5 min read

Judas Maccabee Told the Few Not to Count the Many

Judas Maccabee takes his fighters to prayer and fasting before battle, then tells them victory belongs to heaven, not to numbers.

Curated by Arthur · Told by Maggid ·
Table of Contents
  1. His Name Grieved Kings and Gladdened Jacob
  2. The Sword of the Fallen Enemy Stayed With Him
  3. Lysias Received Orders to Wipe Out Judea
  4. They Prayed Before They Fought

His Name Grieved Kings and Gladdened Jacob

Before Judas Maccabeus had faced any of the great armies, he had already become something difficult to ignore. He grieved many kings and made Jacob glad by his deeds. The sentence in First Maccabees sounds almost liturgical: on one side, mourning kings; on the other, a people who had been ready to perish finding a defender. His memorial is blessed forever.

Then Apollonius gathered a great host and went out against Israel. Judas went out to meet him, struck him down, and took the field. Apollonius fell. Judas took his sword and fought with it all his life. The empire's weapon changed hands. What the Seleucid army had meant to use against Israel became Israel's instrument every time Judas drew it.

The Sword of the Fallen Enemy Stayed With Him

News of Judas spread. Seron, a prince of the Syrian army, heard that a band of faithful men was gathering around him, men who went out to war. Seron decided this was his opportunity to build a reputation. He would make a name for himself by fighting Judas and those with him who despised the king's commandment.

Seron came up with a strong army. When Judas's men saw the force coming against them, they said to him: how can we, being so few, fight against so great a multitude, so strong, when we are ready to faint with fasting this day? Judas did not dismiss the fear. He answered it directly. It is not hard, he said, for many to be shut up in the hands of a few. With heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude or a small company. For the victory of a battle does not come from the size of an army, but from strength that comes from heaven.

Lysias Received Orders to Wipe Out Judea

The empire's response was to scale up. Antiochus chose Lysias, a nobleman of the blood royal, and gave him half the army with orders to destroy and root out the strength of Israel from Jerusalem and blot out their memory from that place. Lysias took forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry and marched into Judea.

Merchants heard what was coming and brought silver and gold in great quantities, ready to buy Israelite captives for slaves. The neighbors of Israel, the power also of Syria and the land of the Philistines, joined themselves to the Seleucid side. The force assembling against a handful of fighters in the hill country was not a border skirmish. It was an organized extermination with commercial backing.

They Prayed Before They Fought

Jerusalem lay empty as a wilderness. None of her children went in or out. The sanctuary was trodden down. The pipe with the harp had ceased. Then those who remained said one to another: let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.

So they assembled and came to Mizpah, over against Jerusalem. They fasted that day and put on sackcloth and cast ashes on their heads and tore their clothes. They spread out the book of the law, those things in which the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their idols. They brought the priestly vestments, the firstfruits, and the tithes. Then they cried to heaven and asked: what shall we do with these, and where shall we carry them? The sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and your priests are in heaviness and brought low. And now the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us.

Judas told them what he told every army he commanded: do not be afraid of the multitude and do not be afraid of their assault. Remember how the fathers were delivered at the Red Sea when Pharaoh pursued them with an army. Let us cry to heaven, if perhaps he will have mercy on us, and remember the covenant of the fathers, and destroy this army before us today. Then all the nations will know that there is one who redeems and saves Israel.

Maccabees IJudas MaccabeeWarFaithApocrypha
← All myths

From the tradition

Sources

8 sources

The texts this telling draws on, in full. Open a card to read inline, or expand it for a wider, quieter read.

The Book of Maccabees I 3:11The Book of Maccabees I

The Book of Maccabees I turns to Judas the Hammer Grieved Many Kings.

The First Book of Maccabees tells us that he “grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed forever." (1 Maccabees 3). for a second. Grieved many kings. This wasn't just a local squabble. Judas was shaking empires. And he did it with acts that brought joy to Jacob, another name for the Jewish people, connecting him to the very roots of the Israelite nation.

He wasn't just a battlefield hero. He understood that the fight was also about the soul of the nation. "Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel." (1 Maccabees 3). This wasn't just about military victories; it was about purifying the land, restoring righteousness, and turning away God's anger. It was about making a stand for what was right, even when it was unpopular, even when it was dangerous.

