Lysias, a prominent figure in the Seleucid Empire, is tasked with a critical mission: to suppress the Jewish rebellion and enforce the king's decree. He appoints Ptolemy, Nicanor, and Gorgias, who are not only trusted advisors but also skilled military leaders, to lead a massive force of forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry. This formidable army is sent to Judah with the intent to crush the Jewish resistance and assert the king's dominance. The passage reflects the intense pressure and danger faced by the Jewish people during this tumultuous time. It serves as a backdrop for the Maccabean revolt, a pivotal moment in Jewish history where faith and determination play crucial roles. The narrative invites reflection on the themes of resilience and divine support, encouraging believers to trust in God's presence and guidance, even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges. This historical account reminds Christians of the enduring power of faith and the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs.
Then Lysias chose Ptolemy son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor and Gorgias, able men among the Friends of the King, and sent with them forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry to go into the land of Judah and destroy it, as the king had commanded.
1 Maccabees 3:38
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