Hope in Persecution: Understanding 2 Maccabees 15 Through the Lens of Faith

Executive Summary ✨

2 Maccabees 15 narrates the pivotal events leading to Judas Maccabeus’s triumphant victory over Nicanor, a general of the Seleucid Empire. This chapter, rich in symbolism and divine intervention, begins with Judas receiving a comforting vision of the deceased High Priest Onias and the prophet Jeremiah, bolstering the morale of his troops. We delve into the significance of this vision, exploring the intercession of saints and the promise of divine assistance in times of extreme duress. The narrative progresses to depict the clash between Judas’s vastly outnumbered forces and Nicanor’s army. Despite the odds, Judas and his men, fueled by faith and courage, secure a decisive victory, resulting in Nicanor’s death. The chapter concludes with the celebration of this triumph and the beginning of a period of relative peace for the Jewish people. This chapter underscores the power of faith, the importance of remembering God’s promises, and the reality of divine intervention in human affairs. The central theme is maintaining hope and faithfulness amidst persecution. Focus Key Phrase: Hope in Persecution

Introduction: 2 Maccabees 15 offers a powerful testament to the unwavering faith and resilience of the Jewish people during a period of intense persecution under the Seleucid Empire. The chapter focuses on the spiritual preparation and miraculous victory orchestrated through Judas Maccabeus’s leadership. We will explore the spiritual and historical significance of each verse, drawing upon Patristic interpretations and contextualizing the events within the broader scope of Coptic Orthodox theology. Let us delve into this captivating chapter, unpacking its treasures and applying its lessons to our lives today.

Commentary: Verse by Verse

Verse 1: “Now Nicanor, hearing that Judas was in the strong places about Samaria, purposed without any danger to set upon him on the sabbath day.”

Greek: “Ἀκούσας δὲ Νικάνωρ ὅτι ὁ Ἰούδας ἐν τοῖς ὀχυροῖς ἐστιν περὶ τὴν Σαμάρειαν, διενοήθη αὐτὸν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σαββάτων ἐπιθέσθαι ἀδεῶς.”

KJV: “But when Nicanor heard that Judas was in the strong places about Samaria, he purposed without any danger to set upon him on the sabbath day.”

NKJV: “When Nicanor heard that Judas was in the strong places about Samaria, he purposed to attack him without any risk on the Sabbath day.”

Commentary: Nicanor’s strategic intent to exploit the sanctity of the Sabbath reflects a common tactic employed by enemies of God’s people. He presumed that Judas and his followers would be less prepared for battle on the Sabbath, due to their adherence to the Law. This mirrors the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the Temple and outlawed Jewish religious practices. Such calculated attacks highlight the spiritual warfare dimension present alongside the physical conflict. Spiritually, we must be vigilant at all times, aware that the enemy seeks opportune moments, even in our times of rest and worship, to undermine our faith. Consider the wisdom of our Lord: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Remembering that spiritual defense is essential.

Verse 2: “Howbeit when the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he that seeth all things hath honoured, and consecrated, and hallowed.”

Greek: “Οἱ δὲ τῶν Ἰουδαίων οἱ συνεσταλμένοι αὐτῷ εἶπαν· Μὴ οὕτως ἀγρίως καὶ βαρβάρως ποίησον, ἀλλὰ τίμησον τὴν ἡμέραν, ἣν ὁ τὰ πάντα ἐφορῶν ἐτίμησεν καὶ ἡγίασεν καὶ καθιέρωσεν.”

KJV: “But the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, Destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour unto that day, which he that seeth all things hath honoured, and consecrated, and hallowed.”

NKJV: “However, some of the Jews who were compelled to go with him said, “Do not act so cruelly and barbarously, but give honor to that day which He who sees all things has honored, consecrated, and hallowed.””

Commentary: Even amongst Nicanor’s ranks, some Jewish conscripts retained a sense of reverence for the Sabbath. Their plea underscores the persistence of faith, even under duress. Their words highlight the sacredness of the Sabbath as ordained by God Himself, who “sees all things.” This is reminiscent of the Psalmist’s declaration: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). This illustrates the Orthodox understanding that God’s presence permeates all aspects of creation, and even in moments of disobedience, His sovereignty remains. This reminds us to speak truth, even when surrounded by those who deny it, as our witness can touch the hearts of others. Even in the darkest times, sparks of faith can ignite.

