October 14, 2013 – 2 Maccabees 10

I don’t remember a situation of suicide before in the Bible.  Saul, I believe, fell on his own sword, but that was in the midst of battle, which is a bit different.  Here, we have a ruler who falls out of favor, does not like that everyone is against him, and takes poison to kill himself.

We also have Maccabeus being surrounded by these warriors from Heaven.  What that must have looked like.  And it says they were striking the enemy with thunder bolts. I would have fled if I were Timothy as well.  Although God has assisted many armies in the battles they have fought, I don’t recall a situation where actual soldiers are sent from Heaven to protect a man during battle.