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Context No. 698 of 4322 · 2 Maccabees

Context · Reflection

2 Maccabees 14:15-25: in context

15But when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s advance and the assault of the heathen, they sprinkled dirt on their heads and made solemn prayers to him who had established his own people for evermore, and who always, making manifest his presence, upholds those who are his own heritage. 16When the leader had given orders, he immediately set out from there and joined battle with them at a village called Lessau. 17But Simon, the brother of Judas, had encountered Nicanor, yet not till late, having been delayed by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries. 18Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the valor of those who were with Judas, and their courage in fighting for their country, shrank from bringing the matter to the decision of the sword. 19Therefore he sent Posidonius, Theodotus, and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship. 20So when these proposals had been long considered, and the leader had made the troops acquainted with them, and it appeared that they were all of like mind, they consented to the covenants. 21They appointed a day on which to meet together by themselves. A chariot came forward from each army. They set up seats of honor. 22Judas stationed armed men ready in convenient places, lest perhaps there should suddenly be treachery on the part of the enemy. They held a conference as was appropriate. 23Nicanor waited in Jerusalem, and did nothing to cause disturbance, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together. 24He kept Judas always in his presence. He had gained a hearty affection for the man. 25He urged him to marry and have children. He married, settled quietly, and took part in common life.

Nicanor is sent by the Seleucid king to break Judas, and the Jews, hearing he is coming, sprinkle dust on their heads and pray. But the battle they brace for does not come. Nicanor, hearing how bravely Judas's men fight for their country, has no stomach for it, and instead of drawing swords he sends envoys to make peace. Terms are agreed, the two sides meet, seats of honor are set up, and Judas, careful, quietly posts armed men in case of a trap that never springs.

What happens next is the last thing you expect from a book so fond of battles. Nicanor settles in Jerusalem and does no harm, sends the anxious crowds home, and comes to love Judas. He keeps him always at his side, and, of all things, urges him to marry and have children. And Judas does. He marries, settles down, and lives an ordinary life. For a stretch of verses, the general and the rebel are simply friends, and the war is just gone. Anyone who reads on knows the king will not allow it, that an order from above will force Nicanor to turn on the man he loves. But that is later. Here there is only the strange, real peace, and a hardened commander telling his enemy to go get married and live.

For a few verses two enemies were simply friends, before politics tore it apart. What good and unlikely peace in my own life am I failing to cherish while it lasts?

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