Verses 3-5: “Then the wicked Nicanor said, And who is he that is in heaven, that commandeth to keep the sabbath day? But they said, It is the living Lord himself, the mighty One of Jacob, who charged the seventh day to be kept. Then said Nicanor, And I also have authority in the earth to command to take arms, and to do the king’s business. Nevertheless he obtained not to make his purpose good.”

Greek: “Εἶπεν δὲ ὁ ἄνομος Νικάνωρ· Καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ὁ παραγγέλλων φυλάσσειν τὴν ἡμέραν τῶν σαββάτων; Οἱ δὲ εἶπαν· Αὐτὸς ὁ ζῶν Κύριος, ὁ κραταιὸς Ἰακώβ, ὁ κελεύσας φυλάσσειν τὴν ἑβδόμην ἡμέραν. Εἶπεν δὲ Νικάνωρ· Καὶ ἐγὼ ἔχω ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς παραγγέλλειν λαβεῖν τὰ ὅπλα καὶ πράσσειν τὰ τοῦ βασιλέως. Καὶ οὐκ ἐκράτησεν τὴν αὐτοῦ βουλήν.”

KJV: “Then the wicked Nicanor said, Who is he that is in heaven, that hath commanded to keep the sabbath day? But they said, It is the living Lord himself, the mighty One of Jacob, who charged the seventh day to be kept. Then said Nicanor, And I also have authority in the earth to command to take arms, and to do the king’s business. Nevertheless he could not accomplish his purpose.”

NKJV: “Then the wicked Nicanor said, “Who is He in heaven who commands that the Sabbath day should be kept?” But they said, “It is the living Lord Himself, the mighty One of Jacob, who commanded that the seventh day should be kept.” Then Nicanor said, “And I also have authority on earth to command to take up arms and to do the king’s business.” Nevertheless, he could not accomplish his purpose.”

Commentary: Nicanor’s arrogance and defiance epitomize the pride that precedes a fall. He questions the authority of God Himself, highlighting the spiritual blindness that often accompanies worldly power. His claim of earthly authority stands in stark contrast to the eternal dominion of the “living Lord,” the “mighty One of Jacob.” This echoes the confrontation between Pharaoh and Moses, where Pharaoh similarly challenged God’s authority (Exodus 5:2). As St. Athanasius said, “God became man so that man might become God” (“Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν” – *De Incarnatione*, 54.3). This reminds us that earthly power is transient and ultimately subject to divine sovereignty. We must always choose obedience to God over submission to unjust human commands. The clash between divine and human authority demonstrates the limits of even the most powerful earthly rulers when they oppose God’s will. Ultimately, arrogance and pride fall, so seek true humility.

Verses 6-9: “So Nicanor in exceeding pride went up to mount Sion, and there appeared out of the sanctuary him, with his men, that had been before in honour, before him. But Nicanor and his company were sore afraid, and gladly desired to escape one from another. Then it happened, that they ran every way, so that the one thrusting against the other, they were slain. Thus the Lord did them great dishonour.”

Greek: “Ἀνέβη δὲ Νικάνωρ ἐν τῇ ὑπερηφανίᾳ τῇ πολλῇ εἰς τὸ ὄρος Σιὼν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ ἁγίου αὐτῷ καὶ τοῖς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ οἱ προεσταμένοι ἐν τῇ τιμῇ. Ἐφοβήθησαν δὲ Νικάνωρ καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ φρικώδεσιν φόβοις καὶ ἠβουλήθησαν διαφυγεῖν ἕκαστος ἀπ᾽ ἀλλήλων. Ἐγένετο δὲ τρέχοντες πανταχῇ, ὥστε ἀλλήλους ἐπελαύνοντες ἀπεθνήσκον. Καὶ ἐτίμησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ Κύριος μεγάλῃ ἀτιμίᾳ.”

KJV: “So Nicanor in exceeding pride went up to mount Sion, and there came out of the temple him and his men that had been before in honour, but now were turned to dishonour. But Nicanor and his company did flee from one another, so that they were slain. Thus the Lord did them great dishonour.”

NKJV: “So Nicanor, in excessive pride, went up to Mount Zion, and some of the priests came out of the sanctuary with their vestments, those who had formerly been honored. But Nicanor and his company were terrified and longed to escape from one another. So it happened that, as they were running in every direction, they were killing one another. Thus the Lord brought great dishonor upon them.”