The impact was undeniable. "So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he received unto him such as were ready to perish." (1 Maccabees 3). His reputation spread like wildfire. People who had lost hope, people on the brink of despair, they flocked to his banner. He became a beacon of hope in a time of darkness.

But it wasn't all sweeping victories and adoring crowds. The fight was brutal. The odds were stacked against them. Take, for example, the story of Apollonius.

"Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel." (1 Maccabees 3). Apollonius, a Seleucid commander, amasses a huge army, drawing on the resources of Samaria, a region with a complex relationship with Judea. The threat was real.

How did Judas respond? He didn't cower. He didn't negotiate from a position of weakness. "Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled." (1 Maccabees 3). He went out to meet the enemy head-on, and he defeated them. He defeated Apollonius. This early victory, even though described briefly, was crucial in establishing Judas's reputation and bolstering the morale of his followers.

It's easy to get lost in the details of battles and political intrigue. But at its heart, the story of Judas Maccabeus is a story about courage, about conviction, and about the power of one person to make a difference. It’s a reminder that even when the world seems overwhelming, even when the odds are stacked against us, we still have the power to stand up for what we believe in. What are you willing to stand up for? What "Apollonius" will you confront?

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:15The Book of Maccabees I

Sometimes, those objects become more than just reminders. They become imbued with the spirit of the victory itself.

That’s exactly what happened with Judas Maccabeus. After a particularly fierce victory, 1 Maccabees 3 tells us, Judas took the spoils of war. But among those spoils was something special: the sword of Apollonius, his fallen enemy. And get this: Judas used that very sword for the rest of his life. Can you imagine the symbolism? Every time he wielded it, he was not just fighting; he was reclaiming victory, embodying the triumph over oppression. It’s a powerful image, isn't it?

News of Judas's growing strength, and his band of faithful followers, reached the ears of Seron, a prince of the Syrian army. Seron wasn't exactly thrilled. In fact, he saw an opportunity. He thought, "I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom." (1 Maccabees 3). for Seron, this wasn't about justice or even necessarily about the king's commandments. It was about ambition, about carving out his own legend.

So, he rallied a massive, "ungodly" host, as the text puts it, and prepared to march against Judas and his rebels. Their destination? The ascent of Bethhoron.

Bethhoron, this narrow passage, would soon become the stage for another clash, another test of faith, another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Maccabees. But think about Seron for a moment. He sought fame and glory. He saw Judas as a stepping stone. How often do we see that, even today? People driven by ambition, underestimating the power of faith and the resolve of those fighting for what they believe in. As we turn the page on this part of the story, we can only wonder if Seron's ambition will lead him to glory, or to the same fate as Apollonius before him.

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:19The Book of Maccabees I

That feeling isn’t new. It’s woven into the very fabric of our stories.

Let's turn the clock back to a pivotal moment in Jewish history, recounted in the Book of Maccabees I. The Jewish people, a small band of rebels, are facing a vastly superior Seleucid army. You can almost feel the tension crackling in the air.

The Jewish soldiers, looking at the approaching enemy, understandably have doubts. "How can we," they ask Judas Maccabeus, their leader, "being so few, fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day?" (1 Maccabees 3). They're exhausted, outnumbered, and staring into the face of what seems like certain defeat. Can you blame them for being terrified? Fasting all day only to face this.

Judas Maccabeus, a name that literally means "The Hammer," isn't just a military leader; he's a beacon of faith. His response cuts through their fear like a hot knife through butter.

"It is no hard matter," he replies, "for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company." (1 Maccabees 3). He's not dismissing their fears, but reframing them. He’s saying that numbers don’t matter when you have divine favor.

And then comes the real kicker, the heart of the matter. "For the victory of battle," Judas declares, "standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven." (1 Maccabees 3).

Strength cometh from heaven. It’s a powerful statement. It’s not about military might or strategic genius alone. It's about something bigger, something beyond human comprehension. It’s about faith, resilience, and the unwavering belief that even the smallest among us can triumph with divine assistance.

This passage from Maccabees I isn't just a historical account; it’s a timeless message. It reminds us that the challenges we face, no matter how daunting, are never insurmountable when we stand firm in our convictions and trust in something greater than ourselves. It’s a story of courage, faith, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It speaks to the heart of what it means to confront seemingly impossible odds, and to find strength not in numbers, but in faith.

