1 Maccabees, 12
4. The Romans gave them letters addressed to the authorities in the various places, requesting them to provide the envoys with safe conduct to the land of Judah.
4. The Romans gave them letters addressed to the authorities in the various places, requesting them to provide the envoys with safe conduct to the land of Judah.
1 Maccabees 12 reports the continuation of the covenant between King Demetrius and Jonathan, the Jewish leader. The chapter describes the sending of ambassadors to confirm the alliance, as well as the realization of a joint expedition to combat a common enemy. The following selected verses address topics such as alliances, betrayal and battle victory:
Proverbs 27:17: "Just as iron sharpening iron, man sharps his friend." The alliance between Jonathan and Demetrius is based on mutual friendship and common interests. The verse shows the importance of friendships that help us grow and strengthen us.
Psalm 146:3: "Do not trust princes, or the children of men, in whom there is no salvation." The covenant between Jonathan and Demetrius was important to Jews, but we should not put our trust in human leaders, but in God.
Proverbs 11:14: "There is no wise direction, a people fall; but in the multitude of counsel there is security." Ambassadors sent by Jonathan and Demetrius discussed and carefully planned the alliance and joint expedition, showing the importance of seeking wise advice before making important decisions.
2 Timothy 2:3-4: "Therefore, the afflictions, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, suffers from me. No one who militates is embarrassed by business of this life in order to please him who enlisted him to war." Jonathan and his men were welded in a spiritual battle, and his goal was to please God, not to please himself or others.
Deuteronomy 20:4: "For the Lord your God is the one who goes to you, to fight you against your enemies to save you." The victory in battle of Jonathan and his men was not conquered for their skills or strength, but because God fought for them and saved them. The verse shows the importance of trusting God in all situations, including war.
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