In chapter 6, we learned of an internal struggle for power following the death of Antiochus IV. It was this struggle that brought Lysias to propose a peace treaty with Judea (Israel), so he could go back to Antioch to seize power.
Demetrius becomes King: 1 Maccabees 7:1-7
In this chapter, we learn of a Demetrius. 1st Maccabees assumes the reader has enough background information to make sense of what little is said about Demetrius. Since 2nd century BC Seleucid politics is not everyone’s specialty, Demetrius was the son of Seleucus IV, whom Antiochus IV had removed from power in 175 BC. Thus, Demetrius was a nephew of Antiochus IV. He had been a hostage at Rome based on an earlier treaty.
When Demetrius became aware of the power struggle within the Seleucid Empire, he made his way back to Antioch. Along the way, he won the support of the army and others as the legitimate member of the Seleucid family over Lysias, regent of young Antiochus V.
Read 1 Maccabees 7:1-4
– What takes place between Demetrius and Lysias? Who now is king?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:5-7
– Who is Alcimus and what are his motives?
– What does he ask of the new king?
Demetrius tries to deal with the Israel problem: 1 Maccabees 7:8-50
Read 1 Maccabees 7:8-11
– Whom does Demetrius choose to deal with Judea?
– What is Bacchides’ “carrot-and-stick” approach to deal with Judas?
– How does Judas respond?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:12-15
– Who breaks ranks with Judas? Why?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:17-20
The writer of 1st Maccabees quotes Psalm 79:2-3, although written much earlier, to help make sense of the turn of events.
– What do we learn about Alcimus?
– What is the state of affairs now in Judea?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:21-25
– What is now taking place in Judea?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:26-32
Here, 1st Maccabees introduces us to Nicanor, a man who “hated” Israel. 2nd Maccabees 14:18-25 paints us a fuller picture of Nicanor. Nicanor did cultivate a friendship with Judas as he sought to mediate among the various Jewish factions. However, Alcimus’ meddling brought it all to ruin (2nd Maccabees 14:16-30), as Nicanor’s mission was to support Alcimus and keep him as high priest.
– What do we see repeated with the Seleucids about the difference between what they say and what they do?
– What was Nicanor really planning to do?
– Why was it foiled?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:33-38
– What did the priests offer for the king? What is the equivalent of that in the New Covenant?
– In frustration and anger, what does Nicanor swear to do?
– When then did the priests do?
NT Tie-In: In 1 Timothy 2:2, the Apostle Paul counseled Pr. Timothy to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions.” This was simply a continuation of what God’s people did in the Old Covenant.
Ezra 6:10: Whatever the priests in Jerusalem need for burnt offerings to the God of heaven–whether young bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil–should be provided for them each day without fail. Then they can offer incense to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.
In 1 Maccabees 7:33, we see the priests also make such offerings for King Demetrius.
Read 1 Maccabees 7:39-42
– What does Judas do before battle?
– What event from the Old Testament does Judas mention when He asks for God’s help? (clue: 2 Kings 19:32-36)
– What lesson can we learn about the value of God working in the lives of the saints who have gone before us in our walk of faith?
Read 1 Maccabees 7:43-50
– Reading between the lines (vs. 44), what was Judas’ plan to defeat Nicanor’s army?
– As Nicanor’s army fled, how does Judas get reinforcements?
– What results?
– What happens to Nicanor (or should we say his body)?
Nicanor is defeated and we see that Demetrius’ efforts to subdue Judea have failed. Will this defeat of Nicanor lead to a lasting peace or is this just a respite from conflict that is yet to take place? 1st Maccabees does not yet deal with that question. Instead, it now looks into Judas’ efforts to seek an ally to counter the Seleucids.
Judas and the Romans: 1 Maccabees 8:1-32
Read 1 Maccabees 8:1-16
– With whom does Judas seek an ally?
– What has Judas heard about the Romans?
– Is Judas’ understanding of Rome is when they are their best or worst?
Read 1 Maccabees 8:17-23
– What does Judas seek to do?
– Is Judas successful?
Read 1 Maccabees 8:23-32
– What is the basic content of the treaty?
