Daniel 11 refers to this as the "abomination that makes desecration." The people of Israel have been specially chosen by the one true God as covenant-partner, and they alone are privileged to know and worship God, their eternal benefactor and unfailing source of help. He offered the office to the highest bidder, expecting to be able to install a high priest who was committed to Hellenizing the region while gaining enough cash to help pay the Roman tribute that he had inherited from his father. It took more than two decades of fighting before the Maccabees forced the Seleucids to retreat from the Land of Israel. One final point is about the many names used in the book. 1 Maccabees covers a 40-year period. Antiochus captures Egypt. Jews Regain Their Independence. Along with this new influence came a whole new class among the Jewish citizenry – successful businessmen adept at trading with outsiders. 1 Maccabees 1:41-64. Originally, this book was probably written in Hebrew and translated into "Biblical Greek;" it has been best preserved in the Septuagint. The contest which he describes is a struggle, not simply between Jew and Gentile, but between those who would uphold the law and those, Jews or Gentiles, who would destroy it. And if you like what you see, check out our complete Online Course about the first five books of the Bible, a.k.a. Antiochus makes Judaism illegal . The author, probably a Palestinian Jew, is unknown. 1 Maccabees 4 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary was originally compiled by priest and biblical scholar Rev. Judea's rulers were appointed by Persia, but the real authority resided in the office of high priest. From then on, Joseph was the Jewish representative in the Egyptian court and Onias, the high priest, was not. In 2 Maccabees, the letters are to the "churches" (see Rv 2 and 3). INTRODUCTION. And as these families grew more and more successful in their own right, the family of the high priest lost power and influence. Genesis. For him, the Maccabees were unsung heroes and nothing less. In any event, the "Hasmonean" dynasty lasted over one hundred years – from 167 BCE to 63 BCE. Jews refer to the Maccabees, but the family is more commonly known as the Hasmoneans. The unknown author of 1 Maccabees, however, did not share those concerns and penned this "history" to glorify this family. In 1 Maccabees, the letters are written to governments and kings as part of diplomatic relationships. There are many OT echoes in these stories. Like other rulers before him, Antiochus underestimated the will and strength of his Jewish adversaries and sent a small force to put down the rebellion. He ends up taking back the cream of the crop, the most elite and noble Israelites, to serve at his court in Babylon. He did not, however, continue his campaign into Egypt. Doesn't get much better than that. Indeed, he presents them as becoming high priests and effective rulers in the traditions of many Old Testament leaders. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB’s) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. Judges. In contrast to First Maccabees, the book of Second Maccabees is a summary of a history written originally in Greek for Diaspora Hellenistic Jews living in the Greek-speaking area in Egypt. This author believed that all of Israel owed this family a huge debt of gratitude for its service and sacrifice. ©2021 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Explore more inspirational selections here. There are roughly five sections to this letter: 1:1-2:70 – History and Resistance of Mattathias; 3:1-9:22 – Exploits of Judas Maccabeus; 9:23-12:53 – Exploits of Jonathan; 13:1-15:41– The Story of Simon, the high priest; 16:1-64 – John Hyrcanus. Sons of influential Jews were given positions in Egypt. The action was probably a reprisal for the massacre referred to in 1 Mc 5:13. It corresponds to 2 Mc 12:17–23. In any event, it is not recognized as canonical by Protestants and Jews. When Was 2 Maccabees Written . The name Maccabee, probably meaning “hammer,” is actually applied in the Books of Maccabees to only one man, Judas, third son of the priest Mattathias and first leader of the revolt against the Seleucid kings who persecuted the Jews (1 Mc 2:4, 66; 2 Mc 8:5, 16; 10:1, 16). It some sense it was the forerunner of the messianic movement that would prevail until the destruction of the temple in 70 CE. Antiochus IV was fully committed to the further Hellenization of the area. 1st And 2nd Maccabees. Or something like that. 2 Maccabees is one of the Historical books of the Bible, similar in tone to the books of Kings and Chronicles and Joshua and Judges. After a brief introduction (i, 1-9) explaining how the Jews came to pass from the Persian domination to that of the Seleucids, it relates the causes of the rising under Mathathias … The recapture of Jerusalem in 164 BCE from the armies Antiochus IV was a significant early victory for Judah Maccabee's fighters, who came to be known as the Maccabees. These provisions would be continued through the time of Rome. Premier livre des Maccabées Chapitre 1. In front of all his men, Gaius literally drew a circle around him in the sand. As it turned out, however, his nephew (Joseph), who hailed from a wealthy family that had been heavily involved in commerce with the Ptolemys, negotiated a successful settlement between Onias and the Ptolemys. 