Key Verse Spotlight
2 Maccabees 1:19 - 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
" For indeed when our fathers were about to be led into the land of Persia, the godly priests of that time took some of the fire of the altar, and hid it secretly in the hollow of a well that was without water, where they made sure that the place was unknown to anyone. "
2 Maccabees 1:19
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
17 Blessed be our God in all things, who handed over those who had committed impiety.
18 Since we are now about to celebrate the purification of the temple in the month Chislev, on the twenty-fifth day, we thought it necessary to notify you, so that you may also keep a feast of tabernacles, and remember the fire which was given when Nehemiah offered sacrifices, after he had built both the temple and the altar.
19 For indeed when our fathers were about to be led into the land of Persia, the godly priests of that time took some of the fire of the altar, and hid it secretly in the hollow of a well that was without water, where they made sure that the place was unknown to anyone.
20 Now after many years, when it pleased God, Nehemiah, having received a charge from the king of Persia, sent in quest of the fire the descendants of the priests who hid it. When they declared to us that they had found no fire, but thick liquid,
21 he commanded them to draw some of it out and bring it to him. When the sacrifices had been offered, Nehemiah commanded the priests to sprinkle with that liquid both the wood and the things laid on it.
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2 Maccabees 1:1
"The kindred, the Jews who are in Jerusalem and those who are in the country of Judea, send greetings and good peace to the kindred, the Jews who are throughout Egypt."
2 Maccabees 1:2
"May God do good to you, and remember his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants,"
2 Maccabees 1:3
"and give you all a heart to worship him and do his will with a strong heart and a willing soul."
2 Maccabees 1:4
"May God open your heart to his law and his statutes, and make peace,"
2 Maccabees 1:5
"and listen to your requests, and be reconciled with you, and not forsake you in an evil time."
2 Maccabees 1:6
"Now we are praying for you here."
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