Holy Maccabees

Biography

Holy Maccabees, also known as The Machabees, were a Jewish dynasty that played a crucial role in the history of Israel. The rebellion of Mathathias and his five sons against the Syrian king, Antiochus IV, marked the beginning of this influential dynasty in 168 BC. The Syrians had attempted to impose Greek paganism on the Jews, leading to the profanation of the Temple in Jerusalem and a brutal massacre.

Mathathias, a priest from the sons of Joarib, emerged as a leader and rallied the nation to take up arms against the oppressors. After Mathathias' death, his third son, Judas Machabeus, rose to prominence and successfully drove out the Syrians and Hellenists from Jerusalem. He also rededicated the Temple and established an alliance with the Romans.

Tragically, Judas perished in battle at Laisa against a larger Syrian army led by Bacchides. His youngest brother, Jonathan, assumed command and defeated Bacchides, avenging his brother's death. Jonathan also made peace with Alexander, who had usurped the throne of Demetrius and sought the throne of Asia.

During a period of relative peace, Jonathan ruled as the high priest in Jerusalem. However, he was captured through treachery by Tryphon, a rival plotting for the throne of Asia. Eventually, Tryphon had Jonathan executed, which led to Simon, the second son of Mathathias, taking up the mantle of leadership.

Under Simon's rule, the land of Juda prospered greatly, gaining complete independence and enjoying five years of uninterrupted peace. Simon's outstanding leadership earned him the gratitude of the people, who bestowed upon him the hereditary kingship of the nation. Tragically, Simon was assassinated by his son-in-law, Ptolemy, around 135 BC.

After Simon's death, the descendants of the Maccabees gradually declined in power and influence. In 63 BC, the Romans intervened in the fratricidal war between Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II, marking their interference in Israel's affairs. Subsequently, with the rise of Herod the Great, the Maccabean dynasty lost its hold on power forever.

The remarkable story of the Maccabees is preserved in the two books of the Old Testament that bear their name. Their valiant struggle against pagan oppression and their efforts to preserve Jewish religious traditions left an indelible mark on Jewish history and have made them important figures in the Catholic tradition. Holy Maccabees continue to be honored as an inspiration to those who stand up for faith and fight against injustice.

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