Books Jesus Read

54

Books Jesus Read

“No,” his men objected, “we are too few in number! Let us escape with our lives today and return with our brothers to fight another day.” “I will never flee from the enemy,” said Judas. “If our time has come then let us die bravely for the sake of our brothers, that no one may question our honor!” Though far outnumbered, Judas and his men easily subdued the force led by Bacchides as far as Mount Azotus. But this was a trap laid by the two commanders. Alcimus and his men followed close behind, waiting for Judas’ army to grow weary. When the Jews were spent, Alcimus fell on them without warning, killing Judas and destroying most of the army, though a few escaped. Judas’ body was retrieved by his brothers, Jonathan and Simeon. They buried him next to his father, Mattathias, in Modein. All Israel wept for Judas, crying, “How the mighty has fallen, Israel’s savior!” ( 2 Sam 1:19 ). Not all of the amazing acts of bravery and military accomplishments of Judas are written down, for there were many. 9 But after Judas’ death, apostates from all corners of Israel rose up to claim leadership. Bacchides appointed some of them as lords of the country. There was also a great famine in those days, and many followed the corrupt leadership. Such affliction had not been seen since the day the voices of the prophets were no longer heard in Israel. A search was made for the friends of Judas. Many were rounded up and taken captive to Bacchides who took vengeance on them. Those who escaped looked to Jonathan, the brother of Judas.

9 Compare 1 Kgs 11:41, and similar expressions throughout 1–2 Kgs.