1 Now Judas heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were very strong and were well-disposed toward all who made an alliance with them, that they pledged friendship to those who came to them,
2 and that they were very strong. Men told him of their wars and of the brave deeds which they were doing among the Gauls, how they had defeated them and forced them to pay tribute,
3 and what they had done in the land of Spain to get control of the silver and gold mines there,
4 and how they had gained control of the whole region by their planning and patience, even though the place was far distant from them. They also subdued the kings who came against them from the ends of the earth, until they crushed them and inflicted great disaster upon them; the rest paid them tribute every year.
5 Philip, and Perseus king of the Macedonians, and the others who rose up against them, they crushed in battle and conquered.
6 They also defeated Antiochus the Great, king of Asia, who went to fight against them with a hundred and twenty elephants and with cavalry and chariots and a very large army. He was crushed by them;
7 they took him alive and decreed that he and those who should reign after him should pay a heavy tribute and give hostages and surrender some of their best provinces,
8 the country of India and Media and Lydia. These they took from him and gave to Eumenes the king.
9 The Greeks planned to come and destroy them,
10 but this became known to them, and they sent a general against the Greeks and attacked them. Many of them were wounded and fell, and the Romans took captive their wives and children; they plundered them, conquered the land, tore down their strongholds, and enslaved them to this day.
11 The remaining kingdoms and islands, as many as ever opposed them, they destroyed and enslaved;
12 but with their friends and those who rely on them they have kept friendship. They have subdued kings far and near, and as many as have heard of their fame have feared them.
13 Those whom they wish to help and to make kings, they make kings, and those whom they wish they depose; and they have been greatly exalted.
14 Yet for all this not one of them has put on a crown or worn purple as a mark of pride,
15 but they have built for themselves a senate chamber, and every day three hundred and twenty senators constantly deliberate concerning the people, to govern them well.
16 They trust one man each year to rule over them and to control all their land; they all heed the one man, and there is no envy or jealousy among them.
17 So Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to establish friendship and alliance,
18 and to free themselves from the yoke; for they saw that the kingdom of the Greeks was completely enslaving Israel.
19 They went to Rome, a very long journey; and they entered the senate chamber and spoke as follows:
20 "Judas, who is also called Maccabeus, and his brothers and the people of the Jews have sent us to you to establish alliance and peace with you, that we may be enrolled as your allies and friends."
21 The proposal pleased them,
22 and this is a copy of the letter which they wrote in reply, on bronze tablets, and sent to Jerusalem to remain with them there as a memorial of peace and alliance:
23 "May all go well with the Romans and with the nation of the Jews at sea and on land for ever, and may sword and enemy be far from them.
24 If war comes first to Rome or to any of their allies in all their dominion,
25 the nation of the Jews shall act as their allies wholeheartedly, as the occasion may indicate to them.
26 And to the enemy who makes war they shall not give or supply grain, arms, money, or ships, as Rome has decided; and they shall keep their obligations without receiving any return.
27 In the same way, if war comes first to the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall willingly act as their allies, as the occasion may indicate to them.
28 And to the enemy allies shall be given no grain, arms, money, or ships, as Rome has decided; and they shall keep these obligations and do so without deceit.
29 Thus on these terms the Romans make a treaty with the Jewish people.
30 If after these terms are in effect both parties shall determine to add or delete anything, they shall do so at their discretion, and any addition or deletion that they may make shall be valid.
31 "And concerning the wrongs which King Demetrius is doing to them we have written to him as follows, `Why have you made your yoke heavy upon our friends and allies the Jews?
32 If now they appeal again for help against you, we will defend their rights and fight you on sea and on land.'"
Versículos relacionados com 1 Maccabees, 8:
Chapter 8 of the book of 1 Maccabees talks about political and diplomatic relations between the Jewish people and the Roman Republic. He narrates as Judas Macabeu, leader of the Jewish rebellion against Seleucid domination, sought help from Rome to ensure the independence of his people. The verses below were chosen for their relationship with the topics covered in this chapter:
Romans 13:1-2: "Every person is subject to the superior authorities; for there is no authority that does not come from God; and the authorities that exist were instituted by God. So that the one who opposes authority resists God's ordination resists and those who resist will bring the condemnation upon themselves. " This excerpt from Paul's letter to the Romans highlights the importance of submitting to God's government authorities. This can be seen as a theological explanation of the covenant between the Jews and the Romans, since Judas Macabeu sought the help of the Romans to free their people from Seleucid oppression.
Proverbs 22:29: "Have you ever seen a skilled man in his work? He will be before kings; he will not be before dark men." This proverb emphasizes the importance of work and the ability to achieve the recognition of the authorities. This can be applied to Judas Macabeu's strategy to seek the help of the Romans, presenting them the skill and strength of their people in the fight against oppression.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: "Everything has its certain time, and there is time for every purpose under heaven." This verse highlights the importance of correct timing in decision making. It can be applied to Judas Macabeu's strategy to seek the help of the Romans at a time when the Republic was expanding their power and interested in establishing alliances with new allies.
Proverbs 21:31: "The horse is prepared for battle day, but victory comes from the Lord." This proverb highlights the importance of preparation and planning, but also the need to recognize that victory comes from God. This can be seen as a reflection of Judas Macabeu's strategy to seek the help of the Romans, who could provide military resources and diplomatic support, but ultimately victory would depend on God's will.
Ecclesiastes 9:18: "Better wisdom is better than weapons of war; and one sinner destroys many goods." This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in decision making and the need to avoid unnecessary conflicts. It can be applied to Judas Macabeu's strategy to seek the help of the Romans as a diplomatic solution to seleucid oppression rather than a prolonged and potentially destructive war.
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