Books Jesus Read

Chapter 2: Hasmonean Holiness – Judas Maccabeus

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Judas surrounded their fortified towers and set them on fire, killing all the warriors within. Judas next attacked the Ammonites. Their commander, Timotheus, had a large army which fell to Judas only after many battles. Finally, after taking Jazar and its villages, Judas returned with the army to Judah. Meanwhile, the Gentiles in Gilead were preparing to destroy all the Israelites living within their region. These Jews fled to the fortress of Dathema and sent letters to Judas and his brothers. “The Gentiles are conspiring to destroy us! They have already put a thousand to death, and have taken our women and children captive. Now we are under attack at Dathema.” About the same time, a similar letter came from Galilee, so Judas called an assembly to determine what should be done. He said to his brother Simon, “Gather your warriors and go rescue our brothers in Galilee, while Jonathan and I go to Gilead.” Simon mustered three thousand to attack Galilee, while Judas and Jonathan assembled an army of eight thousand to go to Gilead. They left Joseph, son of Zacharias, and Azariah as commanders behind in Judea to protect the homeland, commanding them not to engage the enemy until Judas’ return. Simon and his men attacked Galilee, striking down three thousand of the Gentiles. They freed the captive women and children and led them safely home to Judah with much rejoicing.