Introduction:
Judas Maccabaeus, also known as Judah Maccabee, is a prominent figure in Jewish history, celebrated for his leadership during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which, while not part of the Protestant canon, are included in the Apocrypha and provide valuable historical context for understanding the intertestamental period.

Historical Context:
The Maccabean Revolt (circa 167-160 BC) was a Jewish rebellion against the Hellenistic influence and religious oppression imposed by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus sought to enforce Greek culture and religion upon the Jewish people, desecrating the Second Temple in Jerusalem and outlawing Jewish religious practices.

Family Background:
Judas was the third son of Mattathias, a Jewish priest from the village of Modiin. Mattathias initiated the revolt by refusing to offer a pagan sacrifice and killing a Hellenistic Jew who complied with the king's decree. Upon Mattathias's death, leadership of the rebellion passed to Judas, who became known as "Maccabaeus," meaning "the Hammer," for his military prowess and determination.

Military Leadership and Victories:
Judas Maccabaeus is renowned for his strategic acumen and successful guerrilla warfare tactics against the larger and better-equipped Seleucid forces. Under his leadership, the Jewish rebels achieved several significant victories, including the Battle of Beth Horon and the Battle of Emmaus. These victories were seen as divinely inspired, as Judas and his followers often sought the Lord's guidance and strength in battle.

Restoration of the Temple:
One of Judas's most celebrated achievements was the recapture and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. After three years of desecration, Judas and his forces reclaimed the Temple, cleansing it and restoring proper worship. This event is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, which is mentioned in the New Testament in John 10:22 : "At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter."

Religious Zeal and Legacy:
Judas Maccabaeus is remembered not only for his military successes but also for his fervent dedication to the Law of Moses and the preservation of Jewish religious identity. His actions were motivated by a deep commitment to the covenant between God and Israel, and he is often seen as a model of faith and courage in the face of persecution.

Death and Succession:
Judas Maccabaeus died in battle around 160 BC, fighting against the forces of the Seleucid general Bacchides. His death was a significant blow to the Jewish resistance, but his legacy endured through his brothers, particularly Jonathan and Simon, who continued the struggle for Jewish independence.

Influence on Jewish and Christian Thought:
Judas Maccabaeus's account has had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions. For Jews, he is a symbol of resistance against oppression and a hero of faith. For Christians, the Maccabean Revolt provides historical context for understanding the religious and political climate leading up to the New Testament era. The themes of faithfulness, divine deliverance, and the struggle for religious freedom resonate deeply within the Christian narrative.

Conclusion:
Judas Maccabaeus remains a significant figure in the history of Israel, embodying the spirit of resistance and devotion to God. His life and actions continue to inspire those who seek to uphold their faith in the face of adversity.Judas Maccabaeus

JUDAS MACCABAEUS

See MACCABAEUS.

Judas Maccabaeus

[MACCABEES]

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
... It was not of Biblical origin, but had been instituted by Judas Maccabaeus in 164
bc, when the Temple, which had been desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes, was ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv at the feast.htm

The Maccabees.
... In the year 166, Judas Maccabaeus set up his standard, with the motto, "Who is like
unto Thee, O Lord, among the gods?" the first letters of which words in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... The institution of a senate by Judas Maccabaeus is supposed to be favored by 2
Maccabees (chapter i.10-ii.18); but the passage furnishes poor evidence of the ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

A Prince's Bride
... "He has all the learning of the pagans, both of letters and of war; he"Ah! But is
he capable?". "He is the great-grandson of Judas Maccabaeus! That is enough! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter i a princes bride.htm

Daniel
... 168-165 BC The precise date of the book depends upon whether we regard viii.14 as
implying that the dedication of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 BC is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh
... son of Sulien, xvii manuscript written by, xviii verses, of, xviii. Jonas,
30. Joseph, coarb of Patrick, 165 f. Judas Maccabaeus, 23. ...
/.../lawlor/st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/index 2.htm

The Story of a Divine Tragedy
... She gazed at him with immense contempt. "That from a son of Judas Maccabaeus!"
she exclaimed. He looked disconcerted. "Why not?" he urged. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter x the story of.htm

Of the Modes of Supplementing Satisfaction --viz. Indulgences and ...
... concerning the bending of the knee to Christ by things under the earth.4. The example
of Judas Maccabaeus in sending an oblation for the dead to Jerusalem. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 of the modes.htm

The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He ...
... [265] Malchus. [266] Judas Maccabaeus. [267] 1 Macc. iii.60. ...
/.../chapter i the early life.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... In the course of affairs, the hero's place belongs next to Judas Maccabaeus, the
patriot leader against the heathen Greek; and we may take the books of the ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Who was Judas Iscariot? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Judas betray Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

How did Judas die? | GotQuestions.org

Judas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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