Books Jesus Read

Chapter 1: Spiritual Rebellion – Mattathias

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So, the people of God were mercilessly attacked on the sabbath and more than a thousand of them died, together with their wives, children, and livestock. When Mattathias and his followers heard about the holocaust—the butchering of a thousand Israelites—they mourned deeply. They said to one another, “Brothers, if we do as our fallen kindred, refusing to fight for our lives and laws, the enemy will destroy us, wiping our people from the face of the earth.” Then they made this pact with one another, “Let us defend our families even when attacked on the sabbath! Let us not perish as they did in their hiding places!” The Hasideans—a band of mighty warriors in Israel— joined ranks with Mattathias and his sons. There were others as well who remained faithful to the law and joined them. They became a force to destroy pagan altars, rescue the law from the hands of the Gentiles, and renew the practice of circumcision in Israel. The apostates had to flee from them to seek help from the enemy. When the purging of Israel was nearly done, the day of Mattathias’ passing drew near. He called his sons to himself and instructed them as follows ( Gen 49:1–27 ). “Antiochus the arrogant has grown strong, and the age of wrath is upon us. Now is the time, my sons, to be zealous for the law and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. Keep their victories ever before you and make a name for your own generation! “Consider the name of Abraham: was he not found faithful when tested, and was his faithfulness not credited to him as righteousness ( Gen 15:6; 22:1–18 )? Joseph: