Hanukkah is a very minor Jewish holiday of eight regular workdays except for those that fall on Sabbath. Many rabbis complain that American Jews imitate Christmas and give Hanukkah too much importance when they lavishly decorate their homes and exchange expensive gifts. Hanukkah is not mentioned anywhere in the Jewish Bible. The Talmud barely mentions it.
However, the Hanukkah story is told in great detail in two Old Testament books in Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox Bibles. They are First and Second Books of Maccabees. (Martin Luther followed Jewish tradition and excluded these books from the Old Testament of Protestant Bibles). Also, a passage in the Chapter 10 of the New Testament Gospel of John suggests that Hanukkah, the “Feast of the Dedication” was a very important Jewish holiday when Jesus was alive.
Finally, although Hanukkah falls on a different day each year in our Western calendar, it is always on the 25th day of Kislev, the Jewish month when winter begins. That is because the Holy Jewish Temple was desecrated by pagan Greeks on that 25th day of Kislev in 167 BC and was cleaned and rededicated on that same 25th day of Kislev two years later in 165BC. Is that why Christians picked the 25th day of their month when winter begins to observe Christmas?
Above Image: The Arch of Titus in Rome depicts captured Jews carrying the menorah from their Holy Temple after their rebellion against Rome was crushed in 70AD. Many rabbis claimed that this catastrophe was God’s punishment for the sin of “causeless hatred”.
The Hanukkah story causes many problems for Jewish rabbis. It glorifies war and rebellion against the Greek Empire in 167BC. This caused disaster when it inspired Jews to rebel against the Roman Empire 234 years later in 67AD. The Hanukkah story praises the “zeal” of Phineas (Pincus), a priest who saved Jews from a plague by killing another Jew who violated the Torah during the days of Moses. (Numbers 25:7-13). Later rabbis condemned such “zeal” as the sin of “causeless hatred”. They blamed that sin for God’s punishment that allowed the Romans to destroy the Second Jewish Temple and Jerusalem in 70AD. The Hanukkah story praises the Maccabees, priests from the tribe of Levi for becoming kings of Israel. Until then, priests who were descendants of Aaron of the tribe of Levi ran the Temple but were never chosen as kings to run the government. Kings of Israel were expected to be descendants of David from the tribe of Judah. The Hanukkah story also celebrates unpopular events such as cruelty towards defeated enemies and a treaty of friendship with Rome.
Above Image: Roman Emperors ordered the persecution, torture, and execution of Christians for roughly 300 years. During this time, the Hanukkah story inspired Christians to keep their faith.
Early Christians did not have those problems with the Hanukkah story. They were persecuted, tortured, and killed by pagan Roman emperors for roughly 300 years. They related to the Jewish martyrs who suffered from the same intolerance and cruelty by pagan Greek emperors. Those early Christians were inspired by the Hanukkah miracles that “delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous”. And so those early Christians kept two Books of the Maccabees that told the Hanukkah story in their Bibles.
Here is a selection from those original Jewish and Christian books that describe the story of Hanukkah:
GEMARA SECTION SHABBAT 21b OF JEWISH TALMUD: “WHAT IS HANUKKAH (THE FEAST OF DEDICATION)?:
What is Hanukkah? As the Rabbis learned, on the 25th of Kislev begin the eight days of Hanukkah during which it is forbidden to eulogize or fast. For when the Greeks entered the Sanctuary, they defiled all the oils that were in the Sanctuary. When the royal Hasmonean (Maccabee) house overpowered them and vanquished them, they searched and found only one flask of oil that lay there with the High Priest’s seal, and it contained enough oil only to kindle for one day. A miracle occurred with it, and they kindled with it for eight days. The following year the Hasmoneans and the Sanhedrin established and rendered these eight days as festival day when the Hallel (thanksgiving prayers) are recited…”
ANCIENT JEWISH PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING RECITED ON HANUKKAH (V’AL HANISSIM):
In the days of Matityahu, the son of Yochanan the High Priest, the Hasmonean and his sons, when the wicked Greek Emperor rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah and violate the decrees of Your will. But You, in Your abounding mercies, stood by them in the time of their distress. You waged their battles, defended their rights, and avenged the wrong done to them. You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the wanton sinners into the hands of those who occupy themselves with Your Torah. . . Then Your children entered the shrine of Your House, cleansed Your Temple, purified Your Sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courtyards, and instituted these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great Name.
GOSPEL OF JOHN, CHAPTER 10, VERSE 23 JESUS VISITS JERUSALEM DURING HANUKKAH:
Then came Hanukkah (the Feast of the Dedication) at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ (Messiah), tell us plainly. . .
SELECTIONS FROM THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF MACCABEES: (FOUND IN OLD TESTAMENT OF ROMAN CATHOLIC AND GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLES):
FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES Chapter 1[a]
Above Image: Mosaic Found In Ruins of Pompeii depicts Alexander In Battle.