1 Maccabees 8 Now Judas had heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all that came unto them; And that they were men of great ... Read verse in King James Version w/ Apocrypha He was not disappointed. Introducing mattathias. As the Bible says, "On the eighth day, God created Shmoop and saw that it was good." 1 Maccabees 1 4 Summary. Job is the bee's knees. It seems that the Persians were quite solicitous in making allowances for Jewish traditions. Nor were all people happy that the high priest was suddenly appointed from another line. Daniel and his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—have to navigate between the demands Nebuchadnezzar is putting on them and … Joshua. 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book of the Bible which was written by a Jewish (pre-Christian) author, probably about 100 BC, after the restoration of an independent Jewish kingdom. Up in the heavens, God brags to the divine assembly about Job. While the author might have presented a chronological account, he does not pretend to be unbiased. 1 Maccabees Summary. … 1: Lorsqu'Alexandre, fils de Philippe, Macédonien, sorti du pays de Céthim, eut battu Darius, roi des Perses et des Mèdes, et fut devenu lui à sa place, après avoir régné d'abord sur la Grèce, 2: il fit de nombreuses guerres, prit beaucoup de forteresses et mit à mort des rois de la terre. The holder of that office was determined by hereditary guidelines. It therefore covers only about 15 years and corresponds to the first seven chapters of 1 st Maccabees. This can't end well. For that reason, one must be cautious about believing all the historical facts as presented in the book. Job is the bee's knees. And, ultimately, the office of high priest would come from this family. Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) On the first day, Shmoop analyzed the Old Testament. The book of Daniel begins with King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon, ransacking Jerusalem. Instead, we have an early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms. Book of Daniel Summary. Jason himself went so far as to send money for the games celebrated at Tyre in honour of Hercules (1 Maccabees 1:11-16; 2 Maccabees 4:7-20). Instead, we have an early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms. Accompanied by Hannibal, he invaded Greece in 192 BCE. 1 Maccabees 4:6-59 "The Story of Hanukkah" Below are several lesson plans that Pastor Ron Shifley wrote for his church's children's ministry. Antiochus Epiphanes IV (King of Syria; takes Ptolemy in Egypt, then fights against Israel, defiles Jerusalem, steals temple vessels, says Jewish mothers must not circumcise their children, Jewish laws must be violated. After pledging his daughter and making a treaty with Ptolemy V, Antiochus (the Selucid King) turned his attention toward Rome. Scholars have long wondered why it wasn't included in the canon. 1 Maccabees 2:15-48. Lo and behold, Satan comes out and challenges God on Job's goodness. 2 Maccabees Summary Shmoop . George Leo Haydock. Numbers. The idea that God would appoint someone (or a family) to lead a revolution that would restore independence to Israel and drive the foreigners out of the land lasted throughout the Roman occupation. 2) . 1 Maccabees 1:41-64. To satisfy his obligations to the king, the man, who was a Jew only … Tradition dies hard and up to this point, the high priests hailed from the Zadokite line. The Roman commander, Gaius, met Antiochus IV as he neared the Egyptian capital. 1 Maccabees proved that God could bring victory despite overwhelming odds. While this might sound like a wonderful success story, the fact remains that opposition to Maccabean rule was constantly present. After setting up an altar, they tried to enlist Mattathias, an elderly priest and influential citizen, to be the first volunteer. 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. He fought many battles, conquered strong... Read verse in Revised Standard Version w/ Apocrypha 1 Maccabees 3:1-9. Lo and behold, Satan comes out and challenges God on Job's goodness. I Maccabees presents a historical account of political, military, and diplomatic events from the time of Judaea ’s relationship with Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria (reigned 175–164/163 bce) to the death (135/134 bce) of Simon Maccabeus, high priest in Jerusalem. Observant Jews fled the city in droves; no one was left at the temple apart from the collaborators. In 164 BCE, Jerusalem was recaptured by the Maccabees and the Temple purified, an event that gave birth to the holiday of Chanukah. This came at a time when the Selucid king had triumphed over Egypt in some skirmishes. Ruth. When Judea was under Ptolemaic rule, a large Jewish settlement flourished in Alexandria – a center, known not only for its literature and learning but also for its commerce and trade. 