Heliodorus Beatdown

Synopsis     2Maccabees 3:20-35     3/23/2021 

Heliodorus approached the temple to confiscate the treasury. King Seleucus had sent him. So, he went to the temple with his large group of bodyguards. Although the priests begged him to leave the treasury alone, Heliodorus persisted.  

Suddenly, a band of angels appeared out of nowhere. And together, they flogged Heliodorus until he was lying on the ground almost dead. And his bodyguard had been decimated. So, men picked him up and put him on a stretcher.  

Although the entire city was terrified in the presence of the angels, they rejoiced at God’s power. After the angels departed, one of Heliodorus’ companions begged Onias to pray for him.  

So, Onias prayed for Heliodorus. And he offered a sacrifice to atone for his sin. Suddenly the angels returned. They healed Heliodorus. And afterward, they commanded him to testify what he had experienced.  

After he was healed, Heliodorus offered sacrifices to God. And he made a solemn vow not to disturb the temple again. Then he returned to the king.  

Heliodorus Beatdown 

Heliodorus received an angelic beating. And this was followed by an angelic healing.  

The Hands of the Living God 

It is strangely easy to forget that God is the God of all Creation.  

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb 10:31