1 Maccabees 6: Death of Antiochus and God’s Justice – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

Executive Summary ✨

1 Maccabees 6 recounts the demise of Antiochus Epiphanes, a pivotal figure in the persecution of the Jewish people. His death, preceded by agonizing physical and spiritual torment, serves as a stark reminder of God’s justice and the futility of opposing His chosen people. The chapter details Antiochus’s unsuccessful attempts to plunder a temple in Persia and his subsequent illness, culminating in a confession of wrongdoing. However, even in his remorse, his actions couldn’t undo the suffering he inflicted. The narrative then shifts to the selection of Antiochus Eupator as his successor and the continuation of conflicts with the Maccabees, particularly around the siege of Beth-zur. Ultimately, 1 Maccabees 6 underscores the themes of divine retribution, the importance of repentance, and the enduring struggle for religious freedom.

This chapter, 1 Maccabees 6: Death of Antiochus and God’s Justice, provides a profound meditation on divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the persistent faith of the Jewish people in the face of adversity. Let’s delve deeper into the text to uncover the spiritual gems hidden within.

Commentary Sections 📖

1 Maccabees 6:1-4 – Antiochus Attempts to Plunder a Temple

1 Maccabees 6:1-4 (KJV): Moreover king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold; And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there. Wherefore he went in haste, and went about to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof, Rose up against him to fight: and so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned toward Babylon.

This passage highlights Antiochus’s insatiable greed and his disregard for the sanctity of religious places. His attempt to plunder the temple in Elymais mirrors his earlier desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. This act demonstrates a pattern of hubris and a blatant rejection of divine law. Historically, Elymais (present-day southwest Iran) was known for its rich temples, making it a tempting target for a ruler driven by material gain. The fact that even Alexander the Great, despite his conquests, left offerings there suggests a level of respect that Antiochus lacked.

Spiritual Application: This reminds us to guard against greed and materialism. We must respect sacred places and avoid exploiting others for personal gain. 💡 Remember the words of the Savior: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

1 Maccabees 6:5-7 – Divine Retribution and Physical Suffering

1 Maccabees 6:5-7 (KJV): And when he came near to Persia, there came a messenger unto him, that told him how his armies that went against the land of Judea were put to flight: And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power, was driven away of the Jews; and that they were made stronger by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies whom they had destroyed: Also that they had pulled down the abomination, that he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem; and the sanctuary, as before, had they compassed about with high walls, and Bethsura also.

Here, Antiochus receives news of the defeat of his armies in Judea and the restoration of the Temple. This is presented as a direct consequence of his actions against God’s people. The “abomination” refers to the altar to Zeus he had erected in the Temple. The news of its destruction and the rebuilding of the Temple walls would have been a devastating blow to his pride and authority. The city of Beth-zur, strategically located in the Judean hills, was a key fortress that guarded the southern approach to Jerusalem. Its fortification signified the Jews’ renewed strength and resistance.

Spiritual Application: This passage underscores the principle of divine retribution. While God is merciful and long-suffering, there are consequences for persistent wickedness. The story of the Maccabees provides a model for resisting tyranny and defending the faith. We must always be ready to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition. ✨

1 Maccabees 6:8-13 – Antiochus’s Confession and Death

1 Maccabees 6:8-13 (KJV): Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not fallen out to him as he supposed. And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die. Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart is sunk for very care. And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved: but now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and slew without a cause the inhabitants of Judea. Therefore do I think that these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land.

Antiochus’s illness and confession offer a glimpse into the torment of his conscience. His recognition of the “evils that I did at Jerusalem” is a belated acknowledgment of his wrongdoing. However, his repentance seems motivated by fear of death rather than genuine remorse. The phrase “I perish through great grief in a strange land” highlights the desolation of his final moments. This echoes the psalmist’s lament about being “far from home” (Psalm 137). The Patristic understanding of repentance emphasizes the need for a change of heart and a turning away from sin, not merely regret over its consequences. As St. John Chrysostom wrote, “μετάνοια γὰρ οὐ δακρύων ἐστὶ μέτρον, ἀλλὰ τρόπου μεταβολή” (metanoia gar ou dakryon esti metron, alla tropou metabolē) – “For repentance is not a measure of tears, but a change of way of life” (Homilies on Matthew, Homily 15.11).

Spiritual Application: True repentance involves acknowledging our sins, turning away from them, and seeking forgiveness from God. While Antiochus confessed his sins, his heart remained unchanged. We must strive for genuine contrition and a commitment to living a life pleasing to God. 🙏 If you are looking for help, consider our services for personal coaching and development to improve your life.

1 Maccabees 6:14-16 – Antiochus’s Letter and Death

1 Maccabees 6:14-16 (KJV): Then called he Philip, one of his friends, whom he made ruler over all his realm, And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up Antiochus his son, and nourish him up for the kingdom. So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year.