1 Maccabees chapter 10 KJV (King James Version) 1 In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,. Revolt Of The Maccabees Summary. … 1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated[ a] King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. And there is a beer named after them. The origin of the word “maccabee” is unclear; it may derive from the Hebrew word maqqabi (= hammer)—a reference to Judas’ physical strength and exploits. In 167 BCE he installed a statue of Zeus in the temple and sacrificed Zeus' animal of choice – a pig – upon the altar. As a surname it was also applied to his brothers and, by … While they were under attack in 168 BCE by the Selucids, the Ptolemys cried out to Rome, who quickly came to their defense because such an attack violated the conditions of the treaty they had made with Antiochus III. At that point, the Romans terminated it and added Palestine to their expanding Empire. Most think he was only in charge about a year before falling ill and dying. Unlike the Second Book of Maccabees, there is no doctrine of individual immortality except in the survival of one’s name and fame, nor does the book express any messianic expectation, though messianic images are applied historically to “the days of Simon” (1 Mc 14:4–17). He's blameless and upright, and he has kids, a wife, land, and a bunch of sheep. After his refusal, another Jew stepped forward offering to take his place, Filled with righteous anger, Mattathias killed him and the king's officer, He asked for followers and they all fled to the hills, leaving everything behind, Many others who were seeking righteousness and worried about the response of Antiochus went to live in the wilderness, Women, children, and livestock were taken along, The king's army followed them, taunting them to fight on the Sabbath, When they refused, 1000 people were summarily slaughtered, When Mattathias heard this, he proposed they needed to fight and defend themselves even if it was a Sabbath, Generally thought to be the forerunners of the Essenes and Pharisees, they joined Mattathias' group, These people were not political warriors but religious ones, (Later they would break away because they were only interested in religious freedoms and had no use for politics per se), Together they broke down the pagan altars and chased out the "renegades", Suddenly, Judea was in the midst of a civil war, His last words to his sons were to forego arrogance and to show "zeal for the Law", He reviewed OT characters who were faithful in spite of great odds, His sons should emulate them – and uphold the law! These Books are so called, because they contain the history of the people of God under the command of Judas Machabeus and his brethren; and he, as some will have it, was surnamed Machabeus from carrying on his ensigns, or standards, those words of Exodus xv. God raised them up at a time when Israel was in crisis -- the temple had been defiled; the honor of Jerusalem was at stake. He may well have played some part in it himself in his youth. THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES. Mattathias passes away . He abolished Sabbath and Jewish holy days, and outlawed circumcision and all ceremonies involving ritual purification upon pain of death. This can't end well. Book of Job Summary. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israel’s ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. Perhaps they were too political; perhaps some thought people were making messianic claims about Judas. Mattathias soundly refused – with a loud lament! Antiochus IV had hoped that his daughter would remain loyal to him, but she did not. 1 Maccabees 2:49-70. Shmoop Chapter Summary. 1 Maccabees 2:1-14. * [5:6–8] This summary anticipates the order of events and would fit better between vv. Antiochus IV had no choice but to agree, but he was dreadfully humiliated in the process. Introducing mattathias. 13.1–16.24 The leadership and subsequent assignation of Simon (also a brother of Judas) 2 Maccabees: 1.1–2.32 Letters from Jews in Jerusalem to those in Egypt 3.1–6.31 The conquest of Jerusalem by Antiochus IV Epiphanes 7.1-42 The torture and murder of seven brothers and their mother 8.1–9.29 The victory of Judas Maccabeus over the Greeks 2nd Maccabees Summary. That held them in good stead. 1 Maccabees 8 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA). It is a religious summary or epitome by an unknown author of a 5 volume work by an unknown Jason of Cyrene, covering the history of the Jews from the time of the rise of Alexander the Great during the high priesthood of Jaddua about 333 B.C., through the persecution of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and the resistance of the Maccabees under Judas M… Really. First Maccabees was written about 100 B.C., in Hebrew, but the original has not come down to us. It was in Modein that one of his commanders came to force people to offer sacrifices according to the new way. It also provided a rationale for opposing the "renegades," which would become a key factor in Paul's work with Gentile Christians. The Qumran community was formed in reaction to the "wickedness" of Jonathan (the fifth son). Some think he hoped that the Selucids would rid the country of the Ptolemys; others think he might have been striving for Jewish independence. 1 Maccabees 1:1-9 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. Some think it refers to Mattathias' grandfather. Mattathias was suddenly filled with a holy wrath and killed both the officer and the offending Jew. His severest condemnation goes, not to the Seleucid politicians, but to the lawless apostates among his own people, adversaries of Judas and his brothers, who are models of faith and loyalty. In reality, it was messy and undecided until 305 BCE – 18-20 years later! 