3 maccabees 5:18 - Conversation grew on, and the king sent for Hermon, and enquired of him, with fierce denunciations, why the Jews had been allowed to outlive that day.
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What does "3 maccabees 5:18" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 5:18 describes a moment of growing tension and anger on the part of a king, likely Ptolemy IV Philopator, towards his advisor Hermon because the Jews slated for destruction had somehow survived. Let's break down the meaning:
"Conversation grew on...": This suggests a conversation was already in progress, likely about the Jews. The fact it "grew on" means it intensified in importance and seriousness. It's a gradual build-up to the king's explosive anger.
"...and the king sent for Hermon...": Hermon is likely an advisor or official who was responsible, in some way, for the Jews. The king summoning him implies he wants answers and accountability.
"...and enquired of him, with fierce denunciations...": This is the crux of the verse. The king isn't asking a polite question. He is demanding an explanation from Hermon, with angry accusations and possibly threats (denunciations). The "fierce" nature of the denunciations highlights the king's extreme displeasure.
"...why the Jews had been allowed to outlive that day.": This reveals the king's plan: he had intended for the Jews to be killed on that specific day. Their survival represents a failure of his orders or his plans. His question is loaded with anger and incredulity. He is questioning how Hermon could allow this to happen. He expected them to be dead, and they are not.
In essence, the verse depicts a frustrated and enraged king confronting his advisor because a planned massacre of Jews has failed. The king is furious and demands to know why his orders weren't carried out, using harsh accusations to convey his displeasure.
Context in 3 Maccabees:
Remember that 3 Maccabees is not considered canonical by most Christian traditions (it's considered apocryphal). The book tells a story of Ptolemy IV Philopator of Egypt attempting to persecute the Jews of Alexandria. This verse comes within that narrative, highlighting the king's animosity and the danger faced by the Jewish community. This specific incident is related to his attempt to enter the Temple in Jerusalem, his failure to do so (according to the text), and his subsequent rage directed at the Jews in Egypt. He orders them to be rounded up and killed, and this verse reflects his anger when that plan doesn't immediately succeed.
3 maccabees 5:18 - Conversation grew on, and the king sent for Hermon, and enquired of him, with fierce denunciations, why the Jews had been allowed to outlive that day.
What does "3 maccabees 5:18" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 5:18 describes a moment of growing tension and anger on the part of a king, likely Ptolemy IV Philopator, towards his advisor Hermon because the Jews slated for destruction had somehow survived. Let's break down the meaning:
"Conversation grew on...": This suggests a conversation was already in progress, likely about the Jews. The fact it "grew on" means it intensified in importance and seriousness. It's a gradual build-up to the king's explosive anger.
"...and the king sent for Hermon...": Hermon is likely an advisor or official who was responsible, in some way, for the Jews. The king summoning him implies he wants answers and accountability.
"...and enquired of him, with fierce denunciations...": This is the crux of the verse. The king isn't asking a polite question. He is demanding an explanation from Hermon, with angry accusations and possibly threats (denunciations). The "fierce" nature of the denunciations highlights the king's extreme displeasure.
"...why the Jews had been allowed to outlive that day.": This reveals the king's plan: he had intended for the Jews to be killed on that specific day. Their survival represents a failure of his orders or his plans. His question is loaded with anger and incredulity. He is questioning how Hermon could allow this to happen. He expected them to be dead, and they are not.
In essence, the verse depicts a frustrated and enraged king confronting his advisor because a planned massacre of Jews has failed. The king is furious and demands to know why his orders weren't carried out, using harsh accusations to convey his displeasure.
Context in 3 Maccabees:
Remember that 3 Maccabees is not considered canonical by most Christian traditions (it's considered apocryphal). The book tells a story of Ptolemy IV Philopator of Egypt attempting to persecute the Jews of Alexandria. This verse comes within that narrative, highlighting the king's animosity and the danger faced by the Jewish community. This specific incident is related to his attempt to enter the Temple in Jerusalem, his failure to do so (according to the text), and his subsequent rage directed at the Jews in Egypt. He orders them to be rounded up and killed, and this verse reflects his anger when that plan doesn't immediately succeed.