3 maccabees 6:40 - They feasted upon the king’s provision up to the fourteenth day, and then asked to be sent away.

Generated Verse: 3 maccabees 6:40

What does "3 maccabees 6:40" mean?


This verse from 3 Maccabees 6:40 is a summary of a specific situation described in the preceding verses. To understand it, we need the context:

Context: The verse comes after a miraculous event where Jewish people in Alexandria, Egypt, who were sentenced to be trampled by elephants, were saved by God's intervention. King Ptolemy IV Philopator, who had ordered their execution in a fit of rage, reverses his decision.

Feasting: The king, realizing the power of the God of the Jews and feeling remorse, orders provisions to be given to the Jews. This is a gesture of reconciliation and a form of atonement. The phrase "feasted upon the king's provision" implies they were provided with ample food and drink, perhaps even a celebration to make up for their suffering.

Fourteenth Day: The "fourteenth day" likely refers to a specific timeframe established by the king or the Jews themselves. It marks the end of the period of feasting and celebration.

Asked to be Sent Away: The phrase "asked to be sent away" suggests that the Jews, after their period of feasting, requested to return to their homes or communities. They did not linger or take advantage of the king's generosity beyond what was deemed appropriate.

Therefore, the verse means:

After being miraculously saved from execution by elephants due to God's intervention, the Jewish people in Alexandria were provided with food and provisions by King Ptolemy IV as a gesture of reconciliation. They celebrated and enjoyed this provision for two weeks, after which they requested permission to return to their homes, demonstrating a sense of propriety and a desire to resume their lives.

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