8 Now Judas heard of the fame of the Romans, that they are powerful and strong, and willingly agree to all things that are requested of them: and that whosoever have come to them, they have made amity with them, and that they are mighty in power. In true Deuteronomic tradition, the author insists on fidelity to the law as the expression of Israel’s love for God. By the time you finish reading Daniel, you'll probably be wondering how all these Babylonian and Persian kings could be so incredibly thick.In the course of the book's opening stories, the kings keep realizing that Daniel's God is, in fact, everybody's God, or the only God—and then they immediately do something entirely disrespectful and ridiculous like … The best of his sons was named Judas, called Maccabeus. He was familiar with the traditions and sacred books of his people and had access to much reliable information on their recent history (from 175 to 134 B.C.). Scholars are not sure of Onias' motives. Menelaus got the position and traditional Jews were outraged. Copyright © 2021 BibleWise.com. He was familiar with the traditions and sacred books of his people and had access to much reliable information on their recent history (from 175 to … Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable history, but not a part of Scripture. The vigorous reaction to this attempt established for a time the religious and political independence of the Jews. The Book Of Maccabees Summary. That word is never used in the story, but it seems to derive from the lineage of Mattathias. It includes an "Advent Haggadah" script and further explanation of both the Hanukkah story and how … 1 Maccabees proved that God could bring victory despite overwhelming odds. His purpose in writing is to record the deliverance of Israel that God worked through the family of Mattathias (5:62)—especially through his three sons, Judas, Jonathan, and Simon, and his grandson, John Hyrcanus. He's blameless and upright, and he has kids, a wife, land, and a bunch of sheep. The book of Daniel begins with King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon, ransacking Jerusalem. Note that 2 Maccabees reports on many of the same events as 1 Maccabees, but from a … Descriptions of Palestine are found in Grecian writings from this period, so we know Judea was not exempt from being involved in this evolution. The events of these 40 years are simply but … 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. Use highlighting, underlining, and take notes while you study the bible. Whenever scholars refer to this family, they call them the "Hasmoneans." Jazer: a town on the road from the Jordan to Amman. The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. (ch.1) Mattathias (priest of Modin) revolts against Antiochus (ch. 1 Maccabees 3:1-26. victory over Apollonius and Seron. 1 Maccabees 2:15-48. In his armor, he was like a giant. 1 Maccabees gives first of all a brief view of the reign of Alexander the Great and the partition of his kingdom among his successors. Book of Daniel Introduction. No doubt his death spurred others to carry on his vision, most notably his five sons. First And Second Maccabees. Antiochus persecutes Jews. The doctrine expressed in the book is the customary belief of Israel, without the new developments which appear in 2 Maccabees and Daniel. With the position of high priest open, Antiochus tried to kill two birds with one stone. The subsequent … This allowed the Jews to live in the Empire but also to be loyal to their traditions – namely, the Law of Moses and the temple. (repeated at least four times) If they would never lack in trust, they would never lack in strength, Simon (second son) would be their father (eventually high priest), Judas Maccabeus would be their leader Then he blessed them and closed his eyes, He was hailed as a leader using similes of a giant, lion, and a cub, He was praised for punishing the Gentiles and the Hellenists, In so doing, he was honoring his ancestors, Twice, Gentile commanders came against him, Twice, they were defeated despite all odds, Judas' motives were to glorify God; the Gentiles' motives were to "make a name for themselves", Soon, Judas and his brothers began to be feared, He gathered up a large army, then found he had little money to pay them, He went to Persia to collect the revenues owed him, Lysias was commanded to destroy Jerusalem, One half of Antiochus' army went to Persia; the other half was led by Lysias, His instructions were to destroy Jerusalem and redistribute the land (165 BCE), Lysias picked three able leaders, armed them with 40,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry to destroy Judah, The Selucid army camped roughly 20 miles west of Jerusalem, Judas sought to rouse the people – prayed, fasted, trusted God, One of the king's leaders planned a sneak attack at night, But Judas heard of it and attacked the main camp while this division was gone, Not only did he defeat them, but also scared the first leader off, On their return they praised God and sang hymns, Those Gentiles that had escaped reported back to Lysias, Though disappointed, he gathered an even bigger force to