When we finished last, Rome and Judea had finalized a mutual-defense treaty. Even more, Rome sent word to the Seleucid Empire: “If [Judea] appeals again for help against you, we will defend their rights and fight you on sea and land.”
So, what will the Seleucids now do?
Read 1 Maccabees 9:1-10
– Despite Judea’s agreement with Rome, what do we not see happen in how the Seleucids are dealing with Judea?
– From what we can infer from the text, what has the repeated attacks by the Seleucids on Judea achieved?
– How do we see this lives out in this passage? (vs. 5-6)
The Death of Judas
Read 1 Maccabees 9:11-18
– Who dies in this battle?
– What happens after that?
Read 1 Maccabees 9:19-22
In these verses, the writer of 1st Maccabees wants you to see Judas as part of that great train of believers who came before him. Like Jacob (Genesis 47:30), Gideon (Judges 8:32), and Samson (Judges 16:31), Judas is “buried in the tomb of their fathers.”
Israel’s lament over Judah also echoes David’s lament over his friend, Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:25,27).
Referring to Judas as “the savior of Israel” points the original readers of 1 Maccabees both forward and back. It reminded them of Othniel, whom God raised up to be the savior of Israel (Judges 3:9). That’s how they were to see Judas. But like each “savior of Israel” in the Old Covenant, each pointed forward to THE Savior who would redeem Israel from their real enemy: sin, death, and the devil.
Read 1 Maccabees 9:23-27
– What happens after Judas’ death?
Jonathan Succeeds Judas
Read 1 Maccabees 9:28-31
– Who is chosen to succeed Judas? How?
Simon, who was also Judas’ brother, was older than Jonathan. Normally, the older brother takes precedence over the younger. 1 Maccabees is silent as why the younger was chosen. 2nd Maccabees may give us a clue: When Simon earlier battles Nicanor, Simon’s efforts to defeat him were stalled (2 Maccabees 14:17). Was Simon then viewed as a less-capable military leader?
– What does Bacchides do when he learns Jonathan is the new leader of the resistance?
– What do the sons of Jambri do with Jonathan’s brother, John, and the “baggage” he had with him?
– When then happens in response?
Read 1 Maccabees 9:43-49
– What does Bacchides do? On what day?
– How did the battle turn out? (vs. 48)
Read 1 Maccabees 9:50-53
– What is Bacchides’ strategy?
– Although not one has full control of Israel (Judea), who controls most of the population centers?
An Attempt to Change God’s Temple Design
Read 1 Maccabees 9:54-57
– What was Alcimus attempting to do?
– How would that have changed worship in the Temple?
– What happened to Alcimus?
– How did his death settle things in Judea?
– What does this imply about Alcimus’ role about the fighting taking place in Judea?
Peace until we don’t get our way
Read 1 Maccabees 9:58-64
– In this two year respite, who is gaining the upper hand in control of Judea?
– Who contacts the authorities to change this?
– To where does Jonathan withdraw?
– From what we’ve read in the chapter, what has been Jonathan’s base of power?
Read 1 Maccabees 9:65-69
– How does Bacchides’ foray into Judea turn out for him?
– What does Bacchides do to many who had asked for his intervention?
Read 1 Maccabees 9:70-73
– What do Jonathan and Bacchides do with each other’s prisoners?
– What else happens?
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