But that feeling is what drove the Maccabees to do something truly audacious, something we still talk about today.
The First Book of Maccabees, a historical text not included in the Hebrew Bible but vital for understanding the Hanukkah story, tells us of a pivotal moment. It was a time when the yoke of the Greeks was heavy indeed. "They saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude," (1 Maccabees 8:4) the book states plainly. The oppression was undeniable.
So, what did they do? Did they cower? No. They sent an embassy to… Rome. for a second. Rome! This was no quick trip to the neighbors. "They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey," (1 Maccabees 8:5) the text emphasizes. This was a journey of immense distance, fraught with peril, to seek help from the rising power in the West.
Why Rome? Well, Rome was becoming the superpower. The Maccabees, led by Judas Maccabeus, understood that survival meant finding powerful allies. They knew they couldn't defeat the Greeks alone.
Imagine those envoys, finally arriving in the Eternal City. They stand before the Roman Senate – a gathering of the most powerful men in the world. What did they say? They came straight to the point.
"Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends." (1 Maccabees 8:3-4).
Simple. Direct. A plea for alliance.
And the Romans, shrewd strategists as they were, saw the value in an alliance with the Jews. A strong, independent Judea could be a valuable buffer against the Greek influence in the East.
The Senate responded. And how did they respond? They didn't just send a letter. "And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy" (1 Maccabees 8:22-32). Tables of brass! Talk about making it official! This wasn't some fleeting promise; this was an enduring testament to the alliance. It was meant to be a lasting reminder, a public declaration etched in metal for all to see.
This moment, recorded in 1 Maccabees, is more than just a historical footnote. It’s a testament to the courage and foresight of the Maccabees. It shows us that even when faced with overwhelming odds, seeking out allies, making strategic partnerships, and standing firm in your convictions can change the course of history. It begs the question: what brass tables are we forging today, for a better tomorrow?