4 maccabees 4:7 - And the nation, indignant at this proclamation, and replying to the effect that it was extremely unfair that those who had committed deposits to the sacred treasury should be deprived of them, resisted as well as they could.
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What does "4 maccabees 4:7" mean?
This verse from 4 Maccabees 4:7 describes a moment of popular uprising against the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes' policies. Let's break it down:
"And the nation...": This refers to the Jewish people living in Judea during the reign of Antiochus IV (c. 175-164 BCE).
"...indignant at this proclamation...": The people were angry at a specific decree issued by Antiochus. This proclamation likely involved the king seizing assets or funds.
"...and replying to the effect that it was extremely unfair that those who had committed deposits to the sacred treasury should be deprived of them...": This explains the specific grievance. Antiochus had targeted the Temple treasury, where people deposited valuables (often for safekeeping or as offerings). The people protested that it was unjust for the king to take away what they had entrusted to the Temple.
"...resisted as well as they could.": This indicates that the people didn't passively accept the king's actions. They fought back, although the extent and nature of their resistance might not have been strong, considering that the text says "as well as they could." They were likely at a severe disadvantage to Antiochus and his forces.
In summary:
The verse describes the anger of the Jewish population when Antiochus IV seized funds that had been deposited in the Temple treasury. They saw this as unfair and resisted the king's actions to the best of their ability. This event is part of the backdrop to the Maccabean Revolt, which is the main theme of 4 Maccabees. The verse illustrates the growing tension and resentment towards Antiochus' rule, which ultimately led to armed rebellion.
4 maccabees 4:7 - And the nation, indignant at this proclamation, and replying to the effect that it was extremely unfair that those who had committed deposits to the sacred treasury should be deprived of them, resisted as well as they could.
What does "4 maccabees 4:7" mean?
This verse from 4 Maccabees 4:7 describes a moment of popular uprising against the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes' policies. Let's break it down:
"And the nation...": This refers to the Jewish people living in Judea during the reign of Antiochus IV (c. 175-164 BCE).
"...indignant at this proclamation...": The people were angry at a specific decree issued by Antiochus. This proclamation likely involved the king seizing assets or funds.
"...and replying to the effect that it was extremely unfair that those who had committed deposits to the sacred treasury should be deprived of them...": This explains the specific grievance. Antiochus had targeted the Temple treasury, where people deposited valuables (often for safekeeping or as offerings). The people protested that it was unjust for the king to take away what they had entrusted to the Temple.
"...resisted as well as they could.": This indicates that the people didn't passively accept the king's actions. They fought back, although the extent and nature of their resistance might not have been strong, considering that the text says "as well as they could." They were likely at a severe disadvantage to Antiochus and his forces.
In summary:
The verse describes the anger of the Jewish population when Antiochus IV seized funds that had been deposited in the Temple treasury. They saw this as unfair and resisted the king's actions to the best of their ability. This event is part of the backdrop to the Maccabean Revolt, which is the main theme of 4 Maccabees. The verse illustrates the growing tension and resentment towards Antiochus' rule, which ultimately led to armed rebellion.