Antiochus’s passing in 149 SE (Seleucid Era, equivalent to 164/163 BC) marks the end of a reign characterized by cruelty and oppression. He entrusted the care of his young son, Antiochus Eupator, to Philip, effectively establishing a regency. The passing of the crown, robe, and signet symbolized the transfer of royal authority. His demise is a powerful illustration of the fleeting nature of earthly power and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that life is short and earthly possessions are temporary. We should focus on building a lasting legacy of faith, love, and service, rather than pursuing fleeting worldly ambitions. 🕊️

1 Maccabees 6:17-27 – Antiochus Eupator and the Siege of Beth-zur

1 Maccabees 6:17-27 (KJV): Then Lysias set Antiochus his son over the army, being yet but a child, whom he brought unto Antioch, in the hundred and fiftieth year, having gathered together an army. And Judas and his brethren heard that Antiochus was come with a great power to invade the land of Judea; that with him also he had Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, both having an army of footmen and horsemen. Therefore went they to Jerusalem, and saw that the sanctuary was desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts, as in a forest, or in one of the mountains; also that the priests’ chambers were pulled down. Wherefore they mourned exceedingly, and rent their clothes, and cast ashes upon their heads, And made supplication that he would be merciful unto them, and that he would utterly deliver them out of the hands of the heathen. Then Judas gathered his host together, and came to Bethsura, and received it: but he put a garrison there to keep it. Moreover Antiochus removed from Antioch unto Bethsura, which was besieged: and he made a siege against it. And they within made strong resistance, insomuch as they that were without fainted.

The accession of Antiochus Eupator, still a child, signals the continuation of conflict. Lysias, acting as regent, leads the Seleucid forces against Judea. The description of the desecrated Temple underscores the devastation wrought by Antiochus Epiphanes. Judas Maccabeus and his followers return to Jerusalem to find the sanctuary in ruins, prompting them to mourn and seek divine intervention. Beth-zur becomes a focal point of the conflict, with the Jewish forces valiantly defending the city against the Seleucid siege. The phrase “shrubs growing in the courts, as in a forest” paints a vivid picture of the Temple’s desolation. This image contrasts sharply with the Temple’s intended purpose as a place of worship and sacrifice.

Spiritual Application: This passage highlights the importance of vigilance in defending our faith and protecting sacred places. We must be willing to stand up against those who seek to desecrate or destroy what is holy. The Maccabees’ example teaches us to rely on God’s strength and to persevere in the face of adversity. 🛡️

1 Maccabees 6:28-47 – Elephants in Battle and the Resilience of Eleazar Avaran

1 Maccabees 6:28-47 (KJV): But they within made strong resistance, insomuch as they that were without fainted. For they had but a little victuals within to refresh themselves, because it was the seventh year; and they that fled out of Judea had consumed the remnant of all things. Then heard Antiochus that Philip, whom he had made ruler over all his realm, was revolted from him unto Persia; wherefore he was sore troubled: and purposed in his heart to turn again toward Persia. Nevertheless before he went he thought it meet to get Bethsura, and to that end he removed his camp from Bethsura, and pitched it at Bethzacharias, over against the sanctuary. And the king rose early, and hasted to battle, and brought forth his elephants armed with coats of mail, and with towers upon their backs, and armed soldiers with them, and five hundred horsemen. These went before the beasts; and wheresoever they went, there they brake down trees, and stones. And to the end they might provoke the Jews to battle, the king put them in arms, and showed them forth to the sanctuary. Then Judas and his host came near to Bethzacharias unto the place of the battle, and the armies joined battle. So it came to pass, that through the battle the king’s servants were carried into the sanctuary: And they brake down Bethsura, and were too strong for them. And when Judas perceived that the king himself was present in the host, he commanded his people to fight manfully, and to endanger themselves until they had slain him. And he cried out aloud, and said, See, I will go before to endanger myself for my people and for the sanctuary. And he left his host, and passed through the forefront, and slew on the right hand and on the left, so that they of the one side and of the other were slain. And he entered under the elephants, and pierced them through beneath; and slew them: but the elephants fell down upon him, and so he died.

This section vividly depicts the brutal nature of warfare in the ancient world. The use of elephants in battle was a common tactic of the Seleucid army, intended to intimidate and overwhelm the enemy. Eleazar Avaran’s heroic sacrifice, deliberately endangering himself to kill the elephants, exemplifies the courage and selflessness of the Maccabees. His death, crushed beneath the fallen beast, is a testament to his dedication to the cause of religious freedom. The mention of the “seventh year” refers to the sabbatical year, during which agricultural activities were restricted, leading to food shortages. This detail adds to the sense of hardship and desperation faced by the Jewish defenders. The description of the elephants equipped with “coats of mail” and “towers upon their backs” provides valuable insight into military technology of the Hellenistic period.