Alexander Conquers The Known World: After Alexander of Macedon, the son of Philip, had come from the land of Kittim (Greece, Macedonia, Greek Islands and Cyprus)c] and defeated Darius, the king of the Persians and the Medes (Kurds), he succeeded him as king, in addition to his position as king of Ionia (now Turkey). He engaged in many campaigns, captured strongholds, and executed kings. In his advance to the ends of the earth, he plundered countless nations. When the earth was reduced to silence before him, his heart swelled with pride and arrogance. He recruited a very powerful army, and as provinces, nations, and rulers were conquered by him, they became his tributaries.
Alexander Dies And Divides His Empire: However, when all this had been accomplished, Alexander became ill, and he realized that his death was imminent. Therefore, he summoned his officers, nobles who had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive.7 Then, in the twelfth year of his reign, Alexander died.
After that, his officers assumed power in the kingdom, each in his own territory. 9They all put on royal crowns after his death, as did their heirs who succeeded them for many years, inflicting great evils on the world.
From these there sprang forth a wicked offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, the son of King Antiochus. Previously he had been a hostage in Rome. He began his reign in 175 BC (137th Year of the Greeks).
Many Jews Adopt The Ways Of The Greeks: In those days there emerged in Israel a group of renegades who led many people astray, saying, “Let us enter into an alliance with the Gentiles around us. Many disasters have come upon us since we separated ourselves from them.” 12 This proposal received great popular support, 13 and when some of the people immediately thereafter approached the king; he authorized them to introduce the practices observed by the Gentiles. 14 Therefore, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to Gentile custom, 15 concealed the marks of their circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. Thus they allied themselves to the Gentiles and sold themselves to the power of evil.
Anthiochus Invades Egypt Once his kingdom had been firmly established, Antiochus was determined to become king of Egypt so that he might reign over both kingdoms. 17 He invaded Egypt with a massive force of chariots, elephants, and cavalry, supported by a large fleet. 18 When he engaged Ptolemy, the king of Egypt, in battle, Ptolemy fled in fear before him, amidst a great number of casualties. 19 The fortified cities in the land of Egypt were captured, and Antiochus plundered the kingdom.
Antiochus Desecrates The Jewish Temple: After his return from his conquest of Egypt in 169 BC, Antiochus advanced upon Israel and Jerusalem with a massive force. In his arrogance he entered the Holy Temple and removed the golden altar, the menorah with all its fixtures, the table for the loaves of offering, the libation cups and bowls, the golden censers (incense burners), the curtain, and the crowns. He stripped off all the gold decorations on the front of the temple, 23 and he seized the silver and gold and precious vessels and all the hidden treasures he could find. 24 Taking all this, he returned to his own country, having caused great bloodshed and boasted arrogantly of what he had accomplished.
Antiochus Plunders Jerusalem: Two years later the king sent his chief collector of tribute to the cities of Judah. When he came to Jerusalem with a powerful force, he deceitfully addressed the people there with sentiments of peace. Once he had gained their confidence, he suddenly launched a savage attack on the city and exterminated many of the people of Israel. 31 He plundered the city and set it on fire. He demolished its dwellings and the walls that encircled the city, 32 took the women and children captive, and seized the livestock. 33 Then they rebuilt the City of David with a massive high wall and strong towers, and it became their citadel.[i] 34 There they stationed a sinful race of renegades, who fortified themselves inside it, 35 storing up arms and provisions, and depositing there the plunder they had collected from Jerusalem. . .
The King Decrees That All His Subjects Become One People: Then the king issued an edict to his whole kingdom that all of his subjects should become a united people, 42 with each nation abandoning its particular customs. All the Gentiles accepted the decree of the king, 43 and many among the Israelites adopted his religion, sacrificing to idols and profaning the Sabbath.
44 The king also sent messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah with edicts commanding them to adopt practices that were foreign to their country: 45 to prohibit burnt offerings, sacrifices, and libations in the sanctuary, to profane the Sabbaths and feast days, 46 to defile the temple and its priests, to build altars, temples, and shrines for idols, 47 to sacrifice pigs and other unclean beasts, 48 to leave their sons uncircumcised, and to allow themselves to be defiled with every kind of impurity and abomination, 49 so that they would forget the Torah and change all their observances. 50 Anyone who refused to obey the command of the king was to be put to death.
51 These were the terms of the edicts he issued throughout his kingdom. He appointed inspectors to supervise all the people, and he commanded all the towns of Judah to offer sacrifices, town by town. 52 Many of the people, abandoning the law, joined them and committed evil deeds in the land, 53 thereby driving Israel into hiding in every possible place of refuge.
Torah Scrolls Are Destroyed: In 167 BC, any Torah scrolls that were found were torn to pieces and destroyed by fire. 57 If any people were discovered in possession of a book of the covenant or acting in conformity with the Torah, they were condemned to death by the decree of the king.
58 Month after month these wicked people used their power against any loyal Israelite found in the towns. 59 On the twenty-fifth day of each month they offered sacrifice on the altar erected on top of the altar of holocausts. 60 In accordance with the royal decree, any women who had their children circumcised were put to death, 61 with their infants hung from their necks; also put to death were their families and those who had circumcised them.
