1 Maccabees

An account of the Maccabean revolt and the formation of an independent Jewish kingdom.


The Syrian ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem, demanding that all people in his kingdom adopt Gentile customs. A loyal Jew named Mattathais and his sons refused to do so. One of the sons, Judas Maccabeus, led a military revolt against the Syrians. He recaptured the Temple and dedicated it again to the God of Israel. This event is commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Judas was eventually killed in battle, and he was succeeded by Jonathan, who was appointed high priest until his own untimely death. Peace and Jewish independence were established by Simon (another member of the family) through an alliance with the Romans in 142 B.C.

 


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