Key Verse Spotlight
2 Maccabees 3:23 - 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
" Heliodorus went on to execute that which had been decreed. "
2 Maccabees 3:23
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
21 Then it was pitiful to see the multitude prostrating themselves all mixed together, and the anxiety of the high priest in his great distress.
22 While therefore they called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things entrusted to them safe and secure for those who had entrusted them,
23 Heliodorus went on to execute that which had been decreed.
24 But when he was already present there with his guards near the treasury, the Sovereign of spirits and of all authority caused a great manifestation, so that all who had presumed to come with him, stricken with dismay at the power of God, fainted in terror.
25 For they saw a horse with a frightening rider, adorned with beautiful trappings, and he rushed fiercely and struck at Heliodorus with his forefeet. It seemed like he who sat on the horse had complete armor of gold.
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2 Maccabees 3:1
"When the holy city was inhabited with unbroken peace and the laws were kept very well because of the godliness of Onias the high priest and his hatred of wickedness,"
2 Maccabees 3:2
"it came to pass that even the kings themselves honored the place and glorified the temple with the noblest presents,"
2 Maccabees 3:3
"so that even King Seleucus of Asia bore all the costs belonging to the services of the sacrifices out of his own revenues."
2 Maccabees 3:4
"But a man named Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, having been made guardian of the temple, disagreed with the high priest about the ruling of the market in the city."
2 Maccabees 3:5
"When he couldn’t overcome Onias, he went to Apollonius of Tarsus, who at that time was governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia."
2 Maccabees 3:6
"He brought him word how that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of untold sums of money, so that the multitude of the funds was innumerable, and that they didn’t pertain to the account of the sacrifices, but that it was possible that these should fall under the king’s power."
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