Context No. 4101 of 4322 · 2 Maccabees

2 Maccabees 15:6-11: in context

6And 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. 7But Maccabaeus still trusted unceasingly, with all hope that he should obtain help from the Lord. 8He exhorted his company not to be fearful at the assault of the heathen, but keeping in mind the help which in former times they had often received from heaven, so now also to look for the victory which would come to them from the Almighty, 9and encouraging them out of the law and the prophets, and reminding them of the conflicts that they had won, he made them more eager. 10And when he had aroused their courage, he gave them orders, at the same time pointing out the faithlessness of the heathen and their breach of their oaths. 11Arming each one of them, not so much with the sure defense of shields and spears as with the encouragement of good words, and moreover relating to them a dream worthy to be believed, he made them all exceedingly glad.

As the boastful enemy commander Nicanor prepares to crush Judas Maccabaeus and his men, Judas prepares his people in a striking way. He does not merely check their weapons; he encourages them, reminding them of the help God had given their ancestors in former times, and pointing them to the victory that would come from God.

Drawing on the law and the prophets and recalling the battles they had already won, he built up their courage. And the text says he armed them not so much with the safety of shields and spears as with the encouragement of good words. There is a truth here about the power of encouragement. Judas understood that his men needed more than physical weapons; they needed heart, courage, hope. And so he armed their spirits with good words, reminding them of God's faithfulness and the victories he had given, until they were made glad and eager. People around us facing hard struggles often need, more than practical help, the encouragement of good words, a reminder of God's faithfulness, a word of hope.

Do I strengthen those around me who face hard struggles with the encouragement of good words, reminding them of God's faithfulness and past deliverances, arming their hearts and not only offering practical help?

Sources

2 Maccabees 15:11: "Arming each one of them, not so much with the sure defense of shields and spears as with the encouragement of good words."
2 Maccabees 15:8: "He exhorted his company not to be fearful... but keeping in mind the help which in former times they had often received from heaven."
2 Maccabees 15:9: "Encouraging them out of the law and the prophets, and reminding them of the conflicts that they had won, he made them more eager."