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In 1 Maccabees, Nicanor's peace overture to Judas is a plot to kidnap him, contrasting with 2 Maccabees where Nicanor genuinely befriends Judas and urges him to marry and settle down, turning hostile only when the king forces his hand.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
1 Maccabees 7:27
Deuterocanon
26 Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honored princes, who hated and detested Israel, and he commanded him to destroy the people. 27 So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a large force, and treacherously sent to Judas and his brothers this peaceable message, 28 "Let there be no fighting between you and me; I shall come with a few men to see you face to face in peace." 29 So he came to Judas, and they greeted one another peaceably; but the enemy were preparing to kidnap Judas. 30 It became known to Judas that Nicanor had come to him with treacherous intent, and he was afraid of him and would not meet him again.
2 Maccabees 14:24
Deuterocanon
18 Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the valor of Judas and his troops and their courage in battle for their country, shrank from deciding the issue by bloodshed. 19 Therefore he sent Posidonius, Theodotus, and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship. 20 When the terms had been fully considered, and the leader had informed the people, and it had appeared that they were of one mind, they agreed to the covenant. 21 The leaders set a day on which to meet by themselves. A chariot came forward from each army; seats of honor were set in place; 22 Judas posted armed men in readiness at key places to prevent sudden treachery on the part of the enemy; so they duly held the consultation. 23 Nicanor stayed on in Jerusalem and did nothing out of the way, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered. 24 And he kept Judas always in his presence; he was warmly attached to the man. 25 He urged him to marry and have children; so Judas married, settled down, and shared the common life.
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Notes and References
"... Compare 1 Maccabees 7:27, which suggests that Nicanor behaved treacherously from start to finish. However, according to 2 Maccabees, Nicanor not only befriended Judas but even served as his mentor or guide and urged him to marry, have children, and settle down in peace ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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