Key Verse Spotlight
1 Maccabees 4:17 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" and he said to the people, “Don’t be greedy for the spoils, because there is a battle before us. "
1 Maccabees 4:17
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
15 But all those in the rear fell by the sword. They pursued them to Gazara, and to the plains of Idumaea, Azotus, and Jamnia. About three thousand of those men fell.
16 Then Judas and his army returned from pursuing them;
17 and he said to the people, “Don’t be greedy for the spoils, because there is a battle before us.
18 Gorgias and his army are near us on the mountain. But stand now against our enemies and fight against them, and afterwards take the spoils with boldness.”
19 While Judas was finishing this speech, a part of them appeared looking out from the mountain.
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1 Maccabees 4:1
"Gorgias took five thousand infantry, a thousand chosen cavalry, and the army moved out at night,"
1 Maccabees 4:2
"that it might fall upon the army of the Jews and strike them suddenly. The men of the citadel were his guides."
1 Maccabees 4:3
"Judas heard of this, and he and the valiant men moved, that he might strike the king’s army which was at Emmaus"
1 Maccabees 4:4
"while the forces were still dispersed from the camp."
1 Maccabees 4:5
"Gorgias came into the camp of Judas at night and found no man. He sought them in the mountains; for he said, “These men are running away from us.”"
1 Maccabees 4:6
"As soon as it was day, Judas appeared in the plain with three thousand men. However they didn’t have the armor and swords they desired."
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