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Outline: Click Here By 323 B.C, the Greeks were the predominant world power. They had defeated the Persians, who had allowed the Jews to worship in Judea. The Greeks now controlled most of the land between Macedonia to the north, Egypt to the south, and India in the East. After Alexander's death, the kingdom split into several smaller kingdoms with the Ptolomy kingdom in the south and Seleucid kingdom in the north, sometimes fighting over the land in between. Israel was in the middle as it was the geographical path between the 2 continents. The Greek language, customs, and religious beliefs had become widespread and were beginning to be a threat to the beliefs of the Jews. The Greek belief in many gods was not compatible with the Lord God. The Jews, with their belief in one God and their Temple treasury, were a target for Greeks kings looking to enforce Greek beliefs or increase their own power and wealth. For some Greek kings, the Jews could worship in peace as long as they paid tribute. For others, that was not enough. In the time of the Maccabees, it was not enough. It was the latter part of the 2nd-century c. (167-160) BC. Chapter 1 Reminder to hold true to God and the feast of the Temple.The writer looking backNehemiah rebuilder of Jerusalem The first chapter of 2 Maccabees is an introduction from the writer, decades after the events, writing a summary of what happened, as a reminder to hold true to God, in the midst of Greek culture.He begins with a familiar call back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to worship God wholeheartedly and willing, to His law and commandments. He reminds people of his day, to remember the not-so-distant events that occurred, to keep the feast, the cleansing of the Temple, which was modeled after the original feast of booths in the desert. The feasts helped remind the Jews each year to trust in the Lord, not to get too attached to material things or the modern culture's beliefs. The writer reminds the people they can celebrate the purification of the Temple (December in the Gregorian calendar), the feast of booths, with fire and oil, as Nehemiah had done. Some may look with amazement at the 'liquid fire' or over-science it to liquid petroleum, but the main point is that the people sacrificed the first fruits of what they had to the Lord, not to the Greek gods and other pagan practices. He reminds us the Lord is the creator of all things, awesome, strong, just, and merciful, the only king, gracious, just, almighty, eternal, Israel's savior. The King of the Persians had recognized God and even declared things connected with him as sacred; The Greek kings did not. Chapter 2 JeremiahMoses, Solomon & NehemiahIntroduction of this book by the Narrator Jeremiah is mentioned as a prophet helping the people with the law, the commandments, and reminding them to keep their faith among visual temptations.When the Jews started to return to Jerusalem around 538 B.C., the Temple was rebuilt but the Ark was not replaced. In Jeremiah 3:15-18, he says the people will need to start relying more on their faith in God; their hearts should be strong enough without the Ark to follow the Lord. The writer reminds the people it is not the Ark that is the source, but the Lord. It is his cloud and fire that resides with His people. The writer connects the current Temple with the original one built by Solomon and explains how the dedication of the Temple relates to Solomon, Nehemiah, and those who continue the practice in his day. He connects the ancient libraries to his day, referring to Judas Maccabees as helping to restore them as Nehemiah had done. The writer wraps up his introduction, getting to the point, that the Lord is the source of their faith, that the purification of the Temple will remind them of that in the midst of Greek rulers. The rest will be a summary of the events that occurred, how the Greeks interfered, forcing their beliefs on the Jews, desecrated the Temple, with Judas Maccabees and his brothers fighting back to save the faith on the brink of destruction, to re-purify the Temple. The writer's goal, to simplify the events to make it easier to read. Chapter 3 Onias, the Good High Priest Simon the PlotterHeliodorus’ PlanGod Protects the TempleWitness of Heliodorus Onias is mentioned as the good high priest and his hatred of evil. Simon of Bilgal sets off a chain of evil events. After a lost disagreement with Onias, he reveals the wealth of the treasury of Jerusalem to Apollonius of Tarsus, Greek governor of the region just north of Judea, who in turn tells the king (Antiochus III the Great). The king sends his chief minister Heliodorus to seize the riches at