Navigating Treachery and Divine Providence: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 1 Maccabees 7

Executive Summary

1 Maccabees 7 delves into a tumultuous period in Jewish history, marked by political maneuvering, betrayal, and the unwavering faith of Judas Maccabeus. The chapter opens with Demetrius I Soter, the Seleucid king, seeking to regain control of Judea. He initially sends Alcimus, a Hellenized Jew seeking the high priesthood, and Bacchides, a Syrian general. Alcimus’s deceptive promises initially win over some pious Jews, but his subsequent treachery leads to the execution of sixty innocent men. The chapter then shifts focus to Nicanor, another Seleucid general sent to capture Judas. Nicanor initially attempts a false peace but, driven by greed and malice, resumes hostilities. He is ultimately defeated and killed by Judas and his forces at Adasa. This chapter highlights the dangers of internal strife, the allure of worldly power, and the ultimate triumph of God’s providence over seemingly insurmountable odds, echoing themes relevant to Coptic Orthodox Christians today.

This detailed analysis of 1 Maccabees 7, *”Alcimus Becomes High Priest; Nicanor Opposes Judas”*, will explore the complex political landscape, spiritual battles, and enduring faith demonstrated in this critical chapter of Jewish history. We will delve into the motivations of the key players, the implications of their actions, and the lessons we can draw for our own spiritual journeys. Through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition, we will examine the themes of betrayal, faith, and divine intervention.

Commentary Section by Section

1 Maccabees 7:1-4: Demetrius Sends Alcimus and Bacchides

KJV: In the hundred and fifty and first year Seleucus, Demetrius Seleucus’ son, departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea, and reigned there. And it came to pass, as he entered into the house of his fathers, that the army took Alcimus, who was high priest, and complained unto him against Judas and his brethren, and said, Behold, Judas and his brethren have destroyed all thy friends, and have driven us out of our own land. Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see all the destruction which he hath made among us, and in our country, and all them that are his helpers, and he will recompense us for all the hurt that we have suffered.

NKJV: In the one hundred and fifty-first year Seleucus, the son of Demetrius, left Rome and with a few men landed in a city on the seacoast and reigned there. Then it happened, when he entered the house of his fathers, that the army seized Alcimus, who was high priest, and they complained to him against Judas and his brothers, saying, “See, Judas and his brothers have destroyed all your friends, and have driven us out of our land. Now therefore send some man whom you trust, and let him go and see all the ruin that he has brought on us and on all our country, and on those who help him, that he may repay us for all the harm we have suffered.”

This passage sets the stage by introducing Demetrius I Soter, seeking to solidify his reign, and Alcimus, a high priest whose legitimacy is already questionable due to his Hellenistic leanings. Alcimus uses the opportunity to advance his position by appealing to Demetrius against Judas and his brothers. This highlights the perpetual struggle between faithfulness to God and the allure of worldly power. We see a parallel to the temptation of Christ in the desert (Matthew 4:8-10), where Satan offered worldly kingdoms in exchange for worship.

Spiritual Application: We must be wary of those who seek power and influence at the expense of truth and righteousness. Often, those who betray their own people do so for personal gain. Let us pray for discernment and the strength to remain faithful, even when faced with adversity. We should always use reliable web hosting services for our church online.

1 Maccabees 7:5-9: Bacchides and Alcimus’s Arrival and Initial Success

KJV: Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the river, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king. And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded him to take vengeance of the children of Israel. So they departed, and came with a great power unto the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to all Judas and his brethren with peaceable words deceitfully. But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they were come with a great power. Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes, to require justice.

NKJV: Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the river and was a great man in the kingdom and faithful to the king; and he sent him with that ungodly Alcimus, whom he had made high priest, and commanded him to take vengeance on the children of Israel. So they departed and came with a large army into the land of Judah, and they sent messengers to Judas and his brothers with peaceable words, but deceitfully. However, they did not pay attention to their words, for they saw that they had come with a large army. Then a group of scribes gathered around Alcimus and Bacchides to seek justice.

Bacchides, a powerful figure, is chosen by Demetrius, and Alcimus is appointed high priest, showcasing the political motivations behind these actions. The use of “peaceable words deceitfully” reveals the deceptive nature of their intentions. Some scribes, perhaps naive or desperate for stability, seek justice from Alcimus and Bacchides. This resonates with the prophet Jeremiah’s warning against trusting in princes and earthly power (Jeremiah 17:5): “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.”