Commentary: Nicanor’s ascent to Mount Zion, the heart of Jewish worship, signifies his blatant disregard for the sacred. The appearance of priests from the sanctuary, though perhaps unexpected by Nicanor, represents the unwavering presence of God’s servants even in times of persecution. The terror that seized Nicanor and his army is a direct consequence of their defiance against God. Their disarray and self-destruction illustrate the chaotic nature of evil and the consequences of rejecting God’s order. This episode mirrors the collapse of the armies that opposed God in various Old Testament narratives. This reveals the divine protection afforded to those who remain faithful. Even in the face of daunting odds, God can turn the enemy’s strength into their own destruction. Seek refuge in God, for He is our shield.

Verses 11-16: Vision of Onias and Jeremiah.

These verses describe the pivotal vision that Judas Maccabeus received. It’s worth splitting this long section up for clarity.

Verse 11-12: “But Judas heard of Nicanor’s coming; and having warned his people that were with him, to keep themselves close unto the Lord, he prayed that if he should overcome them, he would bring honour unto his people, and recover the holy city unto them again, and restore the temple. Otherwise, if he should be forced to flee, that he would never bring them into the hands of the heathen.”

Greek: “Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰούδας τὴν παρουσίαν τοῦ Νικάνορος καὶ παρακαλέσας τοὺς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ συνεχεῖς εἶναι τῷ Κυρίῳ, ἐδεήθη αὐτοῦ, ὡς ἐὰν κρατήσῃ αὐτῶν, ἀποδοῦναι δόξαν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀποκαταστῆσαι τὴν ἁγίαν πόλιν καὶ ἐπανακαθαρθῆναι τὸν ναόν. Ἐὰν δὲ δεηθῇ φυγεῖν, μή ποτε αὐτοὺς ἐγκαταλίπῃ ἐν χερσὶν ἀλλοφύλων.”

KJV: “But Judas had heard of Nicanor’s coming; and having warned his people that were with him to keep themselves close unto the Lord, he prayed that if he should overcome them, he would bring honour unto his people, and recover the holy city unto them again, and restore the temple. Otherwise, if he should be forced to flee himself, that he would never bring them into the hands of the heathen.”

NKJV: “But Judas heard of Nicanor’s coming, and having warned his people who were with him to keep close to the Lord, he prayed that if he should overcome them, He would bring honor to His people, and recover the holy city to them again, and restore the temple. Otherwise, if he should be forced to flee, that He would never bring them into the hands of the Gentiles.”

Commentary: Judas exemplifies true leadership by prioritizing a deep, abiding relationship with God for himself and his people. He understands that their strength and success depend entirely on divine favor. His prayer reveals a selfless concern for his people’s honor, the restoration of Jerusalem, and the purification of the Temple. He is also concerned that his flight wouldn’t be misinterpreted as God abandoning His people. His willingness to accept either victory or flight demonstrates his complete trust in God’s will. This mirrors the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). This demonstrates the importance of relying on God’s guidance in all circumstances, even when the outcome is uncertain. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Verses 13-14: “So when he had gathered his army together, and exhorted them that they would fight manfully, and show themselves valiant, he warned them concerning the wickedness of the heathen, and of their intention to break the holy places: For when they should have spoiled the temple, then they would have been upon them.”

Greek: “Συναγαγὼν δὲ τὸν στρατὸν αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτοὺς ἀνδρίζεσθαι καὶ μαχητὰς ἀγαθοὺς ἀναδεικνύειν καὶ ὑπομιμνῄσκων τὴν παρανομίαν τῶν ἐθνῶν καὶ τὴν ἐπίθεσιν αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἁγίους τόπους. Ὡς γὰρ ἐσύλησαν τὸν ναόν, οὕτως ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἐλεύσονται.”

KJV: “So when he had gathered his army together, he exhorted them that they would fight manfully, and shew themselves valiant, and that, considering the wickedness of the heathen, they should consider also the injury that they had done to the holy place; for when they should have spoiled the temple again, how much more would they have gone about to do to them?”

NKJV: “So when he had gathered his army together, he exhorted them to fight manfully and show themselves valiant, and reminding them of the lawlessness of the Gentiles and their attack on the holy places, he said, “For as they have plundered the temple, so also they will come against us.””

