Topical Encyclopedia Bacchides was a prominent military commander under the Seleucid Empire during the tumultuous period of the Maccabean Revolt. His role is primarily documented in the apocryphal books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which, while not part of the Protestant canon, provide historical context to the intertestamental period. Bacchides is depicted as a key figure in the Seleucid efforts to suppress the Jewish uprising led by the Maccabees.Historical Context Bacchides served under King Demetrius I Soter, who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 162 to 150 BC. During this time, the Jewish people in Judea were under significant pressure to conform to Hellenistic culture and religious practices, leading to widespread unrest and the eventual revolt led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers. The Maccabean Revolt was a significant Jewish resistance movement against the imposition of Greek customs and the desecration of the Jewish Temple. Military Campaigns Bacchides first appears in the historical narrative when he is sent by Demetrius I to Judea to install Alcimus as high priest and to quell the rebellion. According to 1 Maccabees 7:8-20, Bacchides arrived with a large army and initially succeeded in establishing Alcimus in Jerusalem. However, his presence and the actions of Alcimus led to further unrest among the Jewish population. In 1 Maccabees 9, Bacchides is again dispatched to Judea after the death of Judas Maccabeus. He faced Jonathan, the brother of Judas, who had taken up the leadership of the Jewish resistance. Bacchides' campaign was marked by several battles, including a significant engagement at the Battle of Elasa, where Judas was killed. Despite this victory, Bacchides faced ongoing resistance from Jonathan and his forces. Strategic Withdrawal and Return After initial successes, Bacchides withdrew from Judea, but he returned two years later to confront Jonathan, who had continued to consolidate power and fortify Jewish positions. Bacchides' second campaign is detailed in 1 Maccabees 9:58-73, where he faced a resilient and strategically adept opponent in Jonathan. Despite his efforts, Bacchides was unable to achieve a decisive victory and eventually withdrew, leaving Jonathan as the de facto leader of Judea. Legacy and Impact Bacchides' campaigns in Judea highlight the intense struggle between the Seleucid Empire and the Jewish resistance. His military actions, while initially successful, ultimately failed to suppress the Maccabean Revolt, which led to the eventual establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. Bacchides is remembered as a formidable military leader whose efforts were thwarted by the determination and faith of the Jewish people in their fight for religious freedom and autonomy. Biblical References While Bacchides is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his account is integral to understanding the historical and religious context of the intertestamental period. The accounts in 1 and 2 Maccabees provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by the Jewish people and their steadfast commitment to their faith and traditions. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BACCHIDESbak-i-dez: Bakchides: Bacchides, ruler over Mesopotamia and a faithful friend of both Antiochus Epiphanes and Demetrius Soter, established at the request of the latter the rulership over Judea for Aleimus, who, desiring to become high priest, had made false accusations against Judas Maccabee (1 Maccabees 7:8; Ant, XII, x, 2). Bacchides is sent the second time to Judea after the Syrian general Nicanor was killed near Adasa and Judas Maccabee had gained control of the government (1 Maccabees 9:1; Ant, XII, x). Bacchides after an unsuccessful battle near Bethbasi was forced to make peace with Jonathan, the brother of Judas Maccabee (1 Maccabees 9:58; Ant, XIII, i). In 1 Maccabees 10:12 and 2 Maccabees 8:30 reference is made to the strongholds Bacchides built during his second campaign against Jerusalem (1 Maccabees 9:50). Compare ALCIMUS; BETHBASI; JONATHAN; JUDAS MACCABAEUS; ADASA; NICANOR. less importance than some modern scholars have attempted to demonstrate. Library How Bacchides, the General of Demetrius's Army, Made an Expedition ... That Bacchides was Again Sent Out against Judas; and How Judas ... How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And At that Time Judah Besieged the Syrians who were Posted in the ... How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By ... How Alexander [Bala] in his War with Demetrius, Granted Jonathan ... The Antiquities of the Jews Thesaurus Bacchides... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BACCHIDES. bak-i-dez: Bakchides: Bacchides, ruler over Mesopotamia and a faithful friend of both ... /b/bacchides.htm - 7k Arbela Demetrius (3 Occurrences) Alcimus Asmoneans Odomera Nicanor (1 Occurrence) Maccabaeus Baca (1 Occurrence) Maccabees Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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