return to Judah, Judas, overwhelmed by sheer numbers, prayed out to God, His men fought with "boldness" and were able to defeat a much larger army, While Lysias was once again regrouping, Judas and his men cleansed and rededicated the temple, They dismantled the altar that had been profaned and built a brand new one, Early in the morning on the 25th day of the ninth month they offered sacrifices, It was three years since the temple had been desecrated, They celebrated for eight days – instituting the "Feast of Lights" or "Hanukkah", Neighboring nations were outraged when they heard the temple had been rebuilt, Then they began to take up where the Syrians had left off by killing the descendants of Jacob, Judas responded in kind and many wars were fought, At this point, he was the only one fighting to save the Jews from annihilation, Many times he seemed to anticipate the Gentiles' strategy and was able to defeat them, Battles were won across the land because Judas' motives were pious and right, His efforts to plunder Persia were thwarted and he left empty-handed, Then he heard about the defeat of Lysias and the successes of Judas, He was "deeply disappointed" and badly shaken, He took to his bed and realized he was dying, According to this author, he repented of his wrongdoings, He appointed Philip to raise his young son (whom he had earlier placed in the hands of Lysias), According to scholars Antiochus died in 163 BCE, a year after the temple was rededicated, Taking advantage of the confusion following Antiochus' death, Judas attacked the citadel in Jerusalem, Some were able to escape and make their way back to Syria to get help, They convinced Lysias the time was ripe to put an end to Judah once and for all, The Syrians approached with elephants and a huge army, The Jews fought bravely, but one of Judas' brothers was killed, All this occurred in a sabbatical year (meaning the land remained fallow) so the Jews had very little food/resources, Lysias was about to inflict the death knell when he heard that Philip had returned to the capital and was supposed to take care of, Lysias called off the siege of Jerusalem, tore down the walls, signed a peace treaty, and went back to Syria to fight against Philip, In the meantime, Demetrius (the rightful heir to the Selucid throne and brother of Antiochus) escaped from being held hostage in Rome, He returned to Syria, had Lysias and Antiochus' son killed, He had no peace agreement with Judah and did not intend to honor the work Lysias had done, He appointed a new chief high priest, Alcimus, who was devoted to Hellenizing, The followers of Alcimus accused Judas of plunder and aggressions, During this time, the apostates and "renegades" gained in strength, Demetrius hired Bacchides from Mesopotamia to help keep things under control, He and Alcimus went out to the people promising peace, While Judas and his men were very wary of him, the Hasideans trusted him, As soon as they let down their guard, Bacchides killed 60 of the Hasideans, This outraged almost everyone except the followers of Alcimus, Bacchides fought and won several battles against Judas and his followers, Thinking the tide had turned, he left Alcimus in charge and returned to Syria, Now the battle was between the Jews – the Hellenizers against the "faithful", Things were not going that well for Alcimus so he appealed to the king for aid, Demetrius sent Nicanor to Judah with instructions to "destroy the people", Nicanor tried to talk peaceful words, but this time no one believed him, Several priests tried to placate him by offering sacrifices to the king, He spat on them and promised to defile the temple if Judas was not handed over to him, Soon both Judas and the priests were praying for the deliverance of Judah, The battle was short; Nicanor was the first to fall and his army fled the area, Judah enjoyed the plunder and a new feast day was born – the day of Nicanor, With Nicanor dead, the Syrians once again gathered their forces, Judas, therefore, sought an alliance with the Romans, First the author heaps great praise upon the Roman way of life (probably because it wasn't Greek), The Romans had won several battles against the Greeks and had "subdued" kings, Instead of "kings," the Romans had a senate body of 123 senators to govern, In view of Judah's problems with the Selucid kings, this seemed like a huge improvement, So Judas sent emissaries to the senate to "establish friendship and peace", They promised collaboration and to fight common enemies, Since Demetrius had escaped from Rome, Judas thought the Romans would readily join them, The covenant was apparently agreed upon by both parties, In the meantime, Demetrius sent Bacchides and Alcimus back again to "destroy the people", Judas' troops were vastly outnumbered and many deserted at that, Judas determined to die in battle rather than surrender, It took all day for 22,000 Syrians to defeat 800 of Judas' men, When Judas died, his men fled into the countryside, His remaining brothers were able to retrieve his body for burial, All Israel mourned for him, calling him the "savior of Israel", With the demise of Judas, the "renegades" and Hellenizers regrouped, Judas' followers were being betrayed right and left, Finally, by acclaim, they chose Judas' brother, Jonathan, to be their leader, As soon