4 maccabees 18:18 - For he did not forget the song which Moses taught, proclaiming, I will kill, and I will make to live.
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What does "4 maccabees 18:18" mean?
The verse "For he did not forget the song which Moses taught, proclaiming, I will kill, and I will make to live" from 4 Maccabees 18:18 is a reference to Deuteronomy 32:39, part of the Song of Moses. Understanding its meaning requires understanding the original context in Deuteronomy and then how it's being used in 4 Maccabees.
Deuteronomy 32:39 Context:
God's Sovereignty: The verse ("See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand." Deuteronomy 32:39, ESV) is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and power over life and death. He is the ultimate source of both.
Judgment and Salvation: In the broader context of the Song of Moses, this declaration is tied to God's judgment on Israel for their unfaithfulness and his promise of eventual restoration. He will punish them for their idolatry and disobedience, but he also has the power to heal and revive them.
Unique Power: The verse emphasizes that only God possesses this power. It contrasts Him with false gods, who are powerless.
Meaning in 4 Maccabees 18:18:
Martyrdom and Faith: 4 Maccabees is a philosophical and theological treatise about the supremacy of pious reason over the passions, using the story of the Maccabean martyrs (who chose to die rather than violate Jewish law) as its central example. In this passage, the speaker is likely reflecting on the steadfast faith of the martyrs as they face death. They remember the teaching of Moses, recognizing that even in death, God's power remains.
Divine Providence and Resurrection: The phrase "I will kill, and I will make to live" reinforces the idea that death is not the end. It suggests a belief in resurrection or some form of afterlife, where God will ultimately restore those who remain faithful to Him. The martyrs are dying for their faith, trusting that God, who has the power to kill, also has the power to make alive again. They see their suffering as temporary in light of God's ultimate power and promise.
Encouragement to Endure: By referencing Deuteronomy, the author of 4 Maccabees encourages the reader to endure suffering for the sake of their faith. Knowing that God is in control, even of life and death, provides comfort and strength to persevere, just as it did for the Maccabean martyrs.
God's Judgment of the Wicked: In the broader context of 4 Maccabees, not only does God have power over life and death, but He also will ultimately judge those who are wicked, likely the Hellenistic rulers who are persecuting the Jewish people.
In summary, the verse in 4 Maccabees 18:18 draws on the powerful declaration in Deuteronomy 32:39 to highlight:
God's absolute sovereignty over life and death.
The hope of resurrection or future restoration for those who are faithful.
The importance of remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of suffering and death.
God's inevitable judgment on the wicked.
The martyrs are not just passively accepting death, but actively choosing it because they believe in the ultimate power and promises of God, as revealed in the teachings of Moses. Their death is not a defeat, but a testament to their faith.
4 maccabees 18:18 - For he did not forget the song which Moses taught, proclaiming, I will kill, and I will make to live.
What does "4 maccabees 18:18" mean?
The verse "For he did not forget the song which Moses taught, proclaiming, I will kill, and I will make to live" from 4 Maccabees 18:18 is a reference to Deuteronomy 32:39, part of the Song of Moses. Understanding its meaning requires understanding the original context in Deuteronomy and then how it's being used in 4 Maccabees.
Deuteronomy 32:39 Context:
God's Sovereignty: The verse ("See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand." Deuteronomy 32:39, ESV) is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and power over life and death. He is the ultimate source of both.
Judgment and Salvation: In the broader context of the Song of Moses, this declaration is tied to God's judgment on Israel for their unfaithfulness and his promise of eventual restoration. He will punish them for their idolatry and disobedience, but he also has the power to heal and revive them.
Unique Power: The verse emphasizes that only God possesses this power. It contrasts Him with false gods, who are powerless.
Meaning in 4 Maccabees 18:18:
Martyrdom and Faith: 4 Maccabees is a philosophical and theological treatise about the supremacy of pious reason over the passions, using the story of the Maccabean martyrs (who chose to die rather than violate Jewish law) as its central example. In this passage, the speaker is likely reflecting on the steadfast faith of the martyrs as they face death. They remember the teaching of Moses, recognizing that even in death, God's power remains.
Divine Providence and Resurrection: The phrase "I will kill, and I will make to live" reinforces the idea that death is not the end. It suggests a belief in resurrection or some form of afterlife, where God will ultimately restore those who remain faithful to Him. The martyrs are dying for their faith, trusting that God, who has the power to kill, also has the power to make alive again. They see their suffering as temporary in light of God's ultimate power and promise.
Encouragement to Endure: By referencing Deuteronomy, the author of 4 Maccabees encourages the reader to endure suffering for the sake of their faith. Knowing that God is in control, even of life and death, provides comfort and strength to persevere, just as it did for the Maccabean martyrs.
God's Judgment of the Wicked: In the broader context of 4 Maccabees, not only does God have power over life and death, but He also will ultimately judge those who are wicked, likely the Hellenistic rulers who are persecuting the Jewish people.
In summary, the verse in 4 Maccabees 18:18 draws on the powerful declaration in Deuteronomy 32:39 to highlight:
God's absolute sovereignty over life and death.
The hope of resurrection or future restoration for those who are faithful.
The importance of remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of suffering and death.
God's inevitable judgment on the wicked.
The martyrs are not just passively accepting death, but actively choosing it because they believe in the ultimate power and promises of God, as revealed in the teachings of Moses. Their death is not a defeat, but a testament to their faith.