So, the next time you find yourself facing your own "Seleucid army," remember the words of Judas Maccabeus. Remember that strength cometh from heaven, and that even the smallest spark of faith can ignite a revolution.

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:34The Book of Maccabees I

It's about resilience, faith, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it seems like everyone else is against you.

Chapter 3 of the First Book of Maccabees throws us right into the thick of it.

King Antiochus, wasn't exactly a fan of the Jewish people. He had grand plans to Hellenize the region, to impose Greek culture and religion. And those plans included wiping out any resistance, especially in Judea and Jerusalem.

So, what does he do? He decides to head east, possibly to deal with unrest in Persia – the text isn't crystal clear on the exact reason. But, before leaving, he needs someone to take care of things in his absence. Someone he trusts. Someone ruthless.

That someone is Lysias, described as a nobleman and "one of the blood royal." Basically, a very important guy. Antiochus leaves Lysias in charge of a vast territory, stretching from the Euphrates River all the way to the borders of Egypt. That's a huge area!

But it's not just land he's entrusting to Lysias. Antiochus also leaves his son, Antiochus (yes, another one!), in Lysias's care, presumably to be raised until the king returns. Think of it as a temporary regency.

Now, here's where things get really intense. Antiochus doesn't just say, "Hey, keep things running smoothly." He gives Lysias specific, chilling instructions regarding Judea and Jerusalem.

He hands over half of his military forces, including the elephants – imagine the sheer power and intimidation factor! And then he lays out his brutal plan.

The mission? According to 1 Maccabees 3:8, send an army to utterly destroy and eradicate "the strength of Israel" and "the remnant of Jerusalem." Not just defeat them in battle, but wipe them out. Erase their memory from the very place they called home. Take away their zekher, their memorial, their remembrance.

It’s a stark, terrifying command that sets the stage for the battles and the heroism that are to come. The stakes couldn't be higher. The survival of a people, their culture, their faith – all hanging in the balance.

What do you do when you're faced with such overwhelming force, with such hatred and destruction aimed directly at you? The story of the Maccabees is about to show us. And it’s a story that continues to resonate today, reminding us of the power of courage, conviction, and the enduring spirit of a people determined to survive.

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:41The Book of Maccabees I

The Book of Maccabees I turns to Judas Maccabeus and the Torah.

It wasn't just soldiers Judas and his men had to worry about. Word of this massive army spread fast.

They're loaded with silver and gold, ready to buy captured Israelites as slaves. Can you imagine the horror? The Zohar, that foundational text of Jewish mysticism, often speaks of the sitra achra, the "other side," the forces of evil that seek to exploit and destroy. This feels like a very real manifestation of that.

A "power also of Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto them." So this wasn't just a Seleucid problem anymore. Neighboring groups, seeing an opportunity, were piling on.

Judas and his brothers, they weren't naive. They saw the writing on the wall. As the Book of Maccabees I puts it, they "saw that miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their borders." They understood the king’s ultimate goal: "to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them." This wasn't just about religious differences; it was about survival. The very existence of their people was at stake. What would you do? How do you fight an enemy that wants to erase you from history?

It's easy to read this and think of it as just an old story. But the themes resonate through history, don’t they? Oppression, resistance, the struggle for identity..These are timeless battles, fought in different ways, in different places, across generations. And the story of Judas Maccabeus reminds us that even when the odds seem impossible, hope and resistance are always possible. We'll see next time how they manage to fight back.

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:45The Book of Maccabees I

"Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out." It's a stark, desolate image. The mikdash, the sanctuary, is "trodden down." The joy of Jacob is gone. The music, the laughter, all silenced. "The pipe with the harp ceased."

This isn't just about buildings and land, is it? It’s about the soul of a people being crushed.

So, what do you do when faced with such devastation? Do you surrender to despair? Hide in the shadows?

Not these folks.

"They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary." That’s the spark. That’s the refusal to give in. It's a powerful moment of communal resolve. A recognition that something precious has been lost, but that it CAN be reclaimed. It’s a call to action, a refusal to let the light of their tradition be extinguished.

Then comes the practical response. "Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion." Notice the order: they prepare for battle, yes, but they also turn to prayer. It’s a recognition that this fight isn’t just about swords and shields. It's a spiritual battle as well. A battle for the very soul of their people. They seek rachamim, mercy, and compassion. They understand they can't do this alone.

