that they are experiencing suffering because of their own failings.
4. Faith in God's Mercy: Despite acknowledging divine wrath, they still hold hope that God is capable of mercy and can be moved to change course.
Context is crucial:
This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Maccabees about the Maccabean revolt, where Jews were persecuted for practicing their religion. The seven brothers are presented as heroes of the faith who chose martyrdom rather than compromise their religious beliefs. Their story served as an inspiration to other Jews facing similar persecution.
Theological Significance:
This verse raises important theological questions about:
The nature of divine justice and mercy: How does God's justice relate to God's mercy? Can one appease the other?
The role of suffering: Does suffering have redemptive power? Can one person's suffering benefit others?
Intercession: Can human beings influence God's actions through prayer and sacrifice?
The verse reflects a developing understanding of atonement and intercession in Jewish thought, which later influenced Christian theology. The idea that one person's suffering can have redemptive value is a central theme in the Christian concept of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Therefore, 2 Maccabees 7:38 is a complex verse that encapsulates faith, sacrifice, repentance, and the hope for divine mercy in the face of intense persecution. It highlights the enduring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the hope for redemption in the face of adversity.
2 maccabees 7:38 - and that in me and my kindred you may stay the wrath of the Almighty, which has been justly brought upon our whole race.
What does "2 maccabees 7:38" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 7:38 is a powerful expression of faith, sacrifice, and intercession found within the context of a harrowing story of martyrdom. Let's break it down:
"and that in me and my kindred you may stay the wrath of the Almighty..."
This is a plea to God. The speaker, one of the seven brothers being tortured and killed for their faith, is asking God to accept their suffering as a means to avert or stop (stay) the divine wrath.
"My kindred" refers to his brothers who are suffering with him. He believes their collective suffering, their willingness to die rather than renounce their faith, has power to influence God's judgment.
"...which has been justly brought upon our whole race."
The speaker acknowledges that the Jewish people (their "race") have deserved God's anger. They likely see the current persecution and suffering as a consequence of past sins and disobedience.
"Justly brought" indicates that they believe God's judgment is fair and warranted. They are not claiming innocence but accepting responsibility for their people's transgressions.
In essence, the verse conveys the following ideas:
1. Atonement through Sacrifice: The brothers believe that their willingness to endure excruciating pain and death for their faith can serve as a form of atonement for the sins of the Jewish people. Their suffering can somehow appease God's anger and prevent further punishment.
2. Intercession: They are acting as intercessors, pleading with God on behalf of their people. They hope their sacrifice will move God to show mercy and forgiveness.
3. Acknowledgment of Guilt: They don't deny the culpability of the Jewish people. They understand that they are experiencing suffering because of their own failings.
4. Faith in God's Mercy: Despite acknowledging divine wrath, they still hold hope that God is capable of mercy and can be moved to change course.
Context is crucial:
This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Maccabees about the Maccabean revolt, where Jews were persecuted for practicing their religion. The seven brothers are presented as heroes of the faith who chose martyrdom rather than compromise their religious beliefs. Their story served as an inspiration to other Jews facing similar persecution.
Theological Significance:
This verse raises important theological questions about:
The nature of divine justice and mercy: How does God's justice relate to God's mercy? Can one appease the other?
The role of suffering: Does suffering have redemptive power? Can one person's suffering benefit others?
Intercession: Can human beings influence God's actions through prayer and sacrifice?
The verse reflects a developing understanding of atonement and intercession in Jewish thought, which later influenced Christian theology. The idea that one person's suffering can have redemptive value is a central theme in the Christian concept of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Therefore, 2 Maccabees 7:38 is a complex verse that encapsulates faith, sacrifice, repentance, and the hope for divine mercy in the face of intense persecution. It highlights the enduring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the hope for redemption in the face of adversity.