2 maccabees 8:18 - For they, said he, trust to arms, and withal to deeds of daring; but we trust on the almighty God, since he is able at a beck to cast down those who are coming against us, and even the whole world.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 maccabees 8:18" mean?
This verse, from 2 Maccabees 8:18, expresses a powerful sentiment of faith and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds. Let's break it down:
"For they, said he, trust to arms, and withal to deeds of daring...": This refers to the enemy that the Jewish people are facing. The speaker (presumably Judas Maccabeus or a leader of the Jewish revolt) is saying that their enemies rely on their military strength ("arms") and their courage or reckless bravery ("deeds of daring") in battle. They believe their own might will bring them victory.
"...but we trust on the almighty God...": In contrast, the speaker declares that their reliance is not on earthly power, but on God. They are placing their faith in a divine being, "the almighty God," who is far more powerful than any army or individual.
"...since he is able at a beck to cast down those who are coming against us, and even the whole world.": This reinforces the absolute power of God. "At a beck" means at a simple command or gesture. The speaker believes that God can easily defeat not only their immediate enemies but even the entire world if He so chooses. It underscores the belief that God's power is limitless and that He has the ability to intervene in human affairs.
In essence, the verse is a statement of faith and a declaration of spiritual warfare. It highlights the difference between trusting in human strength and trusting in divine power. The speaker argues that relying on God is a superior strategy, as God's power far surpasses anything humans can muster. This verse likely aimed to inspire confidence and courage in the Jewish fighters, reminding them that they were not alone and that God was on their side, potentially leading them to victory even against seemingly impossible odds.
2 maccabees 8:18 - For they, said he, trust to arms, and withal to deeds of daring; but we trust on the almighty God, since he is able at a beck to cast down those who are coming against us, and even the whole world.
What does "2 maccabees 8:18" mean?
This verse, from 2 Maccabees 8:18, expresses a powerful sentiment of faith and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds. Let's break it down:
"For they, said he, trust to arms, and withal to deeds of daring...": This refers to the enemy that the Jewish people are facing. The speaker (presumably Judas Maccabeus or a leader of the Jewish revolt) is saying that their enemies rely on their military strength ("arms") and their courage or reckless bravery ("deeds of daring") in battle. They believe their own might will bring them victory.
"...but we trust on the almighty God...": In contrast, the speaker declares that their reliance is not on earthly power, but on God. They are placing their faith in a divine being, "the almighty God," who is far more powerful than any army or individual.
"...since he is able at a beck to cast down those who are coming against us, and even the whole world.": This reinforces the absolute power of God. "At a beck" means at a simple command or gesture. The speaker believes that God can easily defeat not only their immediate enemies but even the entire world if He so chooses. It underscores the belief that God's power is limitless and that He has the ability to intervene in human affairs.
In essence, the verse is a statement of faith and a declaration of spiritual warfare. It highlights the difference between trusting in human strength and trusting in divine power. The speaker argues that relying on God is a superior strategy, as God's power far surpasses anything humans can muster. This verse likely aimed to inspire confidence and courage in the Jewish fighters, reminding them that they were not alone and that God was on their side, potentially leading them to victory even against seemingly impossible odds.