62 Despite all this, many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat any unclean food. 63 They preferred to die rather than to be defiled by such food and profane the holy covenant, and they suffered death for their convictions. 64 Great affliction was unleashed upon Israel.
SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEES Chapter 7:
18 Martyrdom of Eleazar. Eleazar, one of the foremost teachers of the law, a man of advanced age and distinguished appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork. 19 But he, preferring death with honor rather than a life marked by defilement, spat it out and voluntarily went up to the torture rack, 20 as should be done by all who have the courage to reject the food that it is not lawful to eat, suppressing the natural desire to save their lives.
21 The officials in charge of this sacrilegious meal took the man aside privately because of their long acquaintance with him and urged him to bring meat of his own providing that he was permitted to eat, and to pretend that he was eating the sacrificial meat that had been commanded by the king. 22 In this way he would be saved from death and be treated kindly as a result of their long-standing friendship. 23 But, making an honorable decision, worthy of his years and of the dignity of his advanced age, and of the gray hairs he had attained and worn with distinction, and of his impeccable conduct even from childhood, but worthy above all of the holy law given by God, he told them to dispatch him immediately to the abode of the dead.
24 “At this stage of my life it would be terribly wrong to be a party to such a pretense,” he said, “for many young people would be led to believe that at the age of ninety Eleazar had conformed to a foreign practice. 25 If I should engage in deceit for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they would be led astray by me, while I would bring defilement and disgrace on my old age. 26 For the moment I would avoid the punishment of mortals, but alive or dead I shall never escape the hands of the Almighty. 27 Therefore, by bravely forfeiting my life now, I shall prove myself worthy of my old age, 28 and I shall leave to the young a noble example of how to die a good death willingly and nobly for our revered and holy laws.”
With these words he went immediately to the torture rack. 29 Those who a short time before had been so kindly disposed toward him now became hostile after this statement that they regarded as sheer madness. 30 When he was at the point of death as the result of the blows he had received, he groaned aloud and said: “The Lord in his holy knowledge clearly realizes that although I could have escaped death, not only am I enduring terrible sufferings in my body from this scourging, but in my soul I am gladly accepting these torments because of my awe of him.”
31 In this way he died, and by his death he left an example of courage and a model of virtue not only for the young but for the entire nation.
Martyrdom of Seven Brothers and Their Mother: 1 It also happened that seven brothers were arrested together with their mother. The king tortured them with whips and scourges in an attempt to force them to eat pork, in violation of the law of God. 2 One of the brothers, acting as a spokesman for the others, said, “What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? We are prepared to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.”
3 The king became enraged and issued orders to have pans and caldrons heated. 4 After this was done without delay, he commanded that the tongue of their spokesman be cut out and that he be scalped and his hands and feet cut off while the rest of his brothers and his mother looked on. 5 When he had been rendered utterly helpless but still breathing, the king ordered him to be taken to the fire and fried in one of the pans. As the smoke from the pan began to spread, his mother and his brothers encouraged one another to die in a noble manner, with words such as these: 6 “The Lord God is watching, and he cannot fail to have compassion on us, as Moses declared in his canticle when he asserted: ‘He will have compassion on his servants.’ ”[b]
7 When the first brother had died in this manner, they brought forward the second to be subjected to their cruel sport. After the skin and hair of his head had been stripped off, they asked him: “Will you eat some pork rather than have your body tortured limb by limb?” 8 Replying in the language of his ancestors, he said to them, “Never!” Therefore, he in turn underwent the same torture that the first had endured. 9 With his final breath, he said: “You accursed fiend, you may send us forth from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up[c] to life eternal, since it is because of our obedience to his laws that we are dying.”
10 After him, the third brother bore the brunt of their cruel torture. In response to their demand, he immediately thrust forth his tongue and courageously stretched forth his hands 11 as he said: “It was from Heaven[d] that I received these. For the sake of his laws I disdain them. From him I hope to receive them again.” 12 Both the king and his attendants were astounded as they witnessed the courage of this young man and his complete indifference to suffering.
13 After he had died they maltreated and tortured the fourth brother in the same way. 14 When he was at the point of death, he cried out: “It is far better to choose to die at the hands of men and rely on the promise of God of being raised again by him. But for you there will be no resurrection to life.”
15 They next brought forward the fifth brother and tortured him. 16 Directing his gaze at the king, he said: “Even though you yourself are mortal, you have authority over other mortals, and thus you can do as you please. However, do not think that God has abandoned our nation. 17 Just wait and you will see how his mighty power will torment you and your descendants.”
18 After him they brought forward the sixth brother. When he was about to die, he said: “Do not have any vain delusions. We are suffering these torments deservedly because we have sinned against our God and brought these appalling events on ourselves. 19 However, do not think that you will avoid the consequences of having dared to contend with God.”
20 Especially admirable and deserving of everlasting remembrance was the mother. Although she witnessed the deaths of her seven sons within the space of a single day, she endured it courageously because of her hope in the Lord. 21 Filled with a noble spirit that reinforced her womanly thoughts with manly courage, she encouraged each of them in the language of their ancestors: 22 “I do not know how you came to being in my womb. It was not I who endowed you with breath and life, nor did I set in order the elements that established the composition of your being. 23 Therefore, the Creator of the universe who authored the beginning of human life and devised the origin of all things will, in his mercy, restore breath and life to you, since you have placed his law above concern for your own desires.”
