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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Day 77 - 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge - 1 Maccabees 13 - 16 Great Adventure A Journey Through the Bible

Day 77 

1 Maccabees 13 - 16 


Bible Time Period:  Maccabean Revolt 
Mattathias and his sons stood up against the threats of Hellenization:  Help me resist worldliness in the culture and follow only you. 



Reflection
After Jonathan’s death, his brother Simon, the last remaining son of Mattathias, becomes supreme leader of the Jews under Roman authority.  He is named at the same time high priest, governor and Ethnarch (a political ruler over a common ethnic group).  That the roles of king and priest are combined in one man is unique to this time.  Simon Maccabeus’ son John Hurcanus serves, like his father, as both king and high priest.  He is the founder of the Hasmonean dynasty.

1 Maccabees takes the story up to 135BC.  The Hasmoneans continued to rule semi-autonomously for a number of years and became essentially independent in about 110 BC.  In 63 BC, two brothers fought for the throne and Rome intervened.  The battle ended with Hyrcanus II (a Hasmonean) in power but with Judah a Roman protectorate.  Hasmonean rule ended in 37 BC when the pro-Roman Herod the Great was made king of the Jews.


1 Maccabees is more than a history of the leadership and battles of the Maccabees (and the Hasmonean dynasty)during the 2nd century BC.  Its greater purpose is to showcase the providence and protection of God and the importance of staying true to the Covenant even to death.  This period helps to set the scene for the fulfillment of God’s promises in the New Testament.  With the Maccabean Revolt, the Old Testament period ends on a high note with great examples of courage and faith.  


Today's Reading

Commentary 
Discussion Boards Day 77
Saint Paul Center For Biblical Theology - Lesson Five Part VIIC Hasmonean Times
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For items devotional items related to the Catholic Church 

Back to Index 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge

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