Jerusalem but under the guise of visiting various cities of the region. When he reaches Jerusalem and asks about the treasury, Onias says it is for widows, orphans, and those fully accounted for. It would be unthinkable to defraud and steal from them. It was against the law of God to steal like this. Heliodorus does not listen to Onias and proceeds to take the funds, causing much anguish in the city. Onias, the high priest, was physically sick with anguish. The priests and people prayed and begged the Lord for help. The Lord protected them as Heliodorus and his men saw an apparition, some fleeing in fear, Heliodorus defeated by the rider wearing golden armor. But as Heliodorus is near death, Onias intercedes for him with an offering of atonement to save his life. Heliodorus witnesses what the most-high God can do and leaves. When the king asks Heliodorus about sending another to Jerusalem, Heliodorus reports the one whose dwelling is in heaven protects it and will destroy those who come to harm Jerusalem. Chapter 4 Simon Accuses OniasJason as High PriestMenelaus as High PriestMurder of OniasMore Outrages The liar, Simon, tries to turn the story around and blames Onias as the traitor. Onias, without accusing Simon back, but for the good of the people, as he saw no stop to Simon's deceit, planned to contact the king, but the king died. His son, Antiochus Epiphanies took over. He was not in favor of Jewish beliefs. Antiochus wanted everyone to adopt the Greek lifestyle and beliefs. Antiochus Epiphanies was sometimes referred to as Epiphanies Epimanies (The mad one) Onias' brother, Jason offers king Epiphanies hundreds of talents of silver along with promised training of the people in Greek culture. In return, Epiphanies appoints Jason as the high priest. This is a dangerous precedent with world powers appointing priests The evil Jason complied with the King's wishes to adopt the Greek way of life, one by one, removing previous concessions allowed to the Jews and introducing customs against their law; choosing the Greek games and introducing false worship. Many of the Jewish people wanted to emulate the Greeks, turning their backs to God. The corruption continued as Jason sent Menelaus, brother of the aforementioned Simon (who started the evil). Menelaus also being devious outbid Jason's bribe and was appointed high priest instead. Jason fled in Exile while Menelaus took the high priest position and continued his greed by stealing from the Temple treasury. Onias however, kept track. When he had clear evidence of Menelaus 's theft he accused Menelaus publicly. Tragically, Menelaus killed Onias (by way of paid assassination) in a deceitful plot. Even king Epiphanies was appalled at the murder of Onias, recalling his prudence and noble conduct. He put to death the assassin, Andronicus, at the spot where Onias was killed. Apparently Menelaus was not found out. Menelaus continued the corruption and sacrilege with his brother Lysimachus. Eventually, Lysimachus was discovered by the people, and after an armed fight, was defeated and killed. When the people brought charges against Menelaus, and he saw he would lose, he bribed Ptolemy, son of Dormenes to convince King Epiphanes to acquit him of all charges. He was freed while the innocent were put to death instead. The people were left with Menelaus as high priest. Chapter 5 Jason’s RevoltRevenge by Antiochus King Antiochus (Epiphanes) sought to conquer Egypt, the southern Greek kingdom of the Ptolemy's. Jerusalem was in the way. During the attack, people thought it may be a repetition of the protection of the Golden horsemen apparition, but hope was thwarted by another treacherous act of Jason who took the opportunity to come out of Exile. Seeking to re-establish his power after hearing a false rumor that Antiochus was dead, Jason attacked Jerusalem. Thinking he was attacking the enemy, he instead attacked his own people. He failed. Instead, he was disgraced, hated, hunted by all, and finally perished in exile, unmourned and without a funeral. King Antiochus, who was not dead, thought the whole region of Judea was revolting against him and launched an attack in full fury, killing many innocent people and defiling the Temple. Due to all the people's sin in welcoming the false beliefs of the Greeks, the Lord allowed it to happen. The writer gives a brief glimpse of a future reconciliation. After Antiochus plundered the Temple, he left governors in charge to harass the Jews, an army to kill men and sell the women into slavery. Menelaus was still there too. Judas Maccabees and his men were not subdued but withdrew to the countryside. Chapter 6 Abolition of JudaismGod’s PurposeMartyrdom of Eleazar King Antiochus sent a Senator from Athens to enforce Greek laws of the Jews against their belief in God. They desecrated the Temple further by dedicating it to the Greek god Zeus, against the first commandment. The Jews referred to this as the 'desolating abomination'. They desecrated the Temple with debauchery and revelry, invoking images of the Golden Calf incident at Mt. Sinai. No one could openly practice or admit they were a Jew. Instead, the Jews were increasingly forced into participating in the feast days of the false gods. A decree was passed that any who would not consent to the customs of the Greeks would be put to death. 