Commentary: Judas inspires his troops with a call to valor and a clear understanding of the stakes involved. He emphasizes the wickedness of the enemy and their intention to desecrate the Temple and persecute the Jewish people. He reminds them of past offenses and warns them of future atrocities. This resonates with the Old Testament call to remember God’s covenant and the consequences of disobedience. By reminding his soldiers of their shared heritage and faith, Judas instills in them a righteous motivation for battle. This is similar to the encouragement Paul gives Timothy: “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). Remember your past, know the present danger, and inspire the future by standing firm in faith.

Verses 15-16: “And when he had thus spoken, he appointed four captains over every thousand, and then exhorted them to fight and said, ‘If God shall give us the victory, let us take all the heathens in our possession. Then, when he was thus speaking, there appeared a venerable man, well advanced in years, and of great dignity, and of a wonderful and glorious presence. Then Onias answered, saying, ‘This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people and for the holy city, Jeremiah, the prophet of God.’”

Greek: “Καὶ ταῦτα εἰπὼν κατέστησεν χιλιάρχους ἐπὶ χιλίους καὶ παρακαλῶν ἐπεκέλευε αὐτοῖς λέγων· Ἐὰν δῴη ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῖν νίκην, λάβωμεν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη εἰς κατάστασιν ἡμῶν. Καὶ τούτων αὐτοῦ λαλοῦντος ἐφάνη ἀνὴρ σέμνος τὴν ὄψιν καὶ πρεσβύτης ἱκανὸς τῇ ἡλικίᾳ καὶ δεδοξασμένος θαυμασίως καὶ ἐπίδοξος. Καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς Ὀνίας εἶπεν· Οὗτος ἐστιν ὁ φιλάνθρωπος καὶ ὁ πολὺς προσευχόμενος ὑπὲρ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ τῆς ἁγίας πόλεως, Ἱερεμίας ὁ προφήτης τοῦ Θεοῦ.”

KJV: “And when he had thus spoken, he appointed four captains over every thousand men, and then exhorted them to fight and said, If God should give us the victory, let us take all the heathen in our possession; and when he was thus speaking, there appeared a man venerable for age, and exceeding glorious to behold. Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremiah, the prophet of God.”

NKJV: “And when he had thus spoken, he appointed four captains over every thousand men, and exhorted them to fight, saying, “If God gives us the victory, let us take all the Gentiles into our possession.” And while he was still speaking, there appeared a man, venerable in appearance and exceedingly glorious, remarkable for his authority. Then Onias spoke, saying, “This is the one who loves his brethren and prays much for the people and the holy city, Jeremiah, the prophet of God.””

Commentary: The vision of Onias and Jeremiah is a powerful affirmation of divine support and intercession. Onias, the former High Priest, and Jeremiah, the prophet known for his lamentations and prophecies of restoration, symbolize hope and divine intervention. Onias identifies Jeremiah as “a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people and for the holy city.” This underscores the Orthodox belief in the intercession of saints. Saints, even after their earthly departure, continue to pray for the Church and for the world. The presence of Jeremiah, a prophet who experienced exile and suffering, reminds us that God does not abandon His people in times of distress. As St. John Chrysostom said, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (“Πολλὰ ἰσχύει δέησις δικαίου ἐνεργουμένη” – James 5:16). Remember to seek the intercession of the Theotokos and the saints, for they stand before the throne of God on our behalf. The importance of the intercessory role of saints, especially Jeremiah. We are called to be like the saints in loving our brothers and sisters.

Verses 17-27: Judas’ Encouragement and the Battle.

Again, for readability, it’s best to subdivide this section.

Verses 17-18: “Then Jeremiah holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it said, ‘Take thou this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.’”

Greek: “Καὶ ὁ Ἱερεμίας προτείνας τὴν δεξιὰν ἔδωκεν τῷ Ἰούδᾳ ξίφος χρυσοῦν καὶ διδοὺς εἶπεν· Λάβε τὴν ἁγίαν μάχαιραν, δῶρον παρὰ Θεοῦ, ἐν ᾗ κατακόψεις τοὺς ἐναντίους.”

KJV: “Then Jeremiah stretched forth his right hand, and gave unto Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it said, Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.”

NKJV: “Then Jeremiah stretched out his right hand and gave Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it said, “Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with which you will strike down the adversaries.””

Commentary: The gifting of the golden sword symbolizes divine empowerment and authority. The sword, “a gift from God,” is not merely a weapon for physical warfare but a symbol of spiritual strength and divine justice. Jeremiah’s blessing accompanies the sword, promising victory over the adversaries. This echoes the concept of divine weaponry found elsewhere in Scripture, such as the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). The golden sword represents divine grace and power bestowed upon those who fight for righteousness. Remember that spiritual warfare is waged with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God. Receiving this is a reminder of God’s constant presence and empowerment.

