1 Maccabees, 10
14. Only in Bethsura there remained some of them, that had forsaken the law, and the commandments of God: for this was a place of refuge for them.
14. Only in Bethsura there remained some of them, that had forsaken the law, and the commandments of God: for this was a place of refuge for them.
1 Maccabees 10 describes the covenant made between the Seleucid King, Antiochus VII, and the High Jewish priest, John Hircano I. In this covenant, John Hircano receives confirmation of his position as High Priest and political leader of the Jews, besides the promise of peace and cooperation between the Seleucid Kingdom and the Jews.
2 Chronicles 9:26: "He also reigned over all kings, from the river to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt." John Hircano I was a Jewish ruler who expanded his control over a large part of Palestine, including areas that were previously under foreign rule.
Ezra 4:23: "Then, when the copy of King Arterxes's letter was read before Reum, and Sinsai, the registrar, and his companions, they were quickly to Jerusalem, to the Jews, and prevented them with armed hands." This verse talks about opposition external to the Jewish government and can be seen as a contrast to the peaceful covenant between John Hircano I and Antiochus VII.
Isaiah 19:19: "In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the land of Egypt, and a column to the Lord on His border." This verse is interesting because it talks about an altar to the Lord in Egyptian territory, suggesting that the Jewish religion was spread beyond Palestine.
Matthew 22:21, "Then he said unto them, 'Give Caesar what is Caesar and God what is of God." This verse talks about the relationship between political authority and religion, a theme that is relevant to the covenant between John Hircano I and Antiochus VII.
Acts of the Apostles 10:34-35: "Then Peter has opened his mouth and said, In fact, I understand now that God does not make the sense of people; but in every nation he who fears him and does what is fair is acceptable to him. " This verse talks about the idea that religion is a personal issue and can be practiced in different cultures and local, something that can be related to the covenant between John Hircano I and Antiochus VII, which allowed the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions in a geographical area.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
