The Maccabean Revolution Between the books of Malachi and Matthew, the Maccabees fought for the rights and freedom of the Jewish nation. At that time the Jews were under massive oppression by the Seleucid rulers. One in particular was Antiochus, he tormented the Jews in the hope of Hellenizing them, and to top it off he used their own religious beliefs against them in massive slaughter and humiliation. The Maccabees however, against all odds, freed the nation of Judah, and successfully regained
Jewish bible, 1st and 2nd Maccabees, offer slightly different depictions of the events of the Revolt. However, as sources that are nearly two millennia old, it is important to consider their historical reliability. When trying to discern fact from fiction and gain a better understanding of the Maccabean Revolt, it is useful to consider who the authors of 1st and 2nd Maccabees were and what emotions these authors hoped to invoke in readers. It is likely that 1st and 2nd Maccabees were written by a Jewish
This book is about a man by the name of Dr. Gregory V. Jones. Mr. Gregory Jones is born in Durham, North Carolina. He is raised by his mother in a God – fearing home where the biblical principles are very important. He graduates from Methodist College and is a great athletic who plays basketball. After retiring from playing basketball, he is inducted into the Methodist College Hall of Fame. Later, he pursues a degree in Clinical Psychology and Religion. Dr. Jones spends a great deal writing books
books 1 and 2 Maccabees focus on the rebellion of the Jewish people of Jerusalem against the hellenization of their city. While the events of both books are ultimately defined by the Jewish faith as demonstrated by the works’ protagonists, the two books utilize different aspects of that faith; 1 Maccabees is written in a mostly historical manner, showing chronologically how the actions of Jewish individuals contributed to the revolt against the hellenization of Jerusalem, but 2 Maccabees takes the focus
Hanukkah is a celebration of the mighty war the Maccabees won over the Greeks to take back the Holy Land. The Menorah that is used to celebrate this holiday represents the seven days the Holy Temple was in use. The gift giving and the candle lighting are all in representation of the fight for the Holy land. Hanukkah celebrates two miracles.The 2nd century BCE victory of a small, greatly outnumbered and out-armed army of Jews, known as the “Maccabees,” over the mighty Greek army that occupied the Holy
In this essay I aim to examine the roots of Hasmonean rule and observe the relationship between the regime and `Hellenism' (mainly in the political context), and ascertain to what extent Hellenism became an integrated part of the Hasmonean dynasty's mode of governing its state. It is noteworthy to point out that many scholars explain the process of Hellenization as a long and drawn out one, as Lester Grabbe concisely states; "Hellenization was a centuries-long process of synthesis and diversification
Although the Hellenistic Era started with the death of Alexander the Great in 323BCE it is important to explore its beginnings. Both Greek and Oriental philosophies greatly influenced the formation of the Hellenistic Age. The spread of Hellenistic culture and its substantial scientific contributions produced an impact on civilization that is still evident today. One of the most important aspects of the thought, culture, and religion during the Hellenistic Era was its impact on the Jewish culture
Hanukkah does. Its names are Hanukkah, Chanukah, Festival of Lights, the Feast of Dedication, and the Feast of the Maccabees. How Hanukkah Began Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after it was reclaimed from the Syrian Greeks. The Temple was recaptured by the leaders of the Jews, who fought the Syrian Greeks; these leaders were known as the Maccabees. When the Maccabees seized the Temple of Jerusalem again they became the Temples priests, they also became they Jewish towns leaders
The Hellenization of the Jews was a natural, unavoidable, and non-detrimental process that involved Greek language, cultures and ideas being integrated within the Jewish community. Initially, many Jews were very opposed to other cultures, wary on account of the Jewish history of polytheistic religions and non-Jews, or as they said, “them”. The Jews living in Greek lands obviously introduced many Greek ideas into their culture and way of life, but so did the Jews living in Judea despite many of them
As I was helping my brother with his Bible study, I trembled over very two important words: Deuterocanonical Books. It took me a minute to realize that not everyone knows the true significance and the fight it took to prove the incense of these books. The Deuterocanonical Books are recognized by the Coptic Orthodox Church as completion to the Holy Bible, and just like anything in the church understand the meaning and importance of these books is essential. After all we should study every valuable
Though greater in number and equipment than their adversaries, the Syrians were defeated by the Maccabees. Antiochus sent out another expedition which also was defeated. He realized that only by sending a powerful army could he hope to defeat Judah and his brave fighting men. An army consisting of more than 40,000 men swept the land under the leadership
Bible comes from the Latin word biblia meaning group or collection of books. When the word “Bible” is heard many think of the Christian Bible, however, it is not the only one. It is, still, very prominent. Given this acknowledgment the Christian Bible is the most important book of the Christian faith. Despite a unity between the many books there is debate on which should be included for the proper worship and instruction from God. Different interpretations have led to some of these disagreements
This essay will explore the factors that caused a reaction against hellenisation which developed into a crisis of public order in Palestine in the 160s B.C. To understand how these factors led to a Jewish revolt in Palestine, one must briefly look at what occurred in that region before Alexander and after Alexander’s death as he did not leave an heir and the kingdom was divided between his Generals. But for the purpose of this essay we will only be looking at two Generals, Seleucids and Ptolemy
The word "dystopia" traces its roots back to the Greek word “dys,” meaning bad, and “topos,” meaning place. The government is never questioned by the citizens in a dystopian society. The people are either too scared to speak up against the injustices being performed in their society or become brainwashed. Bernard Marx from Brave New World and Winston Smith from 1984 are two different characters from two different dystopias. Both have been woken from the stupor of obedience their governments put
Tragedy in Jewish History The Jews are a people with a multitude of dilemmas. From the Israelite tribes to the prosperous modern day Israel , bigotry towards the Jews has been greatly evident. The Jewish race has acted as Escape Goat for many crisis throughout history including the black plague which swept across Europe in the 14th century. The establishment of Israel was a great incident was something the Jewish people were striving to obtain for generations. This, however, led to
The time of the Pharisees and Sadducees are long gone. There is no longer a need for them anymore. The fall of Jerusalem, became the fall for these two groups as well. What are the Pharisees and Sadducees you say? Well, actually, there were three groups, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Essenes, but the Essenes were not as important during these times, so there is no need to share about this group. Though, I will begin to share with you the history of the two holy groups (Pharisees and Sadducees)
spiritual victory of the Jews against the Greeks almost 2,000 years ago. Chanukah means rededication and the symbols and rituals of the holiday demonstrate an annual renewal of Jewish faith and practices. The story can be found in the Second Book of Maccabees, the last historical book of the Old Testament. The Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish observance, had been taken over by the Greeks for the worship of their gods almost 2,000 years ago, and since Israel was under Greek rule
Hanukah What is Hanukkah? Hanukkah is a Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev and commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights. In Hanukkah it is a way to celebrate the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt
Studying the Old Testament is not as straightforward as some may think. Being able to recall stories of the Bible does not necessarily mean you have a thorough grasp on the history of Israel and the surrounding nations. Some people read and discuss the Bible without a solid understanding of the history and social issues that were going on at the time. Being able to relate to the stories in the Bible and struggle with some of the same problems faced by the people in the Bible gives you a greater
Joppa is the southern end of the city today called Tel Aviv. Most likely, this is the city you would fly into today when visiting Israel. This also would have been true in ancient days, although you would have come by boat rather than plane. The port of Joppa was of great significance in both the Old and New Testament because of the access that it gave to Jerusalem and other sites in Israel. This would have been the port Herod the Great used at first to bring in materials for Ceasarea Martima in