Books Jesus Read

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Books Jesus Read

So, they marched west to Jamnia to confront the enemy, who was lying in wait to ambush them. Gorgias and his soldiers routed the garrisons of Joseph and Azariah and killed two thousand Jews as they retreated to Judea. Thus, Israel was humiliated

“The Maccabees! The Maccabees!” they cried, “deliverance has been given to Israel through Judas and his brothers alone!”

that day because these men had not obeyed the command of Judas not to engage the enemy, but had tried to perform some brave act. And, indeed, these commanders were not of the family of Maccabees, through whom deliverance was granted to Israel. Those who escaped with their lives rallied around Judas and his brothers. “The Maccabees! The Maccabees!” they cried, “deliverance has been given to Israel through Judas and his brothers alone!” The multitude surrounded their quarters and sang their praises. Then Judas and his brothers led an army toward the south and defeated the Edomites. Attacking Hebron, they destroyed its fortresses and burned its towers. From there they passed through Philistia on their way to Marisa. Some pagan priests living there foolishly tried to withstand Judas in order to show off their bravery, but this cost them their lives. Finally, Judas invaded Azotus, destroying its altars, burning its idols, and gathering up its goods before returning to Judea ( Deut 7:5 ; 12:3 ). 1 Maccabees 6 While Judas and his brothers successfully defended Israel against all her enemies, Antiochus Epiphanes continued his campaign among the kingdoms of the East for the purpose of enriching his royal treasury. When he learned that the city of Elymais in Persia was famous for its wealth, and