3 maccabees 7:9 - For know you⌃, that should we conceive any evil design, or in any way aggrieve them, we shall ever have as our opposite, not man, but the highest God, the ruler of all might. From Him there will be no escape, as the avenger of such deeds. Fare you⌃ well.
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What does "3 maccabees 7:9" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 7:9 is a warning delivered by King Ptolemy IV Philopator to the Jewish community. It's essentially a threat veiled in religious language. Let's break it down:
"For know you, that should we conceive any evil design, or in any way aggrieve them..." This sets up the conditional statement. "Know this: if we plan any harm or cause any suffering to you (the Jewish community)..."
"...we shall ever have as our opposite, not man, but the highest God, the ruler of all might." This is the core of the warning. The King isn't afraid of earthly repercussions. He's saying that if he wrongs the Jews, he won't just be facing a rebellion or human opposition. Instead, he'll be opposing the almighty God Himself. This is meant to instill fear.
"From Him there will be no escape, as the avenger of such deeds." This reinforces the point. There's no hiding from God's wrath. He will punish those who harm His people (in this context, the Jews). God is presented as the ultimate judge and executor of justice.
"Fare you well." This is a standard closing remark.
In essence, the King is saying:
"Don't think you can push me too far, because even if I do wrong by you, it's not you I have to worry about. It's the wrath of God, and I don't want to face that. So, be good and don't provoke me."
Context in 3 Maccabees:
This verse comes after a series of events where Ptolemy IV Philopator has been trying to force the Jews of Alexandria to worship Dionysus (a Greek god). They've resisted, and Ptolemy has become increasingly angry and prone to irrational outbursts. This speech is part of his wavering between persecuting the Jews and backing down. He's recognizing the potential consequences of angering the God of the Jews, but his ego and power are also driving him.
3 maccabees 7:9 - For know you⌃, that should we conceive any evil design, or in any way aggrieve them, we shall ever have as our opposite, not man, but the highest God, the ruler of all might. From Him there will be no escape, as the avenger of such deeds. Fare you⌃ well.
What does "3 maccabees 7:9" mean?
This verse from 3 Maccabees 7:9 is a warning delivered by King Ptolemy IV Philopator to the Jewish community. It's essentially a threat veiled in religious language. Let's break it down:
"For know you, that should we conceive any evil design, or in any way aggrieve them..." This sets up the conditional statement. "Know this: if we plan any harm or cause any suffering to you (the Jewish community)..."
"...we shall ever have as our opposite, not man, but the highest God, the ruler of all might." This is the core of the warning. The King isn't afraid of earthly repercussions. He's saying that if he wrongs the Jews, he won't just be facing a rebellion or human opposition. Instead, he'll be opposing the almighty God Himself. This is meant to instill fear.
"From Him there will be no escape, as the avenger of such deeds." This reinforces the point. There's no hiding from God's wrath. He will punish those who harm His people (in this context, the Jews). God is presented as the ultimate judge and executor of justice.
"Fare you well." This is a standard closing remark.
In essence, the King is saying:
"Don't think you can push me too far, because even if I do wrong by you, it's not you I have to worry about. It's the wrath of God, and I don't want to face that. So, be good and don't provoke me."
Context in 3 Maccabees:
This verse comes after a series of events where Ptolemy IV Philopator has been trying to force the Jews of Alexandria to worship Dionysus (a Greek god). They've resisted, and Ptolemy has become increasingly angry and prone to irrational outbursts. This speech is part of his wavering between persecuting the Jews and backing down. He's recognizing the potential consequences of angering the God of the Jews, but his ego and power are also driving him.