1 Maccabees Chapter 15: Meaning

A new king gives Simon big promises, then breaks them and sends an army to attack Judea.

Summary

Antiochus, the son of King Demetrius, sent a letter to Simon from islands in the sea. He promised to give Simon every favor the old kings had given, no taxes, the right to mint coins, and freedom for Jerusalem. Simon was treated as a true ally. In the 174th year Antiochus landed and all the soldiers left Trypho to join him. Trypho fled and was cornered in a city called Dora.

Meanwhile, Roman messengers came back with letters for kings all over the world. The letters told every nation not to harm the Jews. The Romans called the Jews their friends and allies. Any runaway Jews found in other countries had to be sent back to Simon. This was a big boost for Judea's standing.

But Antiochus quickly turned against Simon. Even though Simon sent him soldiers and supplies, the king refused to accept them. He sent a messenger named Athenobius with a list of harsh demands. He wanted cities back and five hundred talents of silver. Simon answered calmly that these cities belonged to his people, they were just taking back what was always theirs. Simon offered a hundred talents. Athenobius was furious and left.

The king was very angry. He made a commander named Cendebeus attack Judea from the coast. Cendebeus rebuilt a fortress town and started raiding the roads into Judea. A new threat had begun.

Historical Context

This chapter takes place around 139-137 BC. It shows how quickly politics can change. Antiochus made big promises to Simon to get his help against Trypho. But once Trypho was no longer a threat, the king did not need Simon anymore and turned against him.

The Roman letters were very important. Rome was the most powerful nation in the world at this time. When Rome said to leave the Jews alone, most nations listened. But Antiochus was bold enough to ignore even Roman support for Judea. The new attack by Cendebeus set up the final battles of 1 Maccabees.