Original Research: Historical Thought and Source Interpretation

The making of the people in 2 Maccabees 3 in the Heliodorus scene

Pierre J. Jordaan
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 79, No 2 | a8046 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v79i2.8046 | © 2023 Pierre J. Jordaan | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 02 September 2022 | Published: 30 January 2023

About the author(s)

Pierre J. Jordaan, Department of Ancient Languages, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

The view of the deity and the people in 2 Maccabees seems to be a dynamic rather than a stagnant relationship. On the one hand, the deity sometimes punishes his people through the enemy. However, in other instances, he defends them against the same enemy. In this sequence of events, the ‘Heliodorus scene’ in 2 Maccabees 3 is quite unique. A protagonist and his helpers (a man on a horse and two youths) as well as an antagonist and his helpers (Heliodorus and his bodyguard) can be shown. Minor, seemingly insignificant players – the ‘widows and orphans’ – are also found. Doran states that mentioning them in this scene is possibly a rhetorical ploy and refers to LXX Psalms 67:6 (Ps 68:5) as possible background. However, Doran, unfortunately, does not investigate LXX Psalms 67 further. Upon closer inquiry, this text might show an interesting context for the Heliodorus scene and the making of the people. It demonstrates how ‘the people’ should conduct themselves, the role of the sanctuary, and if one can expect the deity to get involved.

Contribution: This is a new contribution as the relationship between LXX Psalms 67 and 2 Maccabees 3 has never been looked at in this way.


Keywords

orphans and widows; temple; Jerusalem; Onias; horseman and youths; Heliodorus.

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

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