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Judas Rescued the Jews Scattered Beyond Judea

After the altar is renewed, First Maccabees sends Judas and Simon outward to rescue besieged Jewish communities beyond Judea's borders.

Curated by Arthur · Told by Maggid ·
Table of Contents
  1. The Altar's Renewal Provoked the Neighbors
  2. Judas Burned the Towers on the Roads
  3. He Divided the Army at the River
  4. He Moved Through the Night to Get There First

The Altar's Renewal Provoked the Neighbors

When the nations round about heard that the altar had been built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much. The sentence is understated, but the danger was immediate. A defeated people could be pitied or ignored. A people who restored their altar announced that they intended to live. That announcement unsettled enemies who had preferred Jewish life disorganized, hidden, and afraid.

The violence that followed did not come from the Seleucid army. It came from the surrounding peoples, the Idumeans, the children of Bean, the Ammonites under Timotheus, the communities throughout Gilead. They struck Jewish communities in the hill country and across the Jordan, taking women and children, burning houses, closing the roads that connected Jewish towns to one another. The rededication of Jerusalem had restarted a war that the sanctuary's destruction had briefly suspended.

Judas Burned the Towers on the Roads

Judas moved first against the Idumeans in Arabattine and against the children of Bean, who lay in wait on the roads and besieged Jewish places. He burned their towers, took their spoils, and broke their courage. Then he crossed into Ammon and found a mighty power with Timotheus as captain. He fought many battles with them until they were discomfited before him. He took Jazer, with the towns belonging to it, and returned to Judea.

Then the messages came, one after another, from further away. The Gentiles of Ptolemais, Tyre, and Sidon had gathered against Jewish communities across Galilee. In Gilead, the community sent word that the children of Ammon were besieging the fortified towns, and that Bosora, Bosor, Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim were all shut in. The men of Tobie had been put to death, and their wives and children carried away captive, and about a thousand men destroyed.

He Divided the Army at the River

Judas and Simon could not go everywhere. The problem was the kind that required a decision that would leave some places at risk. Judas chose to divide forces. Simon, take three thousand men and go to Galilee. I will take eight thousand and go to Gilead.

Simon went north and fought many battles. He drove the enemy back to the gate of Ptolemais, killed about three thousand of them, and took their spoils. Then he gathered all the Jews of Galilee, from the greatest to the least, their wives, children, and goods, and brought them back to Judea with great joy.

Judas went east. He and Jonathan and their force journeyed for three days through the wilderness to find news of the communities. The Nabathites who met them brought the report from Gilead: the Jewish people were shut up in the fortified cities, many of them dying of famine and thirst. The enemy had assembled and was planning to take those cities by assault the next day.

He Moved Through the Night to Get There First

Judas changed course immediately. He wheeled his force and marched all night by a different road, arriving at the city of Bosora before dawn. He took it and put every male to the sword, took the spoils, and burned it. Then he moved on to the next city before light could warn it. City by city, through Gilead and into Carnaim, Judas's force moved faster than the enemy expected anyone to move, and the besieged communities were reached before the encircling armies could close their grip.

WarChanukahMaccabees IJudas MaccabeeSimon MaccabeeRescueApocrypha
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From the tradition

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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 5:1The Book of Maccabees I

The Book of Maccabees I, specifically chapter 5, opens with a simple but loaded sentence: "Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much." (1 Maccabees 5:1). After years of struggle, of religious persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Jewish people had finally reclaimed their holiest site. They had purified the Temple, rebuilt the altar, and restored the sacred rituals. This was a moment of profound joy, a evidence of their resilience and faith.

Joy, it seems, is often short-lived.

"It displeased them very much." Such an understatement, isn't it? It wasn't just a minor annoyance. This displeasure was a powder keg ready to explode. Why? Because the rededication of the Temple wasn't just a religious act; it was a political statement. It was a declaration of independence, a refusal to be assimilated, a challenge to the surrounding powers who wanted to control the region.