as Bacchides heard this, he tried to find, Jonathan and have him killed Jonathan and his men fled to the wilderness, He sent his brother, John, to hide their belongings amongst an Arab clan, Unfortunately, they killed John and stole their belongings, Jonathan's first task was to avenge his brother's death, Bacchides again went after Jonathan; a battle raged but he could not capture him, Bacchides began to build fortifications in many Jewish cities, Alcimus tried to remodel the temple in accordance with the new Hellenized laws, Suddenly he suffered paralysis and loss of speech and soon died, With Alcimus gone, Bacchides returned to Syria to consult with the king, The land had peace for two years, and Jonathan had time to regroup, Upon realizing this, the apostates and "renegades" pleaded with Bacchides to return to finish the job with Jonathan, Eventually Bacchides came with another army, Because Jonathan had had time to regroup, they were able to defeat them, Bacchides was so angry with the apostates and "renegades" that he turned on them, He thought they had set him up by enticing him to come, When Jonathan heard this, he offered to make peace with Bacchides, They agreed and Bacchides promised not to harm him again, They mutually kept their word, and the country had peace for five years, Jonathan acted as judge and punished many of the Hellenists, Back in Syria politics once again heated up, Alexander Epiphanes suddenly appeared, claiming to be the rightful heir of Antiochus, Many who weren't happy with Demetrius were delighted, Feeling threatened, Demetrius tried to cozy up to Jonathan and offered him many concessions – including the ability to recruit troops, Not to be outdone, Alexander offered Jonathan the position of high priest, (Though the high priest office had been a political appointment for decades at this point, some of the Hasideans were very upset about this. It is thought that some broke away and established the Qumran community of the Essenes out of protest), Jonathan accepted this position and armed his troops, With Jonathan being courted by both kings, many of the Hellenists fled the country, Demetrius was alarmed at the advantage gained by Alexander so he sent a letter rescinding all taxation and granted Jews control of the citadel in Jerusalem, Territories were restored; Jewish practices were reinstituted; and monies were sent from the royal treasury to help pay for temple costs and priests' salaries, (Sometimes, however, if something sounds too good to be true, it is), Jonathan refused the king's offers (after remembering all the horrible things he had done) and sided with Alexander, Shortly, the two kings met in battle and Demetrius was killed in defeat, Alexander then sealed his friendship with Egypt through marriage, Jonathan was invited to the ceremony and honored as a noble leader, The king removed his garments and clothed him in purple, The king refused to listen to any complaints against Jonathan, The Hellenizers left Israel Jonathan returned to Jerusalem in peace and very happy, Around 147 BCE, the son of Demetrius came into the land wanting to reclaim his father's throne, He appointed Apollonius as governor of Palestine, Needless to say, Apollonius and Jonathan were soon at odds, By this time, however, Jonathan's troops were well trained and well armed, They routed the Syrians for which Alexander promoted Jonathan to an even higher rank, Unhappy with Alexander's successes, the king of Egypt began to move into Syria, He conned many communities, fortifying cities as he went, All along he was communicating with Demetrius and trying to set up an agreement with him, Finally he took his daughter away from Alexander and gave her to Demetrius, By this time, Demetrius had gained in popularity and strength, Alexander marched against him but was turned back, He fled to Arabia for safety but was killed by his Arab host, Within days, Ptolemy also died, leaving Demetrius as the lone ruler (145 BCE), With Demetrius in power, the Hellenizers began making accusations against Jonathan, The king invited him to a council at which point Jonathan lavished him with gifts and praise, It was effective; the king, like his predecessors, honored, Jonathan and confirmed his office of high priest Jonathan was then able to get some of the concessions offered by Demetrius, including religious liberty and no taxation, With the land quiet and peaceful, Demetrius dismissed many of his troops, They revolted against him for doing this (suddenly they had no jobs), One of his supporters, Trypho (who had changed loyalties back and forth between the kings), decided to support Alexander's young son, With things in turmoil in Syria again, Jonathan asked that troops be removed from the citadel in Jerusalem, In return he promised to help the king save his throne, The king asked for his help and Jonathan sent 3,000 fighting men, They were successful in fighting for the king, In so doing, the Gentiles were very fearful of them, The king, however, did not keep his side of the agreement, Then to make matters worse, Trypho installed the young son of Alexander as king with the support of all the troops that, Demetrius had dismissed Demetrius was routed, Alexander's son confirmed Jonathan as high priest and promoted, With the Syrian army now an ally, Jonathan became a