Thassi is a name that appears in the context of the Maccabean period, specifically associated with the family of the Maccabees, a priestly family that played a pivotal role in the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The name Thassi is traditionally linked to Jonathan, one of the sons of Mattathias, the patriarch of the Maccabean family. Jonathan, also known as Jonathan Apphus, was a leader and high priest who succeeded his brother Judas Maccabeus in leading the Jewish resistance.

Historical Context

The Maccabean revolt, which began in 167 BC, was a response to the oppressive policies of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who sought to Hellenize the Jewish people and suppress their religious practices. The revolt was initiated by Mattathias, a priest from the town of Modein, and his five sons: John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar, and Jonathan. After the death of Mattathias, leadership passed to Judas Maccabeus, who achieved significant military victories and restored the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Jonathan Thassi

Jonathan, referred to as Thassi, emerged as a key figure following the death of Judas Maccabeus in battle. His leadership was marked by both military and diplomatic efforts to secure the independence and religious freedom of the Jewish people. Jonathan's tenure as leader was characterized by strategic alliances, including those with the Roman Republic and various factions within the Seleucid Empire. His political acumen helped to stabilize the region and maintain Jewish autonomy during a tumultuous period.

Biblical and Historical References

While the name Thassi itself does not appear in the canonical books of the Bible, the account of the Maccabees is detailed in the deuterocanonical books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which are included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Old Testaments. These books provide a historical account of the Maccabean revolt and the leadership of Jonathan Thassi.

1 Maccabees 9:28-31 describes the transition of leadership to Jonathan after the death of Judas: "So the rest of Judas’ men gathered together and said to Jonathan, 'Since your brother Judas has died, we have no leader like him to go out and fight our enemies—the enemies of Israel. Therefore, we have chosen you today to take his place as our ruler and leader, to fight our battle.' So Jonathan accepted the leadership at that time and took the place of his brother Judas."

Legacy

Jonathan Thassi's leadership was instrumental in the survival and flourishing of Jewish religious and cultural identity during a period of intense persecution. His efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled Judea for several generations. Jonathan's legacy is remembered as one of courage, faith, and dedication to the preservation of the Jewish faith and people.THASSI

thas'-i (Codex Venetus Thassei; Codex Vaticanus Thassis): The surname of Simon, the brother of Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 2:3; Syriac "Tharsi"). It is uncertain what the name means, perhaps "director" or "guide," since Simon was "a man of counsel," or "the zealous."

The Maccabees.
... as their leader his third son, Judas, who for his warlike might was called Maccabaeus,
or the Hammerer; and the second, Simon, surnamed Thassi, (one who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm

Thassi
...THASSI. thas'-i (Codex Venetus Thassei; Codex Vaticanus Thassis): The surname of
Simon, the brother of Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 2:3; Syriac "Tharsi"). ...
/t/thassi.htm - 6k

That (103354 Occurrences)

/t/that.htm - 8k

Ladder (1 Occurrence)
... in 1 Maccabees 11:59 as the northern limit of the territory placed under the authority
of Simon Thassi the Maccabee by Antiochus VI (Theos), in the year 143 BC ...
/l/ladder.htm - 10k

Tharshish (3 Occurrences)

/t/tharshish.htm - 7k

Apphus
... 1 Maccabees 2:5). All the brothers, according to this passage, had double names;
John is said to have been called Gaddis; Simon, Thassi; Judas, Maccabeus ...
/a/apphus.htm - 7k

Maccabaeus
... 4. Simon: Simon, surnamed Thassi ("the zealous"?) was now the only surviving member
of the original Maccabean family, and he readily took up the inheritance. ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Maccabees
... 4. Simon: Simon, surnamed Thassi ("the zealous"?) was now the only surviving member
of the original Maccabean family, and he readily took up the inheritance. ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

Tyre (59 Occurrences)
... in 1 Maccabees 11:59 as the northern limit of the territory placed under the authority
of Simon Thassi the Maccabee by Antiochus VI (Theos), in the year 143 BC ...
/t/tyre.htm - 45k

Simon (75 Occurrences)
... form of SIMEON (which see)): The persons of the name of Simon mentioned in the
Apocrypha are: (1) Simon the Maccabean (Hasmonean), surnamed THASSI (which see ...
/s/simon.htm - 91k

Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.org

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

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