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine reminds us, “Ama Deum et fac quod vis.” (Love God and do what you will – St. Augustine, Homilies on the First Epistle of John, 7:8). True justice can only be found through love of God and adherence to His will.

Spiritual Application: We must be discerning and not be easily swayed by smooth words or promises of worldly solutions. True peace comes from God, not from political alliances or human agreements. We should be vigilant against those who seek to manipulate us with deceptive rhetoric.

1 Maccabees 7:10-18: The Massacre of the Sixty

KJV: Now the Assideans were the first that sought peace of them: For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong. So he spake unto them peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, We will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends. Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the word that he wrote, The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them. Therefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made. After this removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethzeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and slew them, and cast them into the great pit.

NKJV: Now the Assideans were the first to seek peace with them, for they said, “A priest of the descendants of Aaron has come with the army; he will not harm us.” So he spoke peaceably to them and swore to them, saying, “We will seek no harm to you or your friends.” Then they believed him; but he seized sixty men of them and killed them in one day, according to the word that he wrote: “The flesh of Your saints they have cast out, And their blood they have shed all around Jerusalem; And there was no one to bury them.” Therefore fear and dread of them fell on all the people, because they said, “There is no truth or righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and the oath which they swore.” After Bacchides departed from Jerusalem and camped in Beth Zechariah; and he seized many of the men who had deserted to him, and some of the people also, and put them into the great pit.

This section is particularly tragic. The Assideans, pious Jews seeking peace, are deceived by Alcimus’s false promises. Alcimus, despite his priestly lineage, betrays them and orchestrates the execution of sixty men. The slaughter is a chilling fulfillment of a prophecy about the suffering of the righteous. This massacre underscores the perfidy of Alcimus and the brutal nature of the Seleucid regime. The imagery of the unburied bodies evokes the lamentations of the prophets regarding the desecration of Jerusalem. This also parallels with the martyrdom of St. Stephen in Acts 7.

Spiritual Application: We must always be mindful of the potential for deception and betrayal, even from those who appear to be religious leaders. True righteousness is evidenced by actions, not just words. We must be prepared to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution and death. It is wise to use the best domain registration provider to protect your church domain.

1 Maccabees 7:19-25: Judas Seeks Revenge and Defeats Bacchides

KJV: Then Judas removed with his host, and after that they had slain all those men, they went aside toward the hill. When Bacchides understood that, he came the second time into the country, and gathered his forces together. And met them in battle, and put to flight all the right wing, and pursued them unto Azotus, unto the plain. Who perceived that there was slain about twenty men of their part. Afterward Judas returned again from pursuing of them, and they came into the holy city. Then gathered the people together unto Judas, and said, How long shall this continue? and when will ye avenge the brethren? Therefore they were discouraged.

NKJV: Then Judas drew away with his army, and after they had killed all those men, they went aside toward the mountain. When Bacchides learned of it, he came a second time into the country and gathered his forces together. Then he met them in battle and routed all the right wing, and pursued them to Azotus, to the plain. And about two thousand men of their party fell. Afterward Judas returned again from pursuing them, and they came into the holy city. Then the people gathered together to Judas and said, “How long will this continue? And when will you avenge our brothers?” So they became discouraged.

Judas, fueled by righteous anger, seeks revenge for the massacre. While he achieves some initial success, Bacchides returns with a larger force. The people, weary from the ongoing conflict, begin to lose heart. This weariness mirrors the disciples’ discouragement in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40-46), highlighting the human tendency to falter in the face of prolonged suffering.

Spiritual Application: Even when fighting for a righteous cause, discouragement can set in. It’s crucial to lean on our faith and the support of our community during such times. Perseverance is key, remembering that God’s timing is not always our own.