2 women and their babies were put to death for following the Jewish practice of circumcision. Others, who were caught observing the 7th day Sabbath, were burned to death. The writer briefly interrupts the events for a moment to remind the reader not to be disheartened. The events will not be for their ruin, but to correct the people to be stronger in faith sooner rather than later. The Lord had not abandoned them. Eleazar was intentionally forced to violate one of the Jewish laws, by eating pork. He would not. His fellow Jews even tried to convince him to eat his own food and pretend he was eating the pork, to avoid death. He would not. Eleazar gives a valiant testimony to being true to the Lord, to die willingly and nobly for what is holy, leaving an example for the young and the whole nation. It is this kind of steadfastness to the Lord, in opposition to sin, that would be needed. Chapter 7 Martyrdom of Seven Brothers and their Mother Eleazar is not alone in his faith. Seven brothers and their mother are forced into the same situation, to give up their belief in God or face torture. Perhaps by knowing of Eleazar's witness or on his own, the first brother is already ready to die than betray his faith.The means of extreme torture are beyond comment here, except to say as the first brother was violently tortured, the faith of the others did not waver, but increased, to die nobly. They reminded each other that the Lord was looking on, and will have compassion on them by their martyrdom.The Second brother, in the midst of torture, was asked to betray his beliefs and rebuked the king's attendants in his native tongue, not Greek. Instead, his faith held true and he witnessed to their coming resurrection. The 3rd brother, knowing the torture that was coming, willingly offered his tongue and hands in anticipation, saying they came from God and in hope will be restored by Him again. He regarded his suffering as nothing, leaving even the king and his attendants in marvel.The fourth, before his death, adds it is his choice to die by mortals with the hope God will restore him to life. For his torturers, no resurrection. The fifth, before dying, tells the king that he may have power over human beings, but Go, above all, will not forsake His people, and will later torture the king and his descendants.The sixth, before dying, says the people are suffering because of their own sins against God, that is why God has allowed it and that those who go against God will not remain unpunished.The mother, after seeing six of her sons die, filled with a noble spirit, offered them all to God and praised Him as the creator of the universe. It was not her, but He, who brought them into this world, in his mercy, will give them new life again. With the youngest son still left, the king tried to offer him riches and friendship to abandon his ancestral claims, trying to trick the youth into abandoning his faith. After a long time, the mother agreed to talk to her son. However, instead of giving in to the king, she urged her son in their native language to be steadfast, to be reminded of God, who made all that he sees, to be worthy of his brothers' deaths so she can see them all together again after the resurrection.The youngest son, with surprising courage, asked why they should delay as he will not obey the king, but the laws given through Moses. He builds upon his brothers' witness with great faith in the never-failing life to come, the wisdom to recognize our own sin, the courage to tell the king of his coming punishments from God, and the hope of the end of the wrath for the nation.The seventh son and the mother are killed but will be saved by the resurrection to be with God. For anyone encountering persecutions, these witnesses are a reminder that the answer is to remain faithful to the Lord, not to give in to false beliefs which always results in disaster. Chapter 8 Judas Maccabeus's forcesVictory over Nicanor's forcesOther Victories Judas Maccabees, who had escaped (end of Chapter 5) was now forming a resistance to help save the people. He was successful because like other