Books Jesus Read

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Books Jesus Read

Antiochus then summoned Philip, his general of the eastern kingdom, because he had lost confidence in Lysias. He entrusted Philip with the royal crown, robe, and signet ring, so he could see to the crowning of his son, Antiochus Jr., in his place. Antiochus Epiphanes died in the 149th year of the Greek kingdom. When Lysias heard that King Antiochus had died, he arranged for the succession of the king’s son, since he himself had raised him from a child. Lysias presented the new king as Antiochus Eupator, meaning son of a noble father. 5 At this time the Gentiles had regained control of the Akra and were menacing the Jews in the vicinity of the sanctuary. Judas was determined to destroy them and he assembled the people to besiege the fortress. He constructed siege towers and catapults to wage his attack which began in the 150th year of the Greek kingdom. Among those holed up in the Akra with the Gentiles were traitors from Israel. These sent urgent appeals to the young king saying, “When will the king do justly and avenge the wrongs done to us and to our tribes? Gratefully we served your father 6 and abided by his commands but our loyalty to him has brought the Hasidim down upon us, causing the death of many and the loss of our inheritances. The Maccabees have also attacked the surrounding nations, and today they are besieging the Akra which your father built as his stronghold in this rebellious city. Moreover, they are fortifying the sanctuary and other local fortresses. These rebels will be unstoppable if you do not act soon!” 5 Lysias knew, as did Philip, that whoever had charge of Antiochus Eupator would rule as regent until the boy was old enough to rule for himself. 6 That is, Antiochus Epiphanes.