The verse "I am right well; and so, too, are my affairs" (from 3 Maccabees 3:13) is a statement made by Ptolemy IV Philopator, the king of Egypt, to the Jewish people. It essentially means:
"I am right well": I am in good health and doing well personally.
"and so, too, are my affairs": My kingdom and my matters of state are also in good order and prospering.
In context, it's a deceptive expression of well-being and control. Ptolemy is trying to project an image of strength and stability, reassuring the Jewish community that everything is fine under his rule. However, as the narrative of 3 Maccabees unfolds, his intentions are far from benign. He actually harbors resentment and plans to persecute the Jews.
Therefore, the verse is somewhat ironic. It highlights the contrast between Ptolemy's outward pronouncements of peace and prosperity and his true, malevolent intentions. It's a way to build suspense and foreshadow the coming conflict.
The verse "I am right well; and so, too, are my affairs" (from 3 Maccabees 3:13) is a statement made by Ptolemy IV Philopator, the king of Egypt, to the Jewish people. It essentially means:
"I am right well": I am in good health and doing well personally.
"and so, too, are my affairs": My kingdom and my matters of state are also in good order and prospering.
In context, it's a deceptive expression of well-being and control. Ptolemy is trying to project an image of strength and stability, reassuring the Jewish community that everything is fine under his rule. However, as the narrative of 3 Maccabees unfolds, his intentions are far from benign. He actually harbors resentment and plans to persecute the Jews.
Therefore, the verse is somewhat ironic. It highlights the contrast between Ptolemy's outward pronouncements of peace and prosperity and his true, malevolent intentions. It's a way to build suspense and foreshadow the coming conflict.