“But how the Spartans were of the lineage of Abraham is not easily found: for it could have happened that Abraham had many sons, apart from Isaac whom Sarah bore to him, from Hagar namely and from Bethsura, as Scripture makes clear, so that from one of them the origin of the Spartans proceeded. But Josephus, making men…”
Rabanus Maurus, 9th c. — Commentary on 1 Maccabees
Original
19And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
Modern
Preparing…
Teens
Preparing…
Kids
Preparing…
In context
17We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
18Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
— 1 Maccabees 12:19 —
20Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:
21It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham: