3 maccabees 3:20 - We then, having endeavoured to make allowance for the madness of these persons, and on our victorious return treating all people in Egypt courteously, acted in a manner which was befitting.
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What does "3 maccabees 3:20" mean?
This verse, 3 Maccabees 3:20, describes the behavior of the Jewish soldiers after they were miraculously saved from being trampled by elephants and after they had defeated the King's forces in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"We then, having endeavoured to make allowance for the madness of these persons..." This refers to the soldiers reflecting on the actions of those who persecuted them, likely referring to the King and his supporters. "Madness" here doesn't necessarily mean literal insanity, but rather irrational behavior, foolish actions, and a general disregard for morality and justice. The Jewish soldiers acknowledge the extreme behavior and irrationality that led to their persecution. They are attempting to understand, even forgive, the actions of their oppressors. They are showing some degree of empathy or at least attempting to understand the mindset that drove the persecution.
"...and on our victorious return treating all people in Egypt courteously..." After their miraculous victory, instead of retaliating or seeking revenge against the Egyptian population as a whole, they treated everyone with courtesy. This demonstrates a high level of restraint and moral character. Their victory didn't lead to further aggression or oppression.
"...acted in a manner which was befitting." This is the concluding statement, summarizing their overall conduct. "Befitting" implies that their actions were appropriate, righteous, and in line with their values and religious beliefs. This highlights the contrast between their behavior and that of their persecutors. The soldiers are stating that they have acted honorably, in accordance with expected behavior for people of their faith and position.
In Summary:
The verse highlights the contrast between the irrational and unjust behavior of their oppressors and the restrained, courteous, and righteous behavior of the victorious Jewish soldiers. It emphasizes their efforts to understand (though perhaps not condone) the actions of their persecutors, their commitment to treating others with respect despite their own suffering, and their overall adherence to a high moral standard. They could have easily acted in revenge or bitterness, but instead, they chose to show restraint and act with dignity. This showcases the importance of forgiveness, restraint, and moral behavior even in the face of injustice and victory.
3 maccabees 3:20 - We then, having endeavoured to make allowance for the madness of these persons, and on our victorious return treating all people in Egypt courteously, acted in a manner which was befitting.
What does "3 maccabees 3:20" mean?
This verse, 3 Maccabees 3:20, describes the behavior of the Jewish soldiers after they were miraculously saved from being trampled by elephants and after they had defeated the King's forces in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"We then, having endeavoured to make allowance for the madness of these persons..." This refers to the soldiers reflecting on the actions of those who persecuted them, likely referring to the King and his supporters. "Madness" here doesn't necessarily mean literal insanity, but rather irrational behavior, foolish actions, and a general disregard for morality and justice. The Jewish soldiers acknowledge the extreme behavior and irrationality that led to their persecution. They are attempting to understand, even forgive, the actions of their oppressors. They are showing some degree of empathy or at least attempting to understand the mindset that drove the persecution.
"...and on our victorious return treating all people in Egypt courteously..." After their miraculous victory, instead of retaliating or seeking revenge against the Egyptian population as a whole, they treated everyone with courtesy. This demonstrates a high level of restraint and moral character. Their victory didn't lead to further aggression or oppression.
"...acted in a manner which was befitting." This is the concluding statement, summarizing their overall conduct. "Befitting" implies that their actions were appropriate, righteous, and in line with their values and religious beliefs. This highlights the contrast between their behavior and that of their persecutors. The soldiers are stating that they have acted honorably, in accordance with expected behavior for people of their faith and position.
In Summary:
The verse highlights the contrast between the irrational and unjust behavior of their oppressors and the restrained, courteous, and righteous behavior of the victorious Jewish soldiers. It emphasizes their efforts to understand (though perhaps not condone) the actions of their persecutors, their commitment to treating others with respect despite their own suffering, and their overall adherence to a high moral standard. They could have easily acted in revenge or bitterness, but instead, they chose to show restraint and act with dignity. This showcases the importance of forgiveness, restraint, and moral behavior even in the face of injustice and victory.