1 Maccabees 7:26-32: Nicanor Arrives and Attempts Peace

KJV: Then Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens. But as for such as were building, and those that were newly married, and those that had planted vineyards, they commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law. So the host removed, and pitched their tents toward Emmaus, in the plain country. Then the merchants of the country, hearing of the fame of their force, took silver and gold very much, with servants, and came into the camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: so there joined themselves unto him a force of Syrians, and of the land of the Philistines. Now when Nicanor had heard that Judas was in the places about Samaria, he thought without any danger to fight against him in battle. But he understood that Judas had chosen the most valiant men, and that they were fully bent to fight in battle, therefore he sent to him, and saluted him peaceably,

NKJV: Then Judas appointed captains over the people, captains of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Also he said that whoever was building a house, or had recently married a wife, or had planted a vineyard, should return, each to his own home, according to the law. So the army moved and camped near Emmaus in the plain country. Then the merchants of the region heard of the fame of their army, and took a large amount of silver and gold, with servants, and came to the camp to buy the children of Israel as slaves. And forces from Syria and the land of the Philistines joined him. Now when Nicanor heard that Judas was in the region of Samaria, he purposed to attack him without danger in battle. But when he understood that Judas had chosen the most valiant men, and that they were fully determined to fight in battle, he sent to him and greeted him peaceably,

Judas organizes his forces and adheres to Mosaic Law by allowing those with new responsibilities (building a house, newly married, planting a vineyard) to return home (Deuteronomy 20:5-7). This act demonstrates his respect for God’s law and his understanding of the importance of family and community. The merchants seeking to buy Israelites as slaves highlight the economic motivations behind the conflict and the vulnerability of the Jewish people. Nicanor initially underestimates Judas but, realizing his strength, attempts to deceive him with peace overtures.

Spiritual Application: Even in times of war, we should remember our responsibilities to family and community. Respect for God’s law and the needs of others should guide our actions. Be wary of those who offer peace when their true intentions are malicious.

1 Maccabees 7:33-38: Nicanor’s Treachery and Threats

KJV: Saying, Let there be no battles between us; therefore I will come with a few men, that I may see thy face in peace. Who came to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. But the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence. Who was aware thereof, and was afraid of them, and would see his face no more. Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to meet Judas in battle beside Capharsalama. Where there were slain of Nicanor’s side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.

NKJV: Saying, “Let there be no battle between us; I will come with a few men so that I may see your face in peace.” So he came to Judas, and they greeted one another peaceably. But the enemies were prepared to seize Judas by violence. When Judas learned that Nicanor had come to him with deceit, he was afraid of him and would not see his face again. So Nicanor, when he saw that his plan was discovered, went out to meet Judas in battle near Caphar-salama. And about five thousand men of Nicanor’s side fell, and the rest fled into the City of David.

Nicanor’s deceit is exposed, revealing his treacherous intentions. Judas, recognizing the danger, avoids further meetings. This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and the ability to recognize evil intentions. The battle at Caphar-salama results in a significant defeat for Nicanor, demonstrating God’s protection over Judas and his forces. This victory echoes the many instances in the Old Testament where God delivered His people from their enemies.

Spiritual Application: We must be vigilant against the snares of the enemy and trust in God’s protection. Spiritual discernment, cultivated through prayer and study of the Scriptures, is essential for navigating the challenges of life. Always use secure SSL certificates to protect your data.

1 Maccabees 7:39-50: Nicanor’s Blasphemy and Ultimate Defeat at Adasa

KJV: After these things went Nicanor up to mount Sion. And there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the holy place. To whom he sware deceitfully, saying, That there should no harm come unto them. But when they had opened unto him, that he might come in, he commanded his men to pull down the wall that was round about, and to cast down the towers. And he commanded to pillage the temple: after these things he went his way. But the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever ready to defend their nation, saying, Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thy habitation should be among us: Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled clean. Then Nicanor departed from Jerusalem, and pitched his tent in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him. But Judas pitched his tents at Adasa with three thousand men: who prayed, saying, O God, it came to pass that they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians did blaspheme thy holy place. Now therefore, O Lord, send thy good angel before us, and fear and dread shall fall upon them; Through the greatness of thine arm let those be stricken that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And thus they joined battle in the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and Nicanor’s host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle. Now when Nicanor was dead, his host fled: and they pursued them from Adasa unto Gazara, and after them unto the plains of Judea, and there were slain of them that came after about five thousand men.