Spiritual Application: Eleazar’s sacrifice is a powerful example of self-giving love and dedication to a higher cause. We are called to be willing to sacrifice our own comfort and security for the sake of others and for the sake of our faith. His courage inspires us to stand firm in our convictions, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. 💪

1 Maccabees 6:48-63 – Lysias’s Treaty and the End of the Siege

1 Maccabees 6:48-63 (KJV): Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them. Then the king went forth toward Jerusalem to Bethsura, and besieged it. And Judas could not come at them, because he was also besieged himself. Then they within Bethsura besought the king that he would give them his right hand: which he granted to them; and then departed he from them, and went to Bethsura. And he put a garrison there to keep it. As for the sanctuary, he besieged it long: and they that were in it were sore troubled; because their victuals were consumed, and for that the seventh year continued: and that they that fled from the Jews out of the country had eaten up the residue of all things. And there were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did prevail against them. Then the king swore unto them, that if they would come out, he would give them peace; and so they came out: and he entered into Bethsura; but he brake down the wall thereof. And he set a garrison there to keep it. And after this he went his way toward Antioch, where he found Philip to be lord of the city: so he fought against him, and took the city by force. And he slew Philip, and possessed the city.

The siege of Jerusalem continues, with the Jewish defenders facing severe food shortages due to the sabbatical year and the influx of refugees. Lysias, facing political instability in Antioch due to Philip’s revolt, negotiates a treaty with the defenders of Beth-zur and Jerusalem. While the terms of the treaty are not explicitly stated, it seems to involve the surrender of the cities and the dismantling of their fortifications. Lysias’s actions are driven by pragmatic concerns rather than a genuine desire for peace. The passage underscores the precarious situation of the Jewish people and the constant threat of foreign domination.

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that even in times of hardship and persecution, God can provide a way of escape. While the treaty may have been a temporary solution, it allowed the Jewish people to survive and continue their struggle for religious freedom. We must trust in God’s providence and seek His guidance in navigating difficult situations. 🙏

Subtopic Sections

The Significance of Beth-zur

Beth-zur played a crucial role in the Maccabean Revolt. Its strategic location and strong fortifications made it a key defensive point.

• Geographic Importance: Located in the Judean hills, controlling access to Jerusalem.
• Military Strength: A well-fortified city capable of withstanding sieges.
• Symbolic Value: Represented Jewish resistance against Seleucid oppression.
• Historical Context: Mentioned in the Old Testament (Joshua 15:58) as a city of Judah.
• Archaeological Evidence: Excavations have revealed evidence of fortifications dating back to the Hellenistic period.

The Role of Elephants in Ancient Warfare

The use of war elephants was a significant aspect of Hellenistic military strategy.

• Psychological Impact: Their size and power intimidated enemy soldiers.
• Tactical Advantages: They could break enemy lines and disrupt formations.
• Logistical Challenges: Difficult to transport and maintain, vulnerable to certain tactics.
• Costly Investment: Training and equipping elephants was an expensive undertaking.
• Effectiveness Varied: Dependent on terrain, enemy tactics, and elephant training.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is the story of Antiochus Epiphanes so important in Coptic Orthodox tradition?

A: Antiochus Epiphanes represents the archetype of the oppressor and persecutor. His actions foreshadow the suffering of Christians throughout history. The Maccabean revolt serves as a powerful example of resisting tyranny and defending the faith, themes that resonate deeply within the Coptic Orthodox Church, which has historically faced persecution.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church view the Deuterocanonical books, such as 1 Maccabees?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church considers the Deuterocanonical books, including 1 Maccabees, to be an integral part of the Old Testament canon and spiritually profitable. These books are read in our churches and used for instruction. They provide valuable historical and spiritual insights that enrich our understanding of God’s dealings with humanity.

Q: What lessons can we learn from the Maccabees’ struggle for religious freedom?

A: The Maccabees’ struggle teaches us the importance of defending our faith, resisting oppression, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to God. Their courage and resilience inspire us to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Their story also reminds us to value religious freedom and to protect the rights of others to worship according to their conscience.

Conclusion

1 Maccabees 6: Death of Antiochus and God’s Justice, ultimately reveals the importance of faith, perseverance, and the inevitability of divine justice. Antiochus Epiphanes’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of wickedness, while the Maccabees’ struggle demonstrates the power of faith and the importance of defending religious freedom. The resilience and courage of figures like Eleazar Avaran serve as an example to us. This chapter reminds us that God is sovereign and that He will ultimately vindicate His people.

Let us strive to live lives worthy of our calling, remaining faithful to God and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. May the example of the Maccabees inspire us to be courageous and steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is with us always.

Tags

1 Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes, Maccabean Revolt, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Death, Justice, Beth-zur, Eleazar Avaran, Religious Freedom

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Explore 1 Maccabees 6 – The Death of Antiochus and God’s Justice through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover insights on divine retribution, repentance, and the Maccabean Revolt.