24 Antiochus felt that he was being treated with contempt and suspected that her words were insulting. Since the youngest brother was still alive, the king did not limit himself to an appeal with mere words. Indeed, he promised him on oath that if he would abandon the traditions of his ancestors, he would not only make him rich and happy but also enroll him as his Friend and appoint him to high office. 25 When the young man paid no heed to his proposals, the king made an appeal to his mother, urging her to advise her son to save his life. 26 After a great deal of encouraging on his part, she agreed to try to persuade him.
27 However, she flouted the king’s wishes by saying to her son in their native language as she leaned close to him: “My son, have pity on me. I carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, reared you, and provided for your needs up to this point in your life. 28 I beg you, my child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see everything that is in them. Reflect on the fact that God did not create them from things that already existed[e] and that the human race came into being in the same way. 29 Have no fear of this butcher. Prove yourself worthy of your brothers by accepting death, so that through the mercy of God I shall receive you back again along with them.”
30 She had barely finished speaking when the young man said: “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command. I choose rather to obey the ordinance of the law that was given to our ancestors through Moses. 31 However, you, who have devised every kind of evil against the Hebrews, will certainly not escape the hands of God. 32 We are suffering as the result of our own sins, 33 and while our living Lord is angry with us for a brief time as he seeks to correct and discipline us, he will eventually be reconciled with his servants. 34 However, you, perfidious wretch, are the most wicked of all mortal beings. Do not allow yourself to be deluded by vain hopes when you raise your hand against the children of Heaven, 35 for you will not be able to escape from the judgment of the almighty and all-seeing God. 36 My brothers, after enduring a brief period of suffering, have now drunk of the waters of everlasting life in accordance with his covenant, but you, convicted by the judgment of God, will receive a richly warranted punishment for your arrogance.
37 “I too, like my brothers, surrender my body and my life for the laws of our ancestors. I appeal to God not to delay in showing mercy to our nation and by trials and afflictions to cause you to confess that he alone is God. 38 Through me and my brothers may there be an end to the wrath of the Almighty[f] that has justifiably fallen on our entire nation.”
39 On hearing this, the king became enraged and dealt with him even more cruelly than with the others because of his defiance. 40 And so the young man, having placed all his trust in the Lord, died undefiled. 41 The mother was the last to die, after her sons had perished.
42 Let this account be sufficient to relate the facts of the sacrificial meals and the monstrous tortures.
FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES Chapter 2
Mattathias and His Sons. 1 In those days Mattathias,[b] son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, departed from Jerusalem and settled in Modein. 2 He had five sons: John, 3 Simon, 4 Judas, who was called Maccabeus;[c] 5 Eleazar, and Jonathan. 6 When he observed the sacrilegious acts that were being committed in Judah and Jerusalem, 7 [d]he said: “Alas! Why was I born to witness the ruin of my people and the ruin of the holy city, and to sit by idly while she has been delivered over to her enemies, and the sanctuary given into the hands of foreigners?
14 Then Mattathias and his sons tore their garments, put on sackcloth, and engaged in great mourning.
The King’s Officers Come To Mattathias In Modein: The officers of the king who had been commissioned to enforce the apostasy came to the town of Modein to ensure that the sacrifices were being offered. 16 Many Israelites assembled around them, but Mattathias and his sons stood apart. 17 Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias in these words: “You are a leader in this town, respected and influential, and you have the support of your sons and brothers. 18 Now be the first to come forward and obey the decree of the king, as all the Gentiles have done, as well as the citizens of Judah and the people who remain in Jerusalem. Then you and your sons will be counted among the Friends of the King,[e] and you and your sons will be honored with gold and silver and many other gifts.”
19 However, Mattathias responded in a loud voice: “Even if every nation in the king’s dominions obeys him, each one forsaking the religion of its fathers and agreeing to submit to the king’s commands, 20 I and my sons and my brothers will continue to observe the covenant of our fathers. 21 God forbid that we should ever forsake the law and its statutes. 22 We will not obey the king’s commands or deviate from our religion to the right hand or to the left.”
23 Mattathias Kills The Jew Who Offers Sacrifice To Greek God King’s Officer: As he finished speaking, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein, in accordance with the royal decree. 24 When Mattathias observed this, he became inflamed with zeal. His righteous anger aroused, he sprang forward and slaughtered him on the altar. 25 At the same time he also killed the officer of the king who was present to enforce the sacrifice, and he destroyed the altar. 26 In this way he demonstrated his zeal for the law, just as Phinehas had done with Zimri, the son of Salu.
27 Then Mattathias advanced through the town, shouting: “Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant come with me!” 28 Then he and his sons fled to the hills, leaving behind in the town everything that they possessed. 29 Many of the people who desired to live in accordance with justice and the law went down to the desert[f] and settled there, 30 taking with them their sons, their wives, and their livestock, so oppressive were the sufferings that they had been forced to endure.
