1 Maccabees, 4
39. Then they rent their clothes, and mourned with great lamentation, and sprinkled themselves with ashes.
39. Then they rent their clothes, and mourned with great lamentation, and sprinkled themselves with ashes.
1 Maccabees 4 narrates the battle between the Jews led by Judas Macabeu and the Greek army of Nicanor, who had been sent by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes to subdue the Jewish rebellion. In the chapter, the strategy used by Judas Macabeu is reported to win the battle, which included guerrilla tactics and a strong religious motivation. In addition, the temple purification process is also described after victory. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in 1 Maccabees 4:
1 Samuel 17:47: "And all this congregation shall know that the Lord saves, not a sword, nor with a spear; for the Lord is war, and He shall surrender to us in our hands." Like David, who beat Goliath not with physical strength, but with the help of God, Judas Macabeu and his men trusted divine power to overcome the Greek army.
Proverbs 21:31: "The horse prepares for battle day, but the Lord gives victory." This passage highlights the importance of preparing for battle, but recognizes that victory comes from God only. Judas Macabeu and his men prepared strategically for battle, but also trusted divine aid.
2 Chronicles 20:15: "Thus saith the Lord about this great army," You do not fear, nor are you scary because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but of God. " This passage emphasizes that God is the true warrior and that victory in battle is given by him. This belief was clearly expressed by Judas Macabeu and his men.
Psalm 30:5: "For your wrath lasts only a moment; in your favor is life. Crying can last a night, but joy comes in the morning." This passage points out that, despite the difficulties and struggles, joy and victory can come in the end. This message is relevant to the story of 1 Maccabees 4, where Jews experienced great suffering before victory.
2 Timothy 4:7: "I fought the good fight, I finished my career, I kept the faith." This passage from Paul highlights the importance of perseverance and faith in times of difficulty. Judas Macabeu and his men faced numerous obstacles in the battle against the Greeks, but kept their faith and persevered until victory.
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