Books Jesus Read

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

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the army to Adida and camped, facing the Great Plain. Trypho heard that Simon had taken his brother Jonathan’s place and was preparing to attack. So, he sent messengers to Simon saying, “We have your brother Jonathan in custody on account of the money he owes to the royal treasury from when he was in charge. Send us one hundred talents of silver and two of his sons as hostages so that, when we free him, he will not turn and attack us.” Simon perceived that the offer was a trick. Yet, he paid the ransom anyway to avoid being accused of Jonathan’s death for not paying. After receiving the money and the hostages, Trypho broke his word and did not release Jonathan. Instead, he led his legions into Judea to destroy it, circling around by the way of Adora, as Simon and his forces matched his every move. Meanwhile, Trypho’s men who were stationed in the Akra reported that they were starving for lack of supplies. Trypho gave permission for a calvary unit to deliver the supplies, but that night a heavy snowfall prevented their travel. Instead, he moved the army into Gilead. Coming to Baskama, Trypho killed Jonathan and buried him there. Then he led his entire force back to his own land. Simon sent men to gather Jonathan’s bones, and he buried him in Modein, the city of his fathers. All Israel lamented Jonathan and mourned for him many days. Simon then built a monument to his father and bothers on the sepulcher of Mattathias, high enough to be seen by all. There he set up seven pyramids, one for each of his brothers, his father, and his mother. These were arranged around columns, suits of armor, and carved ships to be appreciated by those who sail on the sea. The monument is still standing today.