NKJV: After these things Nicanor went up to Mount Zion. Then some of the priests and elders of the people came out of the sanctuary to greet him peaceably and to show him the holy place. And he swore deceitfully to them, saying that no harm would come to them. But when they had opened to him, so that he might come in, he commanded his men to tear down the wall that was around it and to demolish the towers. Then he gave orders to plunder the temple. After these things he departed. But the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven and besought Him who was ever ready to defend their nation, saying, “You, O Lord of all things, who have need of nothing, were pleased that the temple of Your habitation should be among us; Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house undefiled forever.” Then Nicanor departed from Jerusalem and camped in Beth Horon, where a force out of Syria met him. But Judas camped at Adasa with three thousand men; and they prayed, saying, “O God, it came to pass that they who were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed Your holy place. Now therefore, O Lord, send Your good angel before us, and let fear and dread fall on them; Through the greatness of Your arm let those be stricken who come against Your holy people to blaspheme.” So they joined battle on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar; and Nicanor’s army was defeated, and he himself was the first to fall in the battle. Now when Nicanor was dead, his army fled; and they pursued them from Adasa to Gazara, and after them to the plains of Judea, and about five thousand men of those who followed were killed.

Nicanor’s ultimate act of blasphemy—defiling the Temple and threatening its destruction—provokes the priests to cry out to God for help. Judas and his small force of three thousand men, relying on prayer, confront Nicanor at Adasa. The battle results in a resounding victory for Judas. Nicanor is killed, and his army is routed. This event is a testament to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God in protecting His people and His holy place. The victory at Adasa echoes the victory of David over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), highlighting God’s ability to use the weak to confound the strong.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius taught, “The Church’s enemies are ever anxious to obscure the light of Christ and to sow darkness in the hearts of men” (Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, 1). We see this reflected in Nicanor’s attempts to desecrate the Temple and silence the worship of God.

Spiritual Application: When faced with blasphemy and threats against our faith, we must turn to God in prayer. He is our defender and protector. Even when outnumbered and facing overwhelming odds, we can trust in His power to deliver us. The name of God and having your church be known on the internet, you need to use the best website builder.

Key Reflections

Here are some key reflections from 1 Maccabees 7:

• The Dangers of Internal Strife: The chapter illustrates how internal divisions and power struggles can weaken a nation and make it vulnerable to external threats.
• The Allure of Worldly Power: The actions of Alcimus demonstrate the corrupting influence of worldly power and the lengths to which some will go to achieve it.
• The Importance of Discernment: We must be discerning and not be easily deceived by false promises or smooth words.
• The Power of Prayer: The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in times of crisis and the faithfulness of God in answering the prayers of His people.
• God’s Protection Over His People: Despite the challenges and threats, God protects His people and His holy place.
• The Triumph of Faith Over Fear: Judas and his followers demonstrate the triumph of faith over fear, trusting in God even when facing overwhelming odds.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about 1 Maccabees 7:

Q: Why did Alcimus betray his own people?
A: Alcimus was driven by ambition and a desire for power. He saw an opportunity to become high priest by aligning himself with the Seleucid rulers, even if it meant betraying his own people and compromising his faith.

Q: What is the significance of the massacre of the sixty Assideans?
A: This event highlights the treachery of Alcimus and the brutal nature of the Seleucid regime. It underscores the dangers of trusting those who offer false promises and the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution.

Q: How did Judas defeat Nicanor despite being outnumbered?
A: Judas’s victory was a result of his faith in God and his reliance on prayer. He understood that true strength comes from God, not from military might. God intervened on behalf of Judas and his forces, granting them victory over their enemies.

Q: What lessons can we learn from 1 Maccabees 7?
A: 1 Maccabees 7 teaches us the importance of discernment, the dangers of worldly ambition, the power of prayer, and the faithfulness of God in protecting His people. It reminds us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity, and to trust in God’s provision and protection.

Conclusion

1 Maccabees 7 is a powerful reminder of the ongoing spiritual battles we face in this world. It highlights the dangers of internal divisions, the allure of worldly power, and the importance of discernment. However, it also offers hope and encouragement, reminding us of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God in protecting His people. By studying this chapter through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition, we can gain valuable insights into our own spiritual journeys and learn to navigate the challenges of life with faith, courage, and unwavering trust in God. Ultimately, the victory at Adasa stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and divine providence, a message resonating deeply with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of salvation history. The need for a robust and always-available digital presence is apparent, and that is why finding the right website solutions is critical.

Tags

1 Maccabees, Alcimus, Nicanor, Judas Maccabeus, Coptic Orthodox, Bible Commentary, Scripture, Theology, Faith, Persecution

Meta Description

A Coptic Orthodox commentary on 1 Maccabees 7, exploring Alcimus’ betrayal, Nicanor’s opposition, and Judas’s victory. Discover spiritual insights and lessons from this key chapter. *”Alcimus Becomes High Priest; Nicanor Opposes Judas”*