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.
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
Saint Paul Center For Biblical Theology - Lesson Five Part VIIC Hasmonean Times
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