The neighbors weren't exactly thrilled about the idea of a strong, independent Jewish presence reasserting itself. Their own power and influence were threatened. And so, as we'll see, their displeasure quickly turned into something far more dangerous.

This seemingly simple sentence sets the stage for the battles and challenges that the Maccabees would continue to face. It’s a reminder that standing up for what you believe in often comes at a cost. And it highlights the eternal struggle between those who seek to build and those who seek to destroy. What happens next? Well, that's a story for another time. But believe me, it's a story worth hearing.

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The Book of Maccabees I 5:5The Book of Maccabees I

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

In the First Book of Maccabees, we find ourselves amidst a struggle for survival. The surrounding nations, seeing the Jewish people as an obstacle, sought nothing less than their complete eradication. "Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them," the verse says, "and thereupon they began to slay and destroy the people." Imagine the fear, the desperation, the burning desire to protect one's own.

It’s in this crucible of conflict that Judas Maccabeus emerges, not just as a warrior, but as a symbol of resilience.

So, what does Judas do? He fights back.

The narrative picks up with Judas's campaign against the descendants of Esau in Idumea, specifically in the region of Arabattine. Why? Because they were besieging Gael. Judas doesn't hesitate. He confronts them, delivers a "great overthrow," diminishes their courage, and seizes their spoils. It's a decisive victory, a moment of triumph against overwhelming odds.

But the fight wasn't just against large armies in open battle. Sometimes, it was against insidious treachery.

The Book of Maccabees then turns our attention to the "children of Bean." These weren't just casual antagonists; they were a "snare and an offense unto the people." They lay in wait, ambushing the Jewish people along the roads, preying on their vulnerability. It was a constant threat, a violation of safety and trust.

Judas's response is swift and unwavering. He corners them in their towers, besieges them, and utterly destroys them. "He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that place with fire, and all that were therein." A harsh sentence, perhaps, but in a time when survival was paramount, such actions were seen as necessary to secure the future.

We can learn a lot from looking at these stories in 1 Maccabees. It forces us to ask: What are we willing to fight for? What lines will we draw in the sand? And how do we balance the need for self-preservation with the values of compassion and justice that are so central to Jewish tradition? These are questions that resonate even today, long after the battles of Judas Maccabeus.

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The Book of Maccabees I 5:10The Book of Maccabees I

It’s a story about Judas Maccabeus, a legendary figure of Jewish history, and his relentless fight for his people.

After one of his victories, Judas wasn't one to rest on his laurels. The verse reads, "Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain."

Timotheus. Remember that name. He's going to be a recurring thorn in Judas's side.

The situation was tense. The Ammonites were a formidable force, and Timotheus was a skilled commander. What did Judas do? He didn't back down. "So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he smote them."

Judas Maccabeus wasn't just winning battles, he was liberating territories. "And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging thereto, he returned into Judea." Victory. Time to celebrate? Not quite.

The narrative shifts, and we learn of a new threat. "Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema."

Imagine that feeling: surrounded, outnumbered, seeking refuge in a fortress. The situation was dire. The message sent from Dathema is chilling: "The heathen that are round about us are assembled together against us to destroy us: And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host."

Timotheus again. This wasn't just a local skirmish; it was a coordinated effort, a full-blown assault on the Israelites. The stakes couldn't be higher. Their very survival was on the line.

What would you do? How would you respond to such overwhelming pressure? This is the question that hangs in the air as we consider this moment in The Book of Maccabees I. It's a story that resonates even today, reminding us of the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, even when the odds are stacked against you. The Maccabees faced seemingly insurmountable challenges with unwavering faith and determination. And their story continues to inspire us to do the same in our own lives, doesn't it?

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The Book of Maccabees I 5:14The Book of Maccabees I

That feeling, that desperate plea for help, echoes through the ages, and we hear it loud and clear in the Book of Maccabees.

