It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Monday, July 27, 2015

Victories, a reflection on 2 Maccabees 12:1-25

After the king sent them a letter promising friendship and permission to enjoy their own food and laws and Rome consented,  some of the governors exhibited their own disagreement. They would not let the Jews live in peace. The people of Joppa pretended to be friendly but instead murdered at least two hundred in a horrendous way. When Judas heard about this and similar plans being made by other cities, he attacked and destroyed.

Continuing the march of retribution, they were met by a large force of Arabs that had come to the aid of the Greeks as mercenaries. They put up a good fight, but Judas and his companions, with God's help, were able to defeat them. They then worked out a deal good for both sides.

Judas also attacked a strongly fortified town whose inhabitants relying on the strength of the walls surrounding their town, had slandered the Jews even blaspheming and saying unholy things.  Judas and his men, calling upon the great Sovereign of the world, rushed the walls, took the town, and slaughtered so many that the adjoining lake appeared to be running over with blood.

They continued their march of destruction.

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