Books Jesus Read

Chapter 2: Hasmonean Holiness – Judas Maccabeus

57

Now Jonathan led a small force out of Bethbasi while Simon stayed behind. He stirred up an enemy who came out against Bacchides. As Bacchides turned to repel the enemy behind, Simon’s men came out of the fortress and set fire to the siege engines. Bacchides, attacked now from both sides, regretted that he had returned to Israel. Summoning those who had asked him to return, he had them executed and prepared to retreat. When Jonathan learned of his plans, he sent ambassadors to Bacchides to propose peace and the exchange of prisoners. Bacchides agreed, promising never to harm to Israel again in his lifetime. When the prisoner exchange was completed, Bacchides returned to Syria, never again entering Israel’s borders. Israel enjoyed peace and Jonathan judged Israel at Michmash, ridding Israel of her apostates.