successful Israelite leaders of the past, he was trusting in the Lord. In ancient days, the Israelites required the Ark to have confidence in battle. Here they were learning to trust in the Lord directly. They were thinking of the others who were suffering before themselves. Judas and his men were successful against the Greek (Gentile) forces. Two of the king's governors agree to combine forces to defeat the Maccabean revolt and sell the Jews as slaves. In verse 10, we get a glimpse of outside events. The Seleucid kings had lost some critical battles to a newer rising power, the Romans, and owned them money for tribute in some of their lands. Judas learned of an impending attack. Those of his men that were fearful and lacked faith deserted. The rest remained and were strengthened, perhaps by the unwavering witnesses of Eleazar and the martyrdom of the Mother and her seven sons. The men sold all they had, ready to fight, if not for themselves, but for the sake of the Lord and his Covenant with the people. Judas gives a great battle speech, to trust in the Lord. The enemy has weapons, but the Lord can destroy anything. He reminds them of great victories of the past against great odds. They read from the holy book. Judas' men defeated Nicanor's army and the remaining fled. Judas's men rested for the Sabbath and distributed the spoils of the battle first to those in greatest need, the tortured, the widows, and the children. They asked the Lord to be merciful to them. They went on to more victories while Nicanor retreated in defeat. He had no army left, no slaves to sell, himself running back to Antioch, like a slave, but was still alive. Nicanor declared the Jews had a new champion, and because they followed their champion's laws, they were left alone. Chapter 9 Antiochus' arroganceRepentance While Nicanor was defeated, Antiochus suffered other defeats in the east, past the Tigris and Euphrates. As he retreated he planned to re-attack the Jews, but in his arrogance was stricken with excruciating internal pains. Not humbling himself but becoming more arrogant, he planned to reach the Jews quickly but flown from his chariot and every part of his body broken. For his elaborate torture of others, he was granted a slow and torturous death by worms and rotting flesh. Before dying, Antiochus finally gave up his arrogance. He admitted no man should set himself up to be equal to God, and he would set Jerusalem free. The Jews would be set equal to the Athenians. He would adorn the Temple with the finest offerings and restore the sacred vessels, even becoming a Jew himself to proclaim the power of God to all the places. However, his death was already set in motion. Instead, he wrote a very kind letter to the Jews and a policy of equity and justice to them. Chapter 10 Purification of the TempleAntiochus VVictory over the Idumeans.Victory over Timothy After the victory of the Maccabeans, they returned to re-dedicate the Temple in Jerusalem. They destroyed the false altars, purified the Temple and built a new altar. It was the 25th day of Kislev (about modern-day December). They spent 8 days in the purification of the Temple, as in the 8 days of the feasts of booths. They voted to celebrate this feast every year. Jews today call it Hannukah. The feast of booths (feast of Tabernacles) was an 8-day feast of the Israelites where God wanted them to remember the time when they were wandering in the wilderness, not to get too attached to the world's ways and material things. Whether Antiochus' peace letter arrived to his son and to the Jews is uncertain. There were some remaining enemies still in battles with the Maccabees. The Idumeans and Timothy were defeated. Chapter 11 Defeat of LysiasPeace Negotiations Lysias, not a stupid man, reflected on the battles and realized there was no winning against these people with the mighty God. He offered a peace treaty that Maccabeus accepted and Lysias accepted his requests in return. This agrees with Antiochus Epiphanes' dying request. The Romans also approved of the terms, but request someone to go see the king for ratification. (More evidence of the growing power of the Romans) The kingdoms' subjects to be undisturbedThe Temple can be restoredThe Jews can keep their own customs Meanwhile, Menelaus, the corrupt, was still the high priest. Chapter 12 Incidents at Joppa and JamniaMore Victories by JudasExpiation for the Dead The hostilities were not over. Some of the local Governors were still bent on causing the Jews trouble. At Joppa, some unsuspecting Jews were invited on a boat ride and were drowned. Judas Maccabeus prayed about it and swiftly dealt justice against the city. Judas (with the Lord) also defeated Some Arabians (after