Sirach 48:2 - Who brought a famine upon them, And by his zeal made them few in number.
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What does "Sirach 48:2" mean?
This verse from Sirach 48:2 refers to the prophet Elijah. Let's break it down:
"Who brought a famine upon them...": This refers to the famine that Elijah prophesied and brought upon the land of Israel as a punishment for their idolatry, specifically their worship of Baal. This is recorded in 1 Kings 17.
"...And by his zeal made them few in number.": This refers to Elijah's fierce dedication to the one true God. The famine would have drastically decreased the population by death and migration. Elijah's actions, driven by his "zeal" for God, ultimately led to the death of the prophets of Baal and to the suppression of idolatry, hence reducing the number of those who practiced false worship. This zeal is highlighted in 1 Kings 18 when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest, and after demonstrating God's power, he slaughters them. This action, while seemingly harsh by modern standards, was seen as necessary in that historical and religious context to restore the covenant with God and purge the land of idolatry. The phrase "made them few in number" can refer to the famine, to the elimination of the prophets of Baal, or to the combination of both actions.
Sirach 48:2 - Who brought a famine upon them, And by his zeal made them few in number.
What does "Sirach 48:2" mean?
This verse from Sirach 48:2 refers to the prophet Elijah. Let's break it down:
"Who brought a famine upon them...": This refers to the famine that Elijah prophesied and brought upon the land of Israel as a punishment for their idolatry, specifically their worship of Baal. This is recorded in 1 Kings 17.
"...And by his zeal made them few in number.": This refers to Elijah's fierce dedication to the one true God. The famine would have drastically decreased the population by death and migration. Elijah's actions, driven by his "zeal" for God, ultimately led to the death of the prophets of Baal and to the suppression of idolatry, hence reducing the number of those who practiced false worship. This zeal is highlighted in 1 Kings 18 when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest, and after demonstrating God's power, he slaughters them. This action, while seemingly harsh by modern standards, was seen as necessary in that historical and religious context to restore the covenant with God and purge the land of idolatry. The phrase "made them few in number" can refer to the famine, to the elimination of the prophets of Baal, or to the combination of both actions.