Receiving a desperate message. Not just one, but a flood of them, each more dire than the last. This is the scene that unfolds in 1 Maccabees 5. "Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many of us are slain." The words are raw, urgent, a cry for salvation.

The initial message comes from Jewish communities facing annihilation. "Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are put to death." It's not just the men, the fighters, but everyone. "Their wives and their children also they have carried away captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have destroyed there about a thousand men." The brutality is stark, the loss immeasurable. This isn't just a battle; it's a massacre.

Can you picture the scene? Leaders huddled together, reading these horrifying accounts, the weight of responsibility pressing down on them. The ink is barely dry on the first message when another arrives, and then another.

"While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent…" The image itself speaks volumes. Rent clothing was a sign of mourning, of immense grief and despair. These messengers haven't just witnessed horror; they're living it.

And what news do they bring? It's even worse than they feared. "They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to consume us." Entire regions, united in their animosity, are poised to wipe out the Jewish communities. The threat is existential.

What do you do when faced with such overwhelming odds? When your people are being slaughtered, their families torn apart, and annihilation seems inevitable? This is the question that faced the Maccabees, and their response would define their legacy. It's a moment of profound crisis, a turning point in their struggle for survival. The cry for help is out there, will they answer?

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The Book of Maccabees I 5:18The Book of Maccabees I

The Book of Maccabees I turns to Judas Splits His Forces to Rescue Besieged Jews.

The scene: Judas Maccabeus, the hammer of God, the leader of the rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. He and the people have just heard terrible news. Their fellow Jews are in trouble, besieged and attacked by their enemies. The community is desperate. They gather, a great kehillah, a congregation, to figure out what to do.

What would you do? How do you choose where to focus your energy when needs are everywhere?

Judas makes a bold decision. He understands they can’t be everywhere at once. So, he divides his forces. He turns to his brother, Simon, and says, "Choose your men, and go to Galilee to rescue our brothers and sisters there." Galilee, to the north, was a hotbed of conflict.

Meanwhile, Judas, along with his other brother Jonathan, will head to the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. That's right, they're splitting the rescue mission into two major operations! Talk about high stakes!

But wait, who’s left to defend Judea itself? They couldn't just leave it undefended. Judas appoints Joseph, son of Zacharias, and Azarias, as captains. They're left in charge of the remaining troops in Judea, tasked with holding the line. Judas gives them a very specific instruction: "Take charge of this people, and do not wage war against the nations until we return." He's entrusting them with immense responsibility, but also restraining them. He's saying, "Hold steady. Don't provoke. Your job is to defend, not to attack."

It’s a strategic gamble. Judas is betting that these two commanders can maintain the peace, or at least prevent a major offensive, while he and his brothers are off fighting elsewhere. It’s a evidence of his leadership, his ability to delegate, and his understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of his commanders.

This passage, though brief, speaks volumes about leadership in crisis. It's about making tough choices, prioritizing needs, and trusting others to step up in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder that even the most valiant of leaders can't do it all alone. They need a team, a community, willing to share the burden and fight for what’s right.

And it begs the question: When have you had to make a similar choice? When have you had to divide your attention, delegate responsibility, and trust others to carry the torch? The story of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers resonates even today, reminding us that courage, strategy, and community are essential when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

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The Book of Maccabees I 5:22The Book of Maccabees I

The Book of Maccabees I turns to Simon in the Holy Land.

The scene is set: Simon is given command of three thousand men, tasked with heading into Galilee, the northern region of Israel. And Judas? He’s given a force of eight thousand, heading in a different direction, towards the country of Galaad, east of the Jordan River.

So, what happens when Simon arrives in Galilee? He doesn't hold back. He "fought many battles with the heathen." It's a stark reminder that this wasn't just a philosophical debate; it was a fight for survival. And Simon, he proves to be a formidable leader.

The opposition? They were "discomfited by him." A wonderfully understated way of saying they were soundly beaten. Simon pressed his advantage, pursuing them all the way to the gate of Ptolemais, a coastal city.

