Books Jesus Read

Chapter 3: Spiritual Legacy – Jonathan, Simon, and John Hyrcanus

61

the Akra. The Gentiles were terrified when they learned the king had granted Jonathan permission to assemble an army. Nevertheless, they released the hostages to Jonathan, who returned them to their parents. Jonathan stayed in Jerusalem to rebuild the city. He directed the workmen to use square stones to rebuild the wall encircling Mount Zion. 2 Meanwhile, the Gentiles and traitors fled from the Akra, leaving Israel behind. Only at Bethsura did a number of apostates stay behind to take refuge. Now, Alexander heard about the promises which King Demetrius made to Jonathan, and about the courageous victories he and his brothers had won despite their many hardships. He thought, “Where will we find another like Jonathan? Let us pursue him as our friend and ally.” Alexander therefore sent his greetings to Jonathan, along with the gift of a royal robe and golden crown. “We have heard that you are a mighty warrior, worthy of our friendship. Therefore, we have appointed you high priest of your nation. You shall be called the king’s friend, so ally yourself with us and be loyal to us.” This was in was the seventh month of the 160th year of the Greek kingdom. Now, Jonathan put on the sacred garments to prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles ( Exod 28 ), and assembled his army, equipping it with an abundance of armor. 3 All this King Demetrius regretted, saying, “How did Alexander surpass us in winning the Jews as his ally?” Demetrius wrote deceptively to Jonathan, hoping for his support: “King Demetrius sends greetings to the people

2 The wall formerly torn down by Lysias (1 Macc 6). 3 Jonathan takes up his role as high priest.