This verse, from 3 Maccabees 7:21, describes the improved standing and security of the Jewish community after the miraculous intervention of God in the narrative. Let's break down the meaning:
"They had more weight than before among their enemies": This implies the Jewish community, after the episode of attempted persecution (where Ptolemy IV Philopator tried to massacre them in the hippodrome), gained increased influence, respect, or even power in the eyes of their enemies. The failed attempt to harm them, coupled with the divine intervention, made their enemies think twice before acting against them.
"and were honored and feared": This directly states the result of their increased weight. "Honored" suggests they were treated with more deference and respect, while "feared" implies that their enemies were now wary of them, knowing that actions against them could have consequences (potentially divine retribution or increased political/social backlash).
"and no one in any way robbed them of their goods": This indicates a significant improvement in their safety and security. Before this event, they may have been vulnerable to being cheated, stolen from, or having their possessions confiscated. Now, because of their enhanced status and the fear they instilled, people were deterred from exploiting or harming them financially.
In essence, this verse highlights the positive impact of the divine deliverance on the Jewish community's social, political, and economic standing. It suggests that after facing near annihilation and being saved by God, they experienced a period of increased respect, security, and influence within their society.
Context within 3 Maccabees: It is crucial to remember that 3 Maccabees is not considered canonical scripture by all Christian denominations. It tells a highly embellished story of Ptolemy IV Philopator's attempt to persecute the Jews in Egypt and God's intervention to save them. The book aims to strengthen the faith of Jews living in the diaspora and to celebrate God's protection of his people. This verse serves as a testament to the power and faithfulness of God, demonstrating that He will not abandon those who trust in Him, and that even in the face of overwhelming odds, He can turn the situation around to their benefit.
This verse, from 3 Maccabees 7:21, describes the improved standing and security of the Jewish community after the miraculous intervention of God in the narrative. Let's break down the meaning:
"They had more weight than before among their enemies": This implies the Jewish community, after the episode of attempted persecution (where Ptolemy IV Philopator tried to massacre them in the hippodrome), gained increased influence, respect, or even power in the eyes of their enemies. The failed attempt to harm them, coupled with the divine intervention, made their enemies think twice before acting against them.
"and were honored and feared": This directly states the result of their increased weight. "Honored" suggests they were treated with more deference and respect, while "feared" implies that their enemies were now wary of them, knowing that actions against them could have consequences (potentially divine retribution or increased political/social backlash).
"and no one in any way robbed them of their goods": This indicates a significant improvement in their safety and security. Before this event, they may have been vulnerable to being cheated, stolen from, or having their possessions confiscated. Now, because of their enhanced status and the fear they instilled, people were deterred from exploiting or harming them financially.
In essence, this verse highlights the positive impact of the divine deliverance on the Jewish community's social, political, and economic standing. It suggests that after facing near annihilation and being saved by God, they experienced a period of increased respect, security, and influence within their society.
Context within 3 Maccabees: It is crucial to remember that 3 Maccabees is not considered canonical scripture by all Christian denominations. It tells a highly embellished story of Ptolemy IV Philopator's attempt to persecute the Jews in Egypt and God's intervention to save them. The book aims to strengthen the faith of Jews living in the diaspora and to celebrate God's protection of his people. This verse serves as a testament to the power and faithfulness of God, demonstrating that He will not abandon those who trust in Him, and that even in the face of overwhelming odds, He can turn the situation around to their benefit.