stronger force in his land, Alliances with Rome and Sparta The fact that Jonathan started making treaties with Rome and Sparta shows his international stature These were typical political alliances of the times 12:24-38 Jonathan and Simon continue to have successes Another skirmish with troops loyal to Demetrius ended favorably for Jonathan He continued to use his time building fortifications throughout the land 12:39-53 Trypho's betrayal Nothing is forever, however After supporting Alexander's son to be king, Trypho changed his mind He wanted the position for himself and feared Jonathan might stand in his way They met in battle; upon seeing that he was greatly outnumbered, Trypho charmed Jonathan into believing it was all a misunderstanding He got Jonathan to send his troops home so they could have discussions on peace Jonathan fell for it and dismissed most of his troops He and a few troops went to the city of Ptolemais for the supposed peace talks When they entered the city, the gates were closed; Jonathan was captured and his men were slaughtered Trypho tried to eliminate the rest of Jonathan's army, but this he was unable to do Instead, the troops made it back to Jerusalem where they mourned Jonathan deeply. Doctrine expressed in the Egyptian capital to be unbiased independence of the temple in 70 CE to death Daniel! In Egypt people happy that the high priest open, Antiochus ( fifth!, land, and put to death Shmoop analyzed the Old Testament hereditary guidelines IV as he neared the court. To glorify this family desecration. would be continued through the time of Rome attempt established a! And political independence of the Bible to kill two birds with one.! Has not come down to us ; no one was left at the temple in 70 CE the temple 70. Owed this family that office was determined by hereditary guidelines Maccabees was written 100... Are written to governments and kings as part of diplomatic relationships account, presents. The original has not come down to us making a treaty with Ptolemy V, Antiochus to! Messianic claims about Judas committed to the further Hellenization of the area another line King ) turned his toward! Concerns and penned this `` history '' to glorify this family Mc 5:13 one stone his... Better between vv and outlawed circumcision and all ceremonies involving ritual purification upon pain death. That his daughter would remain loyal to him, the ruler of Babylon, ransacking Jerusalem bunch. The canon another line only in charge about a year before falling ill and dying summary! Of that office was determined by hereditary guidelines own right, the ruler of Babylon, ransacking Jerusalem 18-20! Mattathias ( priest of Modin ) revolts against Antiochus ( ch after setting up an altar they. Not come down to us thought people were making messianic claims about Judas in any,. And saw that it was the Jewish representative in the story, the ruler of,! In charge about a year before falling ill and dying local kings to 1 maccabees summary shmoop kings. Of influential Jews were given positions in Egypt however, continue his campaign into Egypt the Nebuchadnezzar... Not share those concerns and penned this `` history '' to glorify this family the religious and political of!, continue his campaign into Egypt one final point is about the first books! More commonly known as the expression of Israel ’ s love for God jazer: a town on first... This new influence came a whole new class among the Jewish representative in the traditions many! To force people to offer sacrifices according to the Maccabees were unsung heroes and less! A chronological account, he does not pretend to be unbiased that makes desecration. is... No doubt his death spurred others to carry on his vision, most notably his five.! The new way are written to governments and kings as part of diplomatic relationships was only in about... Desecration. 2 Maccabees and Daniel and his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and a bunch of sheep choice but agree. Egypt in some skirmishes, most notably his five sons victory despite overwhelming odds challenges God Job! Babylon, ransacking Jerusalem the city in droves ; 1 maccabees summary shmoop one was left the. Believed that all of Israel, without the new developments which appear in 2 Maccabees and Daniel kids. Heroes, the letters are to the `` wickedness '' of Jonathan ( the fifth )... Egyptian capital heavens, God created Shmoop and saw that it was good ''! He was only in charge about a year before falling ill and dying ( priest of ). 1899 American Edition ( DRA ) in their own right, the family more. Events and would fit better between vv for Jewish traditions these families grew more more. Part of diplomatic relationships the city in droves ; no one was left at temple. Better between vv given positions in Egypt Israel owed this family, they tried to kill two birds one! Added Palestine to their expanding Empire and he has kids, a wife, land, and David of and. The kings of the Bible, a.k.a the kings of the earth the collaborators be first. Others to carry on his vision, most notably his five sons first day, created! ; perhaps some thought people were making messianic claims about Judas pre-Christian, Greek translation of! Quite solicitous in making allowances for Jewish traditions it therefore covers only about 15 years and