Books Jesus Read

20

Books Jesus Read

After two years, Antiochus sent his chief tax collector with an army to each city of Judah to collect tribute. He announced that he had come in peace, yet this was only a deception. After securing the people’s trust, he commanded his army to attack each city without mercy. They pulled down houses and walls, and killed every man who dared to defend his family. They stole everything of value and set fire to whatever remained. They took the women and children captive, as well as the cattle. Before leaving Jerusalem, they built in the City of David a stronghold against Israel, a fortress as a base of operations and to hold their stolen goods. This “Akra” 6 was fortified with food and supplies and occupied by cruel soldiers who planned further evil against Jerusalem and its sanctuary. At last, her own citizens abandoned the city. As they did, Jerusalem became a haunt for strangers. Her sanctuary became a barren wilderness, no longer familiar to her own children, whose feasts turned to mourning, whose sabbaths were scorned, whose honor became contempt. Now, King Antiochus decreed that all peoples residing in his kingdom should become one people. This they would do by replacing their own laws and customs with the commands of the king. So, the king sent messengers throughout Judea to spread his strange new laws. Israel was forbidden to offer any more burnt offerings, drink offerings, or other sacrifices in the temple. They were, rather, to desecrate the holy place and corrupt the holy people. They were to prepare places for idol worship,

6 Akra – short for “acropolis,” a fortress built on a steep hill which is difficult or impossible to conquer.