Massacre of Jews Who Refuse To Fight On Sabbath: Shortly thereafter it was reported to the officers of the king and the forces stationed in Jerusalem, the City of David, that those who had refused to obey the king’s edict had retreated to hiding places in the desert. 32 A large force set out in pursuit and caught up with them; they encamped opposite them and prepared to attack them on the Sabbath. 33 “Enough of this defiance!” they said. “Come out and obey the king’s edict, and your lives will be spared.” 34 “We will not come out,” they replied, “nor will we do what the king commands and profane the Sabbath.”
35 Then the enemy immediately launched an attack on them, 36 but they did not retaliate, neither hurling rocks nor barricading their hiding places. 37 They only said, “Let us all die in a state of innocence. Heaven and earth are our witnesses that you are massacring us without the slightest justification.” 38 Therefore, the enemy attacked on the Sabbath and massacred them along with their wives, their children, and their livestock—one thousand persons in all.
39 Mattathias Fights On The Sabbath: When Mattathias and his friends were informed of this, they grieved deeply for them. 40 “If we all do as our kindred have done,” they said to one another, “and refuse to fight against the Gentiles in defense of our lives and our traditions, they will soon wipe us off the face of the earth.” 41 On that day they formulated this decision: “Let us fight against anyone who attacks us on the Sabbath, so that we will not all be killed, as happened to our kindred who died in their hiding places.”
42 Soon thereafter they were joined by a group of Hasideans, valiant warriors of Israel, each one a stout defender of the law. 43 In addition, all those who were refugees from the persecution joined up with them, adding to their strength. 44 After organizing an army, they struck down sinners in their anger and renegades in their fury. Those who escaped them fled to the Gentiles for safety. 45 Mattathias and his friends marched through the kingdom, destroying the pagan altars 46 and forcibly circumcising all the uncircumcised boys they found within the borders of Israel. 47 They hunted down their arrogant enemies, and their efforts prospered under their direction. 48 Thus they defended the law against the Gentiles and their kings, and they did not allow the wicked to
Mattathias Dies. Appoints Son Judas Maccabeus As Commander:[h] When the time drew near for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; this is an age of turmoil and violent fury. 50 Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law and be willing to give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.
65 “Here is your brother Simon who I know is a man of sound judgment. Always listen to him, for he will act as your father. 66 Judas Maccabeus, a mighty warrior from his youth, will be the commander of your army and direct your battles against the peoples. 67 Enroll in your cause all who observe the law, and in this way you will avenge the wrongs perpetrated on your people. 68 Pay back the Gentiles in full, and obey the precepts of the law.”
The Holy War: Judas Maccabeus (166–161 B.C.)
Chapter 3
Appolonius of Samaria Marches Against Judas Maccabeus: Then Apollonius[a] united the Gentiles with a large army from Samaria to wage war against Israel. 11 On learning this, Judas marched out to confront him, and he defeated and killed him. Many fell wounded, and those who survived took flight. 12 Then their spoils were seized. The sword of Apollonius was taken by Judas, who used it in his battles for the rest of his life.
13 Seron of Assyria Marches Against Judas Maccabeus: When Seron, the commander of the Assyrian army, learned that Judas had mustered a large force of faithful soldiers prepared for battle, 14 he said, “I will make a name for myself and win great renown in the kingdom if I defeat Judas and his followers who have shown such contempt for the king’s edict.” 15 And once again a large army of unbelievers banded together to help him exact vengeance on the Israelites.
16 When he reached the slope of Beth-horon,[b] Judas marched out to confront him with a small contingent. 17 However, when they observed the army that was gathered to do battle with them, his soldiers said to Judas, “How can we, as few as we are, fight against so great a multitude? Besides, we are faint with hunger, for we have eaten nothing all day.” 18 But Judas replied, “It is easy for many to be defeated by a few. In the sight of Heaven,[c] there is no distinction between deliverance by many and deliverance by a few. 19 Victory in war does not depend upon the size of the fighting force, but rather upon the strength that comes from Heaven. 20 Our enemies have come against us in a display of insolence and lawlessness to destroy us and our wives and our children, and to plunder us. 21 However, we are fighting in defense of our lives and our laws. 22 He himself[d] will crush them before our eyes; therefore, do not be afraid of them.”
23 When he had finished speaking, he rushed suddenly against Seron and his army, and they were crushed before him. 24 He pursued them down the descent of Beth-horon as far as the plain. About eight hundred[e] of their men fell, and those who survived fled to the country of the Philistines. 25 As a result, Judas and his brothers began to be feared, and terror seized the Gentiles all around them. 26 His fame came to the attention of the king, and all the Gentiles talked about Judas and his battles.
27 Antiochus Mobilizes Empire Against Judas Maccabeus: [f] When King Antiochus learned about these developments, he was infuriated, and he ordered the mobilization of all the forces of his kingdom, a very powerful army.[g]
32 He therefore left Lysias, a distinguished nobleman of royal lineage, in charge of the king’s affairs from the Euphrates River to the Egyptian frontier, 33 and he also gave him responsibility for the care of his son Antiochus[h] until he returned. 34 He turned over to him half of his army, together with the elephants, and provided him with detailed instructions about all that he wanted done. As for the inhabitants of Judea and Jerusalem, 35 Lysias was to send an army against them to crush and destroy the power of Israel and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to wipe out the memory of them from the land. 36 Furthermore, he was to settle foreigners throughout the territory and to distribute their land by lot.