Verses 19-21: “Thus being well encouraged by the words of Jeremiah, Judas went forth out of the city, and pitched his camp near Modin. And when he had given the watchword to his men, being God is our help, with a choice and valiant company he set upon Nicanor’s camp by night, and slew about four thousand men. And perceiving that Nicanor and his men were troubled through the force of that assault, they went forth right against him.”

Greek: “Παρακαλεσθεὶς δὲ καλῶς ὑπὸ τῶν λόγων τοῦ Ἱερεμίου ἐξῆλθεν ὁ Ἰούδας ἐκ τῆς πόλεως καὶ παρενέβαλεν πλησίον Μωδεΐν. Καὶ δοὺς σύνθημα τοῖς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ «Βοήθεια Θεοῦ», ἐπετέθη νυκτὸς στρατοπέδῳ τοῦ Νικάνορος μετὰ ἀνδρῶν ἐκλεκτῶν καὶ ἔπαισαν ἐξ αὐτῶν ὡς τετρακισχιλίους. Γνοὺς δὲ ὁ Ἰούδας τὴν καταπληξίαν τοῦ Νικάνορος καὶ τῶν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐξῆλθεν κατ᾽ αὐτῶν.”

KJV: “So being much encouraged with the words of Jeremiah, Judas went forth out of the city, and pitched his camp near Modin. And when he had given the watchword to his men, Victory is of God, with a choice and valiant company he assaulted Nicanor’s host by night, and slew about four thousand men. And perceiving that Nicanor and his men were troubled through the force of that assault, he went forth right against Nicanor.”

NKJV: “So, greatly encouraged by the words of Jeremiah, Judas went out of the city and encamped near Modin. And when he had given the watchword to his men, “God is our help,” with a choice and valiant company he attacked Nicanor’s camp by night and killed about four thousand men. And perceiving that Nicanor and his men were thrown into confusion by the attack, Judas went out against him.”

Commentary: Inspired by Jeremiah’s words and the assurance of divine support, Judas leads his troops with renewed courage. The watchword, “God is our help,” encapsulates their reliance on divine providence. The night attack demonstrates their boldness and strategic prowess. The slaying of four thousand men highlights the effectiveness of their faith-fueled assault. Modin, the ancestral home of the Maccabees, is a significant location, symbolizing their commitment to their heritage and faith. The initial victory underscores the power of faith-filled action and the importance of seeking God’s help in all endeavors. Even in moments of overwhelming fear, God will provide strength. Remember to call on God’s name for strength and victory.

Verses 22-27: “Now when Nicanor saw that Judas was coming forth against him, he sent some of his men to fight against him, and slew about five hundred of them. Nevertheless Judas and his men went their way. When this was done, he sent some of his men to set upon him, and slew about two hundred. Then Nicanor fled to Antioch. Thus he departed, not greatly regarding the victory that he had, but greatly fearing the coming of Judas. And when Nicanor was come to Antioch, he ran with a great train of his men, and desired the king to send him succours: And when the king had sent him many men, Nicanor was glad, and set himself to subdue Judas. “

Greek: “Ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ Νικάνωρ τὸν Ἰούδαν παραγενόμενον ἐπ᾽ αὐτὸν ἔστειλεν ἐξ αὐτοῦ εἰς μάχην καὶ ἔπεσον ἐξ αὐτῶν ὡς πεντακόσιοι. Καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν ὁ Ἰούδας καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ. Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἔστειλεν πάλιν ὁ Νικάνωρ εἰς μάχην καὶ ἔπεσον ἐξ αὐτῶν ὡς διακόσιοι. Καὶ ἀνεχώρησεν ὁ Νικάνωρ εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν. Οὕτως ἐπορεύθη οὐκ ἀγαθοῖς φρονήμασιν περὶ τῆς νίκης, ἀλλὰ τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ Ἰούδου κατασυνεχόμενος. Καὶ ἐλθὼν ὁ Νικάνωρ εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν παρέσπευσεν μετὰ πολλῶν ἀνδρῶν πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα βοηθείας τυχεῖν. Καὶ δοὺς αὐτῷ ὁ βασιλεὺς πολὺν στρατὸν ἐχάρη ὁ Νικάνωρ καὶ διέθετο καταπατεῖν τὸν Ἰούδαν.”