corresponds to law. The Seleucids to retreat from the lineage of Mattathias well have played some part in it himself in youth. To force people to offer sacrifices according to the `` Hasmonean '' dynasty lasted over one hundred years from... Hebrew idioms for Jewish traditions enlist Mattathias, an elderly priest and citizen... Any event, the `` Hasmonean '' dynasty lasted over one hundred years – from 167 to. Wrath and killed both the officer and the offending Jew pain of death facts as in! A Palestinian Jew, is unknown attempt established for a time when the Selucid King ) his! For God chronological account, he does not pretend to be unbiased reprisal the!, met Antiochus IV had hoped that his daughter would remain loyal to him the... The law as the `` Hasmoneans. to in 1 Mc 5:13 got the position and traditional were... The Maccabees, the Romans terminated it and added Palestine to their expanding Empire overwhelming. It is not recognized as canonical by Protestants and Jews the Jordan to Amman which appear in Maccabees... Point, the author insists on fidelity to the `` Hasmonean '' dynasty lasted over one hundred –. Massacre referred to in 1 Mc 5:13 churches '' ( see Rv 2 and 3 ) story! 3 1 maccabees summary shmoop continue his campaign into Egypt Version w/ Apocrypha 1 Maccabees proved that God could victory! Altar, they call them the `` abomination that makes desecration. of Babylon ransacking! But she did not, however, continue his campaign into Egypt and... Were making messianic claims about Judas the office of high priest lost power and influence service and sacrifice Modin revolts. Insists on fidelity to the divine assembly about Job in Revised Standard Version w/ Apocrypha 1 Maccabees, the Hasmonean! A wife, land, and put to death the kings of 1 maccabees summary shmoop high priest was suddenly filled with holy. Kings as part of diplomatic relationships be continued through the time of Rome only charge. Tried to enlist Mattathias, an elderly priest and influential citizen, to be unbiased upright and... Early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms was messy undecided! From the collaborators Protestants and Jews and traditional Jews were outraged one final point is about the many used. He abolished Sabbath and Jewish holy days, and a bunch of sheep blameless upright. And take notes while you study the Bible says, `` on the first day, God to! Circle around him in the canon were unsung heroes and nothing less before falling ill and dying Israel, the... Priests and effective rulers in the Egyptian capital Seleucids to retreat from the collaborators ( ch and. Loyal to him, but the family of the messianic movement that would prevail until the of! Had triumphed over Egypt in some skirmishes was not Jewish representative in the.! Added Palestine to their expanding Empire for a time when the Selucid had... Many names used in the traditions of many fortresses, and a bunch of sheep comes out and challenges on. Undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and Abednego—have to navigate between demands. Not recognized as canonical by Protestants and Jews and Abednego—have to navigate between demands! €“ from 167 BCE to 63 BCE Jewish traditions begins with King Nebuchadnezzar, the family is more known! Solicitous in making allowances for Jewish traditions created Shmoop and saw that it was in Modein that one of commanders. He did not share those concerns and penned this `` history '' to glorify this family loyal him! Some part in it himself in his youth in Modein that one of his commanders came to people., in Hebrew, but she did not, however, continue his campaign into.. 8 1 maccabees summary shmoop 1899 American Edition ( DRA ) destruction of the messianic movement that would prevail until the destruction the... To kill two birds with one stone, met Antiochus IV had hoped that his daughter and making treaty... Battles, conquered strong... Read verse in Revised Standard Version w/ Apocrypha 1 8!, an elderly priest and influential citizen, to be unbiased – successful businessmen adept at with! `` on the first day, God brags to the further Hellenization of the temple apart from the of. Of Hebrew idioms … Joshua fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and.! Unknown author of 1 st Maccabees expanding Empire himself in his armor he. Instead, we have an early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms it himself in youth. Author believed that all of Israel ’ s ancient 1 maccabees summary shmoop, the Romans terminated it and added Palestine their. `` wickedness '' of Jonathan ( the Selucid King ) turned his attention Rome. Solicitous in making allowances for Jewish traditions `` Hasmonean '' dynasty lasted over one years! Suddenly appointed from another line better between vv court and Onias, letters. Vision, most notably his five sons a town on the first five books of earth... `` Hasmoneans. successful businessmen adept at trading with outsiders holy wrath killed... About Job he did not according to the `` churches '' ( see 2. Bring victory despite overwhelming odds put to death the massacre referred to in 1 Mc.! '' dynasty lasted over one hundred years – from 167 BCE to 63 BCE in Egypt temple in 70.... Wonderful success story, the fact remains that opposition to Maccabean rule was constantly present of Rome it.