38 Lysias chose Ptolemy, the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor[i] and Gorgias, powerful men among the Friends of the King, 39 and under their command he sent forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry to invade the land of Judah and destroy it in compliance with the king’s orders. 40 Setting out with all their forces, they reached the plain in the region of Emmaus,[j] where they pitched camp. 41 When the local merchants heard the news of this army, they came to the camp with a large amount of silver and gold as well as fetters, seeking to purchase the Israelites for slaves. In addition, forces from Idumea and Philistia joined with them.
42 Judas Maccabeus Prepares For Battle: Judas and his brothers realized how critical their situation had become, with opposing forces encamped within their territory. They also had learned of the orders that the king had issued for the total destruction of their people. 43 Therefore, they said to one another, “Let us restore the shattered fortunes of our people and fight for our people and our sanctuary.”
44 They then gathered together in a full assembly, both to prepare for battle and to offer prayers and implore mercy and compassion.
46 After assembling, they made their way to Mizpah,[l] opposite Jerusalem, because in former times Mizpah had been a place of worship for Israel. 47 That day they fasted, donned sackcloth, sprinkled ashes on their heads, and tore their garments. 48 They unrolled the Torah scroll seeking therein the guidance for which the Gentiles consulted the images of their gods.
55 After this, Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 56 He ordered to return to their homes those who were building houses, those who were just married, those who were planting vineyards, and those who were afraid, in accordance with the provisions of the law. 57 Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus. 58 “Arm yourselves and be brave,” Judas instructed. “In the morning be prepared to fight against these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary. 59 It is better that we die in battle than that we witness the misfortunes of our people and our sanctuary. Whatever Heaven wills, so will he do.”
Chapter 4
Greek Infantry And Cavalry Launch Surprise Attack At Night: 1 Gorgias took five thousand infantry and a thousand picked cavalry, and this detachment set out at night 2 in order to launch a surprise attack on the camp of the Jews. Men from the citadel served as his guides. 3 However, Judas learned of their plan, and he and his soldiers moved out to attack the royal forces at Emmaus 4 while some of the troops were still dispersed away from the camp. 5 When Gorgias reached the camp of Judas by night, therefore, he found no one there, and he began to search for them in the mountains, saying, “These men are fleeing from us.”
6 At daybreak, Judas appeared in the plain with three thousand men, although they lacked the armor and the swords they would have wished for. 7 They saw the camp of the Gentiles with its strong fortifications, flanked with cavalry, and a fighting force expert in the art of warfare. 8 Judas said to those who were with him: “Do not be afraid of their superior numbers or panic when they attack. 9 Remember how our ancestors were saved at the Red Sea when Pharaoh was pursuing them with his forces. 10 So now let us cry out to Heaven, asking him to show us his favor, to remember his covenant with our ancestors, and to destroy this army confronting us today. 11 Then all the Gentiles will know that there is one who redeems and saves Israel.”
12 When the foreigners looked up and saw them advancing against them, 13 they came out of their camp to engage in battle. Then the men with Judas blew their trumpets, 14 and the fighting began. The Gentiles were defeated and fled into the plain.
16 When Judas and his army broke off their pursuit, he said to the people: 17 “Do not be greedy for plunder, for we have yet another battle ahead of us. 18 Gorgias and his army are very close to us in the mountain area. Stand firm now against our enemies and defeat them. After that, you can safely take as much booty as you please.”
19 Just as Judas was finishing this speech, a detachment appeared, looking down from the mountain. 20 They could see that their army had been put to flight and that their camp was being burned. The smoke that could be clearly seen indicated what had occurred. 21 When they perceived this, they were very much afraid, and when they also beheld the army of Judas in the plain, ready for battle, 22 they all fled into the territory of the Philistines.
23 Then Judas went back to plunder the camp, and they confiscated a great amount of gold and silver, violet and purple cloths, and magnificent treasures. 24 As they returned, they sang hymns of thanksgiving and praise to glorify Heaven, “for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.”[c] 25 Thus Israel experienced a great deliverance that day.
26 Victory over Lysias. Those foreigners who had managed to escape went to Lysias and reported to him everything that had occurred. 27 When he heard the news, he was greatly disturbed and disappointed, because his plots against Israel had not turned out as he had intended and in accordance with the command of the king.
28 So the following year he mobilized sixty thousand picked infantry and five thousand cavalry to defeat them. 29 They marched into Idumea and encamped at Beth-zur.[d] Judas confronted them with ten thousand men, 30 and when he realized how strong their army was, he offered this prayer:
“Blessed are you, O Savior of Israel, who crushed the attack of the mighty warrior by the hand of your servant David and delivered the camp of the Philistines into the hands of Jonathan, the son of Saul, and of his armor-bearer. 31 Deliver this army into the hands of your people Israel, and destroy the pride of the enemy in their troops and cavalry. 32 Fill them with fear, weaken the boldness of their strength, and let them quake at their own destruction. 33 Strike them down with the sword of those who love you, so that all who acknowledge your name will praise you with hymns.”
