This passage from 2 Maccabees reflects a moment where divine justice is seen to intervene in human affairs. The 'King of Kings' is a title that acknowledges God's supreme authority over all earthly rulers, including Antiochus. Here, God is depicted as stirring the king's anger against a person described as a scoundrel, who has been identified by Lysias as the source of significant trouble. This narrative underscores a common theme in biblical literature: the belief that God can influence the hearts and minds of leaders to bring about justice and righteousness.
The verse also highlights the cultural and historical context of the time, where specific methods of execution were employed as a means of justice. The decision to take the troublemaker to Beroea for execution by a customary method indicates the seriousness of the offense and the societal norms regarding punishment. This serves as a reminder of the moral order that is believed to be upheld by divine will, assuring believers that wrongdoing will not go unpunished and that God is actively involved in the course of human history.