The result? A decisive victory. The Book of Maccabees I is pretty direct: "there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took." It paints a picture of a hard-fought victory, with Simon's forces claiming the spoils of war.

But the story doesn't end there. It’s not just about battles and conquests. Simon's mission had a humanitarian aspect too.

We hear that he gathered "those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all that they had." These were Jewish families, likely caught in the crossfire, vulnerable and in need of protection.

And what does Simon do? He brings them back with him to Judea. The text emphasizes the emotional weight of this journey: "with great joy." Imagine the relief, the hope, the sense of security these families must have felt, being escorted back to their ancestral homeland.

This short passage from Maccabees I isn't just a battle narrative. It's a glimpse into the complexities of the Maccabean revolt. It reminds us that the fight for religious freedom was intertwined with the protection of communities, the safeguarding of families, and the hope for a better future. It highlights the bravery of Simon, not just as a military leader, but as a protector of his people.

So, as we celebrate Hanukkah, remembering the miracle of the oil, let’s also remember the courage, the battles, and the acts of compassion that made that miracle possible. Let's remember the people behind the story, like Simon, who fought not just for religious freedom, but for the safety and well-being of their community. What does it mean to be a light in the darkness, both then and now? Perhaps it means fighting for what you believe in, protecting those in need, and bringing joy to those who have suffered.

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The Book of Maccabees I 5:26The Book of Maccabees I

The Book of Maccabees I turns to Judas Maccabeus and David of Nabathites.

We pick up their story in 1 Maccabees 5 as they venture east, across the Jordan River, plunging deep into the wilderness for three long days. What are they searching for? News. Information. Anything that can help them understand the threats facing their people.

Then, they encounter the Nabathites. These desert dwellers, known for their trade routes and survival skills, approach Judas and Jonathan with an air of peace. But their message is anything but peaceful. They bring grim tidings from the land of Galaad, a region east of the Jordan.

The Nabathites reveal that Jewish communities are under siege. Many are trapped, “shut up” as the text says, in fortified cities. Bosora, Bosor, Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim, all described as “strong and great.” Think of these cities as beacons of hope, now flickering under the shadow of attack. And those aren’t the only ones at risk. The Nabathites report that the remaining Jewish people are cornered in other cities throughout Galaad.

But here’s the truly terrifying part: the enemy has set a deadline. "Against tomorrow," the Nabathites warn, the enemy plans to unleash its full force against these fortresses. Their goal? To conquer them and annihilate the Jewish inhabitants “in one day.” Can you imagine the sheer panic, the desperation of those trapped within those walls, knowing that dawn could bring their destruction?

This passage is short, but it crackles with tension. It's a moment of stark realization for Judas Maccabeus and his brother. They learn just how dire the situation is in Galaad. What will they do? How can they possibly rescue so many people from such overwhelming odds? The clock is ticking. The next chapter will tell us.

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The Book of Maccabees I 13:1The Book of Maccabees I

As we read in the Book of Maccabees I, things were looking pretty grim. "Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men."

Can you imagine the sheer audacity? The surrounding nations, seeing a moment of perceived weakness, decided it was the perfect time to wipe out the Jewish people and erase their very memory from the earth.

They figured, "Hey, they’re leaderless. Let’s just… finish them." It's a chilling thought, isn't it? The idea that someone, or some group, could be so intent on obliterating an entire culture.

The situation was precarious. Tryphon, that treacherous character, had amassed a huge army with the intention of marching into Judea and utterly destroying it. The Book of Maccabees I tells us, "Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it…"

So, what happens when you're facing impossible odds? When everyone around you wants you gone? Do you crumble? Do you give up hope?

Well, if you know anything about the story of Ḥanukkah, you know the answer to that question. The Maccabees weren't about to let their flame be extinguished. They were about to fight back. And their story, preserved for us in texts like the Book of Maccabees I, continues to inspire us today.

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