34 Then both sides entered into battle, and in the hand-to-hand combat five thousand of the army of Lysias were slain. 35 When Lysias saw his army being routed and the boldness of the soldiers of Judas who were prepared either to live or to die nobly, he withdrew to Antioch and began to recruit a force of mercenaries for a further invasion of Judea with an even larger army.
Restoration of the Temple[e]
36 Then Judas and his brothers said: “Behold, our enemies have been crushed; let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.” 37 And so the entire army assembled, and they went up to Mount Zion. 38 There they found the sanctuary desolate, the altar desecrated, the gates burned to the ground, the courts overgrown with weeds as in a thicket or on some mountain, and the chambers of the priests in ruins. 39 Then they tore their garments and uttered loud cries of mourning; they sprinkled their heads with ashes 40 and fell prostrate, with their faces to the ground. And when the signal was given with the trumpets, they cried out to Heaven.
Therefore, they tore down the altar 46 and stored the stones in a suitable place on the temple hill until a prophet should appear on the scene to determine what should be done with them. 47 They took unhewn stones, according to the Torah, and built a new altar fashioned after the former one. 48 They also repaired the sanctuary and the interior of the temple and purified the courts. 49 They made new sacred vessels and brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple. 50 Then they burned incense on the altar, and they lit the lamp on the Menorah to illuminate the temple. 51 Finally, they placed loaves of bread on the table and hung the curtains, thereby bringing to completion all of the work they had undertaken.
52 Temple Dedicated On 25th Day Of Winter Month Of Kislev. Eight Day Hanukkah Holiday Established: Early in the morning on the 25th day of the winter month of Kislev, in the year 164BC, 53 they arose and offered sacrifice, in accordance with the Torah, on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had constructed. 54 On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had desecrated it, on that very day it was dedicated with hymns, harps, flutes, and cymbals. 55 All the people prostrated themselves in adoration and praised Heaven, who had granted success to their endeavors.
56 They celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. 57 They decorated the front of the temple with gold crowns and shields; they restored the gates and the chambers for the priests and furnished them with doors. 58 There was great rejoicing among the people inasmuch as the disgrace inflicted by the Gentiles had been removed. 59 Then Judas, his brothers, and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days marking the rededication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness for eight days every year on the anniversary, beginning on the 25th day of the month Chislev.
Edomites (Idumeans) Attack Israel: When the Gentiles in the surrounding area heard that the altar had been rebuilt and the sanctuary had been rededicated, they became greatly angered. 2 They determined to destroy the descendants of Jacob who were living in their midst, and they began to persecute and massacre the people. 3 Then Judas made war on the descendants of Esau at Akrabattene[b] in Idumea because they were besieging the Israelites. He inflicted on them a massive defeat, overcame them, and took their spoils. Next, he crossed over to attack the Ammonites,[d] where he was confronted by a strong army and a large crowd of people, with Timothy as their leader. 7 He engaged in many battles with them, and they were crushed and struck down.
21 Victories in Galilee and Gilead. Simon advanced into Galilee and engaged in many battles with the Gentiles, who were crushed before him. 22 He pursued them to the gate of Ptolemais. About three thousand of the Gentiles were slain, and he gathered their spoils. 23 Then he took back with him the Jews who were in Galilee and Arbatta,[h] with their wives and children and all their possessions, and he brought them to Judea with great rejoicing.
24 Meanwhile, Judas Maccabeus and his brother Jonathan crossed the Jordan and journeyed for three days through the desert. 25 There they encountered some Nabateans[i] who received them peacefully and reported to them everything that had happened to their kindred in Gilead: 26 “Many of them have been surrounded in Bozrah, in Bosor near Alema, in Chaspho, Maked, and Carnaim”—all of these towns were large and fortified— 27 “and some have been shut up in the other towns of Gilead. The enemy plans to attack and capture these strongholds tomorrow and to destroy all the people inside them in a single day.”
Chapter 8
Israel Makes An Alliance With Rome: 1 Judas heard of the reputation of the Romans—how they were mighty men who favored all who joined themselves to them and made an alliance with all who came to them and were strong and powerful. 2 He had also been told of the battles they had fought and of the brave deeds that they had performed against the people of Gaul[b] as they conquered them and forced them to pay tribute, 3 and what they had done in the province of Spain, seizing the silver and gold mines there 4 and by their planning and persistence gaining control of the entire country even though it was considerably distant from their own. They also had subdued kings who had come against them from the ends of the earth,[c] crushing them and inflicting heavy losses on them, while the rest paid tribute to them every year.
5 Philip[d] and Perseus, the king of the Macedonians, and the others who had engaged in battle against them had been crushed by them and subjugated. 6 They had also defeated Antiochus the Great, the king of Asia, who had attacked them with one hundred and twenty elephants, and with cavalry and chariots and a very large army.