their defeat they made peace)Captured the city of Caspin, invoking memories of Jericho. Defeated Timothy's menDefeated Karnion, EphronDefeated Gorgias' men Praying for the deadAt Adullam, after the Sabbath when they went to bury the dead, they found some Jews with amulets to the idols of Jamnia, a sin against the Jewish laws. Judas and his men praised the Lord, the just judge, and turned towards his mercy with supplication and prayers, asking the Lord to blot out this sinful deed. They took up a collection and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sacrifice of atonement for the sins. It would have been foolish to pray for the dead if there was no resurrection, but since there was a resurrection, Judas acted in a very excellent and noble way to think of the reward that awaits those who are with God. He made atonement for the dead that they may be absolved from their sin. Chapter 13 MenelausBattle near ModeinTreaty with Antiochus V The next King Antiochus (Eupator) must have had a change of heart or had not heeded his father's dying request. He sent forces to attack Judea, with Lysias and Menelaus. When king Eupator learned how Menelaus was the root of all the trouble, he had him killed at Beroea, dropped from a 75-foot tower into burning ashes. The king continued with his forces while Judas and the people prayed to the Lord, weeping, and fasting for 3 days. After meeting with the elders, they decided the Jews should march into battle to settle the matter with the Lord's help once and for all. Judas got off the first attack at night wounding the king's forces. After a couple of counter-attacks by the king were unsuccessful, he learned of an uprising by Philip back in Antioch and returned there. He negotiated a peace treaty with the Jews, offered a sacrifice and donation to the sanctuary, and left. There was peace for 3 years. Chapter 14 Demetrius the new kingNicanor and AlcimusThreat on the TempleBelief in Resurrection 3 years later, Judas Maccabeus had to deal with the newest Seleucid ruler, Demetrius, who had replaced Antiochus. Nicanor was back Demetrius appointed Nicanor as governor of Judea to kill Judas and appointed Alcimus as the new high priest. When the Jews heard this, instead of adopting Greek beliefs as before, this time they turned to the Lord in prayer, asking for his help. They had grown in their faith. Nicanor, after hearing the valor of Judas and his companions, decided on a peace treaty with them. Alcimus, the newly appointed high priest by Demetrius, did not like the treaty so he accused Nicanor of plotting against the king and setting up Judas as his successor. The king wrote Nicanor that he did not like the treaty and to bring Judas to prison in Antioch. Judas, detecting a change in Nicanor's behavior, went into hiding to escape him. Nicanor threatened to desecrate the Temple. This time the Jews did not give in but prayed that the Lord would keep the Temple pure. Then Nicanor tried to capture one of the prominent Jews, Razis, but Razis died by his own hand instead, thinking it was more honorable believing the Lord would restore his body again in the resurrection. Chapter 15 Nicanor’s ArroganceDefeat of NicanorCompiler’s End Nicanor, in trying to track down Judas, became arrogant. He wanted to attack Judas on the Sabbath. Some Jews who were forced to march with Nicanor warned him about violating the Sabbath of the Lord, but he responded by declaring himself the god of this world and was planning on erecting a statue in honor of the defeat of Judas Maccabeus. Judas reminded his army of the help the Lord had given them in the past and to rely on the Lord for help now. He related to them a vision of Onias, the noble and good high priest praying for them.And of Jeremiah the prophet, with white hair and a majestic authority, handing him a golden sword, to shatter his enemies.They were willing to sacrifice themselves to protect the Holy Temple. The people of the city awaited anxiously while the battle formed. In a call to the Lord, as in the days of Sennacherib, Judus's men attacked and defeated Nicanor. Nicanor was killed and parts of his body displayed for all to be reminded of his treachery. The Jews voted to remember this battle each year on the feast of Purim, the feast remembered from the time of Mordecai and Esther. The Writer gives his final summary. More For more details about the Maccabees family and battles with the Greeks, please read 1 Maccabees. For some more Biblical back history about the Exile and return of the Jews from Babylonian Exile, please read 2 Kings (Chapter 20:12-18), 2 Kings (Chapter 25), Jeremiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah. 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