Key Verse Spotlight
2 Maccabees 15:23 - 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
" So now also, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel before us to bring terror and trembling. "
2 Maccabees 15:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 Maccabaeus, perceiving the presence of the troops, and the various weapons with which they were equipped, and the savageness of the elephants, holding up his hands to heaven called upon the Lord who works wonders, knowing that success comes not by weapons, but that, according to how the Lord judges, he gains the victory for those who are worthy.
22 And calling upon God, he said this: “You, O Sovereign Lord, sent your angel in the time of King Hezekiah of Judea, and he killed of the army of Sennacherib as many as one hundred eighty-five thousand.
23 So now also, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel before us to bring terror and trembling.
24 Through the greatness of your arm let them be stricken with dismay who with blasphemy have come here against your holy people.” As he finished these words,
25 Nicanor and his company advanced with trumpets and victory songs;
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2 Maccabees 15:1
"But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the region of Samaria, resolved to attack them with complete safety on the day of rest."
2 Maccabees 15:2
"When the Jews who were compelled to follow him said, “Don’t destroy so savagely and barbarously, but give due glory to the day which he who sees all things has honored and hallowed above other days.”"
2 Maccabees 15:3
"Then the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there were a Sovereign in heaven who had commanded to keep the Sabbath day."
2 Maccabees 15:4
"When they declared, “There is the Lord, living himself as Sovereign in heaven, who told us observe the seventh day.”"
2 Maccabees 15:5
"He replied, “I also am a sovereign on the earth, who commands you to take up weapons and execute the king’s business.” Nevertheless he didn’t prevail to execute his cruel plan."
2 Maccabees 15:6
"And Nicanor, in his utter boastfulness and arrogance, had determined to set up a monument of complete victory over Judas and all those who were with him."
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