Rome Was A Republic That Had No King: As a result, the Romans were greatly exalted. 14 Yet for all this not one of them ever put on a crown or wore purple as an emblem of authority. 15 They had built a senate house where each day 320 senators deliberated on how best to achieve the well-being of the people. 16 They entrusted one man[g] each year to rule over them and their dominions; all obeyed this one man without any envy or jealousy.
17 Alliance with Rome. Therefore, Judas chose Eupolemus, son of John, son of Accos, and Jason, son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to make a treaty of friendship and alliance, 18 in the hope that in this way they would escape the yoke, for they could clearly see that the kingdom of the Greeks was reducing Israel to a state of slavery. 19 Following a very lengthy journey to Rome, the envoys entered the senate chamber and spoke these words: 20 “Judas Maccabeus and his brothers and the Jewish people have sent us to conclude a treaty of alliance and peace with you and to enroll ourselves as your allies and friends.” 21 This proposal pleased the Romans, 22 and this is a copy of their reply, which they inscribed on tablets of bronze[h] and sent to Jerusalem, where it would remain in the possession of the Jews as a record of peace and alliance:
23 “May good fortune attend the Romans and the Jewish nation at sea and on land forever. May sword and foe be far from them. 24 But if war should be instigated against Rome or any of her allies throughout her dominions, 25 the Jewish nation shall provide them with their wholehearted support as the occasion shall demand. 26 To the enemy that instigates that war they shall not give or provide grain, arms, money, or ships. Thus have the Romans decreed, and they shall fulfill their obligations without receiving any recompense. 27 In the same way, if war should be instigated against the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall provide them with their wholehearted support as the occasion shall demand. 28 To the enemy that instigates that war they shall not give grain, arms, money, or ships. Thus have the Romans decreed, and they shall fulfill their obligations without any breach of faith. 29 In these terms the Romans have made a treaty with the Jewish people.
Judas Maccabeus Killed in Battle:. 1 When Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his army had fallen in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judah for a second time, and with them the right wing of his army. 2 They took the road to Galilee and, besieging Mesaloth in Arbela,[a] they captured it and killed many people. 3 In the first month of the year 160BC, a new Greek King Demetriums an army led by Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judah for a second time. They encamped outside Jerusalem,[b] 4 and from there they marched to Berea with twenty thousand foot soldiers and two thousand cavalry.
5 Judas meanwhile had encamped at Elasa with three thousand picked men. 6 When his men saw the immense number of the enemy forces, they were greatly terrified, and many slipped away from the camp, until only eight hundred men remained.
17 The battle was fought desperately, and many on both sides fell. 18 Judas was among those who fell, and the rest fled.
23 Jonathan Succeeds Judas. After the death of Judas, the renegades came out of hiding in all parts of Israel, and all the evildoers reappeared. 24 In those days there was a severe famine, and the country went over to their side. 25 Bacchides chose godless men to be in charge of the country. 26 These searched out and hunted down the friends of Judas and brought them to Bacchides, who took his revenge on them and mocked them. 27 There was great distress[d] in Israel, the likes of which had not been since the days when the prophets ceased to appear among them.
28 Then all the friends of Judas assembled and said to Jonathan, 29 “Since the death of your brother Judas there has been no one like him to lead us against our enemies and Bacchides, as well as against those of our own nation who are hostile to us. 30 Therefore, today we have chosen you to take his place as our ruler and our leader, and to fight our battle.” 31 Thereupon Jonathan accepted the leadership in the place of his brother Judas.
54 Alcimus Suffers A Stroke And Dies: Dies Paralyzed. In the year 159 BC, Alcimus ordered the demolition of the wall of the inner court of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, thereby destroying the work of the prophets. 55 However, he had only begun the work of demolition when he suffered a stroke. Before much time passed, he died in great agony.
58 Bacchides Makes Peace with Jonathan. Then 60 Bacchides set out with a large force, simultaneously sending letters secretly to all his allies in Judea that instructed them to seize Jonathan and his men. However, they were unable to do so because their plot became known, 61 and Jonathan and his men arrested about fifty of the ringleaders in this treacherous plan and put them to death.
62 Then Jonathan withdrew with Simon and his companions to Bethbasi[i] in the desert. He rebuilt the fortifications that had been demolished and strengthened them. 63 When Bacchides learned of this, he assembled his entire army and sent instructions to his supporters in Judea
67 Meanwhile, Simon and his forces moved against Bacchides, they exerted such pressure that they inflicted a severe defeat upon him. Inasmuch as his plans for a military assault had been frustrated, 69 Bacchides vented his anger on the renegades who had advised him to undertake this invasion. He slew many of them and then decided to return to his own land.
70 When Jonathan learned of this, he sent envoys to negotiate terms of peace with him and obtain the release of the captives. 71 Bacchides agreed to Jonathan’s proposals and swore that he would never again try to cause him harm for the rest of his life. 72 He handed over the prisoners he had previously taken captive from the land of Judah. Then he returned to his own land and never again came into their territory.
73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel. Jonathan settled in Michmash,[k] from where he began to serve as judge for the people and to exile the renegades from Israel.
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