In the last lesson, we learned how Jonathan was killed and how Simon then became ruler of Judea. We also read a section praising Simon, for Simon had achieved true independence for Judea. 1st Maccabees now delves into what was taking place diplomatically when Simon was ruler of Judea.
Alliances with Rome and Sparta
Read 1 Maccabees 14:16-19
– Although Sparta was no longer the Greek country with renowned military prowess, do you remember why Sparta was important?
– At that time, how was Rome ruled?
Read 1 Maccabees 14:20-24
– What does Sparta affirm?
– What did Simon do with concerning the alliance with the Romans?
More Honors for Simon
Read 1 Maccabees 14:25-35
– What do the honors mention about Simon and his brothers doing about the “sanctuary and the law”?
– What do the honors mention about Simon and his brother in their military efforts?
– What do the honors mention about Simon as a leader?
Read 1 Maccabees 14:36-49
– Although not stated directly, what do the honors mention about Simon’s rule and Judea’s independence?
– How complete was Simon’s rule?
– What was Simon’s religious role?
Civil War within the Seleucid Empire
Read 1 Maccabees 15:1-9
– What does Antiochus VII state concerning Judea that no other ruler of the Seleucid Empire has stated before?
Read 1 Maccabees 15:10-14
– What happens to Demetrius?
Letter from Rome
Meanwhile, Rome sends letters to the all governments around Judea.
Read 1 Maccabees 15:15-24
– What does Rome say?
Backlash during the Seleucid Civil War
Read 1 Maccabees 15:25-31
– When Simon sends troops to support Antiochus (remember that Judea had formerly supported Demetrius), what happens?
Read 1 Maccabees 15:32-36
– How does Simon respond?
– What was Antiochus’ response?
Read 1 Maccabees 15:37-41
– Whom does Antiochus send as his General?
– What does this General do?
Simon’s Sons, Judas and John
1st Maccabees now introduces us to Simon’s sons, Judas and John.
Read 1 Maccabees 16:1-3
– Whom does Simon choose to succeed him in ruling Judea?
Read 1 Maccabees 16:4-10
– What do we learn about John as a military general?
– What does he succeed in doing?
– What happens to his brother, Judas?
Read 1 Maccabees 16:11-17
– What happened to Simon and his sons (but not John)?
– The way they died tells you what about Judea militarily?
Read 1 Maccabees 16:18-24
– Who survives to lead Judea?
Discussion to help us better understand the Jews in Jesus’ day
– Discuss Judea’s struggle for independence and how that would shape future Jewish views on:
- Judea’s ability to be independent
- Messianic expectations
– Discuss how the Jewish Maccabean experience helped lead to:
- The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD
- The destruction of Judea in 135 AD during the Bar Kokhba revolt