This moment in 1 Maccabees reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the spirit of resistance, the commitment to community, and the turning towards something greater than ourselves, can offer a path forward. Can we summon that same spirit when our sanctuaries – whatever they may be – are threatened?

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:55The Book of Maccabees I

That feeling isn't new. It echoes across millennia, resonating with stories like the one we find in the Book of Maccabees.

The scene: The Temple in Jerusalem, the very heart of Jewish life, is defiled. The priests, once beacons of hope, are overwhelmed with grief. And the Goyim – the gentiles, the nations – are gathering, their intentions clear: to wipe out everything the Jewish people hold dear.

The people cry out – a raw, desperate plea hurled toward the heavens. "What shall we do with these [enemies]? Where can we possibly take them?"

Their voices are filled with anguish, echoing the devastation they witness. "For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low." It's a lament, a prayer, and a challenge all rolled into one.

They recognize the impossible situation they face. The Book of Maccabees I recounts their stark question: "How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O God, be our help?" It's a moment of utter reliance on something greater than themselves. It's not just about physical strength, is it? It’s about faith.

Then, amidst the despair, a spark of action ignites. The trumpets blare, a rallying cry cutting through the fear.

And Judas Maccabeus, a name that will forever be synonymous with courage and resistance, steps forward. He understands that organization is key. The verse reads, "Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens." He's building a structure, a fighting force, from the ground up.

But Judas isn't just about brute force. He's also wise, deeply aware of the human element. He understands that not everyone is ready for battle, that fear and personal obligations can be just as debilitating as any enemy. "But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law."

This echoes the ancient laws we find in (Deuteronomy 20:5-8). It's a recognition that a strong community is built not just on warriors, but on those who are secure and whole. Those preoccupied with their homes, their loves, their fears? They're sent home. It's a pragmatic decision, but also a deeply compassionate one.

What does this ancient story tell us today? It's not just a historical account; it's a timeless reminder of the human spirit's capacity for resilience, faith, and strategic action in the face of overwhelming adversity. And maybe, just maybe, it reminds us that even when the world seems to be crashing down, there's always a reason to sound the trumpet, to organize, and to remember the importance of compassion.

Full source
The Book of Maccabees I 3:49The Book of Maccabees I

The Greeks, under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, are doing everything they can to stamp out Jewish practice. It’s a dark time. So, what do the Israelites do? Where do they turn?

The Book of Maccabees I tells us they gathered at Maspah, a place overlooking Jerusalem. Now, Maspah wasn't just any gathering spot. It was a place steeped in history, a place "where they prayed aforetime in Israel." It was a place to reconnect with their past, a place of refuge. When faced with overwhelming odds, they didn't just panic. They went back to their roots. They sought out a place where the echoes of generations of prayers still lingered.

What did they do when they got there? They fasted. They put on sackcloth – scratchy, uncomfortable fabric meant to symbolize mourning and humility. They cast ashes upon their heads, tore their clothes. These weren't just empty gestures. They were physical expressions of deep sorrow, a collective cry of pain and desperation.

It was a visceral display. We don't often think of grief as being so performative, but sometimes, when words fail, actions speak volumes.

But it didn't stop there. They also "laid open the book of the law." This wasn't just about reading scriptures. The Book of Maccabees I tells us that the heathen had sought to paint likenesses of their images on the Torah scrolls. Can you imagine the violation? The desecration? So, opening the Torah wasn't just a symbolic act of devotion; it was an act of defiance, a reclaiming of their sacred texts from those who sought to defile them.

And then comes a detail that really brings the scene to life. "They brought also the priests’ garments, and the firstfruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days."

What's a Nazarite? Well, in ancient Israel, a Nazarite was a person who took a special vow of dedication to God. This often involved abstaining from wine, not cutting their hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. Once their term was up, they would bring offerings to the Temple. The scene in Maccabees suggests that even these individuals, having completed their sacred period, were roused to action. Everyone, from every walk of life, was uniting in this moment of crisis.

What does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder that when faced with adversity, we too can draw strength from our traditions, from our communities, and from those sacred spaces, both physical and metaphorical, where we connect with something larger than ourselves. Maybe, like the Israelites at Maspah, we can find the courage to reclaim what's been defiled and to stand firm in the face of darkness.

Full source