2 Maccabees, 13
8. This was indeed a just punishment for him who had committed so many offenses against the Altar whose fire and ashes were sacred; and so, he met his death in ashes.
8. This was indeed a just punishment for him who had committed so many offenses against the Altar whose fire and ashes were sacred; and so, he met his death in ashes.
Chapter 13 of 2 Maccabees describes the final battle between the Jewish forces led by Judas Macabeu and the army of Antiochus Eupator. In this battle, Judas and his men achieve a great victory, and the chapter also highlights the importance of prayer and sacrifice to obtain God's help in the fight against enemies. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in 2 Maccabees 13:
2 Chronicles 13:12: "Now God is with us ahead, and His priests with the trumpets to touch the alarm against you. O Israelites, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not be successful ". This verse shows the importance of trusting God and divine leadership in battles, just as Judas led his people in the battle against Antiochus Eupor.
Psalm 20:7: "Some trust cars and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord, our God." This verse highlights the importance of trusting God rather than relying only on human material resources or strategies, something Judas and his men have done.
Isaiah 59:19: "It will come as a violent torrent impelled by the wind of the Lord." This verse talks about divine help that can come as a powerful force in times of necessity, just as Judas and his men received divine help in battle.
1 Samuel 7:8: "Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that it may be free from the hand of the Philistines." This verse highlights the importance of prayer and cry to God at times of battle and difficulty, something Judas and his men did in the battle against the enemy army.
1 Kings 8:44: "When your people go to the war against the enemy you have been to send you, and pray to the Lord, turned to the city you have chosen and to the temple I built for your name." This verse highlights the importance of praying toward the temple of God, something Judas and his men also did during battle.
“Seja perseverante nas orações e nas santas leituras.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
