“But The People That Do Know Their GOD shall be strong,

And Do Exploits.“

Although this verse applies to the inspiring individuals who stood against the forces of Hellenism, it ultimately was fulfilled in the family of Mattathias who called the people forth to holy war against the Seleucids:

I. Mattathias 167 – 166 B.C.E.

He was an aged priest living at Modein. He defied the order to sacrifice in homage to Antiochus IV.

II. Judas ‘Maccabeus‘ the third son of Mattathias who led revolt from 166 B.C.E. – 160 B.C.E. and won victories over the Seleucid troops at:

• Beth-horon
• Emmaus
• Beth-zur.

He reclaimed and cleansed The Temple at Jerusalem in 164 B.C.E. and gained religious freedom for the Jews.

He died fighting at Elasa.

III. Jonathan 160 B.C.E. – 142 B.C.E

The youngest son of Mattathias. He led a guerilla was from the Judean deserts and eventually established a base at Michmash.

He was appointed as High Priest in 152 B.C.E. but was taken prisoner and executed by the Seleucid Trypho in 143 B.C.E.

IV. Simon, the second eldest son of Mattathias.

He gained political concessions from the Seleucid rulers that led to an independent state in 142 B.C.E.

He died in a coup in 135 B.C.E.

Was there ever a family like the sons of valiant Mattahias? Truly Psalm 127:4 & 5 is fulfilled in this family. In 1 Maccabees 2: 49 – 69 Mattathias’s last words to his sons are recorded. He enjoins them to listen to Simon because he is wise and to follow Judas as their commander. The sons did heed their father and founded a beloved dynasty which essentially lasted until end of the Herodian Dynasty. Herod The Great married a beautiful Hasmonean princess, Mariamne.

Nevertheless, in spite of the brilliant military and diplomatic feats of The Maccabees, there is a King of The Jews who is indeed a great conqueror: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE CONQUEROR OF SIN AND DEATH

Next Week: Daniel 11:33