2 maccabees 8:30 - And having had an encounter with the forces of Timotheus and Bacchides, they killed above twenty thousand of them, and made themselves masters of strongholds exceeding high, and divided very much plunder, giving the maimed and orphans and widows, and moreover the aged also, an equal share with themselves.
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What does "2 maccabees 8:30" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 8:30 describes a significant victory for the Jewish forces, likely under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, against the Seleucid forces led by Timotheus and Bacchides. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"And having had an encounter with the forces of Timotheus and Bacchides..." This sets the scene for a battle. Timotheus and Bacchides were Seleucid generals sent to suppress the Jewish rebellion. An "encounter" suggests a direct confrontation and battle.
"...they killed above twenty thousand of them..." This highlights the scale of the Jewish victory. Killing 20,000 enemy soldiers would have been a decisive blow. It emphasizes the military prowess and divine favor believed to be upon the Maccabees. The numbers in Maccabees, like many historical texts of the era, are often stylized and used to convey the significance of the event rather than exact numerical accuracy.
"...and made themselves masters of strongholds exceeding high..." This shows the strategic importance of the victory. Not only did they defeat the enemy in battle, but they also captured fortified positions ("strongholds"). These strongholds would provide strategic advantage for future battles and control of the territory. "Exceeding high" emphasizes the difficulty of taking these positions, further highlighting the Maccabees' accomplishment.
"...and divided very much plunder..." Victory in battle often resulted in the victors taking the spoils of war (plunder). This could include weapons, armor, valuables, and supplies.
"...giving the maimed and orphans and widows, and moreover the aged also, an equal share with themselves." This is a crucial part of the verse that reveals the moral dimension of the Maccabean revolt. Instead of hoarding the plunder for themselves, the Jewish fighters shared it with the vulnerable members of their community – those injured in battle ("maimed"), children who had lost their parents ("orphans"), women who had lost their husbands ("widows"), and the elderly. This demonstrates a sense of social justice, communal responsibility, and piety. It showcases that the Maccabean revolt was not just about military victory, but also about protecting the well-being of their people and adhering to their religious values, which included caring for the needy. The egalitarian distribution of the spoils likely served to solidify their support from the general population.
In summary, the verse describes a decisive military victory that also reflects the values of the Maccabean leadership. They not only won the battle and gained strategic advantages, but also prioritized the needs of the vulnerable within their community, showcasing their commitment to justice and religious principles.
2 maccabees 8:30 - And having had an encounter with the forces of Timotheus and Bacchides, they killed above twenty thousand of them, and made themselves masters of strongholds exceeding high, and divided very much plunder, giving the maimed and orphans and widows, and moreover the aged also, an equal share with themselves.
What does "2 maccabees 8:30" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 8:30 describes a significant victory for the Jewish forces, likely under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, against the Seleucid forces led by Timotheus and Bacchides. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"And having had an encounter with the forces of Timotheus and Bacchides..." This sets the scene for a battle. Timotheus and Bacchides were Seleucid generals sent to suppress the Jewish rebellion. An "encounter" suggests a direct confrontation and battle.
"...they killed above twenty thousand of them..." This highlights the scale of the Jewish victory. Killing 20,000 enemy soldiers would have been a decisive blow. It emphasizes the military prowess and divine favor believed to be upon the Maccabees. The numbers in Maccabees, like many historical texts of the era, are often stylized and used to convey the significance of the event rather than exact numerical accuracy.
"...and made themselves masters of strongholds exceeding high..." This shows the strategic importance of the victory. Not only did they defeat the enemy in battle, but they also captured fortified positions ("strongholds"). These strongholds would provide strategic advantage for future battles and control of the territory. "Exceeding high" emphasizes the difficulty of taking these positions, further highlighting the Maccabees' accomplishment.
"...and divided very much plunder..." Victory in battle often resulted in the victors taking the spoils of war (plunder). This could include weapons, armor, valuables, and supplies.
"...giving the maimed and orphans and widows, and moreover the aged also, an equal share with themselves." This is a crucial part of the verse that reveals the moral dimension of the Maccabean revolt. Instead of hoarding the plunder for themselves, the Jewish fighters shared it with the vulnerable members of their community – those injured in battle ("maimed"), children who had lost their parents ("orphans"), women who had lost their husbands ("widows"), and the elderly. This demonstrates a sense of social justice, communal responsibility, and piety. It showcases that the Maccabean revolt was not just about military victory, but also about protecting the well-being of their people and adhering to their religious values, which included caring for the needy. The egalitarian distribution of the spoils likely served to solidify their support from the general population.
In summary, the verse describes a decisive military victory that also reflects the values of the Maccabean leadership. They not only won the battle and gained strategic advantages, but also prioritized the needs of the vulnerable within their community, showcasing their commitment to justice and religious principles.