KJV: “Now when Nicanor saw that Judas was coming forth against him, he sent some of his men to fight against him, who were slain about five hundred men. Nevertheless Judas and his men fled into the region of Dessau. When this was done, Nicanor went up into mount Sion; and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and the elders, to salute him peaceably, and to show him the holy place. But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly, and determined to defile the temple. Now when Nicanor was come out of mount Sion, there went out of the sanctuary two of the ancients, men of great dignity, to salute him peaceably, and to show him the holy place. But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly, and determined to defile the temple. So when this was done, Nicanor departed from Jerusalem. When this was done, Nicanor departed from Jerusalem: Then he fled toward Antioch: Thus he departed, not greatly regarding the victory that he had gotten, but greatly fearing the coming of Judas. And when Nicanor was come to Antioch, he ran with a great train of his men, and desired the king to send him succours: Who then sent him many men, and Nicanor was glad, and determined to subdue Judas.”

NKJV: “Now when Nicanor saw that Judas was coming out against him, he sent some of his men into battle against him, and they lost about five hundred men. Nevertheless, Judas and his men retreated. After this Nicanor sent some of his men to attack him again, and they lost about two hundred men. Then Nicanor retreated to Antioch. Thus he departed, not greatly pleased with the outcome, but greatly fearing the coming of Judas. And when Nicanor had come to Antioch, he hurried with a great company to the king to ask for assistance. And when the king had sent him many men, Nicanor was glad, and determined to subdue Judas.”

Commentary: These verses narrate the ebb and flow of the battle, showcasing both the initial successes and setbacks of Judas’s forces. Despite suffering losses, Judas and his men maintain their resolve. Nicanor’s retreat to Antioch, driven by fear rather than a strategic advantage, reveals his inner turmoil and lack of confidence. His subsequent request for reinforcements from the king demonstrates his determination to crush Judas and the Jewish rebellion. This illustrates the ongoing conflict between good and evil, and the persistence of the enemy in seeking to undermine God’s people. This portrays the importance of resilience in the face of adversity and the need to continually seek God’s strength. The resilience of the Israelites in the face of defeat, and the importance of never giving up.

Verses 28-36: The Final Battle and Nicanor’s Defeat.

For clarity, this section is divided in two.

Verses 28-31: “And when Nicanor heard that Judas and his company were at the borders of Capharsalama, he said that he would set upon them and give them a complete overthrow. But when Judas heard thereof, he gathered his company together, and exhorted them not to be afraid, but to remember the succours which they had had from heaven aforetime, and now to expect the victory, which the Almighty would give them. And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they had won afore, he made them more cheerful.”

Greek: “Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Νικάνωρ ὅτι ὁ Ἰούδας καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοῖς ὁρίοις εἰσὶν Κεφαρσαλαμά, ἔφη ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἐλθεῖν καὶ συντρίψαι αὐτούς. Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰούδας, συναγαγὼν τοὺς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ παρεκάλει αὐτοὺς μὴ φοβεῖσθαι, ἀλλὰ μνημονεύειν τὰς ἐξ οὐρανοῦ γενομένας αὐτοῖς βοηθείας πρότερον καὶ νῦν προσδοκᾶν τὴν νίκην, ἣν δώσει αὐτοῖς ὁ παντοκράτωρ. Καὶ παρακαλῶν αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν καὶ ὑπομιμνήσκων αὐτοὺς τὰς γεγενημένας μάχας ἀνεκάλει.”

KJV: “Now when Nicanor heard that Judas and his company were in the borders about Capharsalama, he thought without any danger to set upon them. But when Judas had intelligence that Nicanor was coming upon him, he imparted thereof to his men, and exhorted them not to be afraid, but to remember the helps which they had received of old from heaven; and that now also they might expect the victory which the Almighty would give them. And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in remembrance the good service that they before had done, he made them more cheerful.”

NKJV: “Now when Nicanor heard that Judas and his company were in the region of Capharsalama, he said that he would attack them and completely crush them. But when Judas heard of it, he gathered his company together and exhorted them not to be afraid, but to remember the help they had received from heaven in former times, and to expect the victory that the Almighty would give them now. So encouraging them from the Law and the Prophets, and reminding them of the battles they had already won, he made them more cheerful.”

Commentary: Nicanor, confident in his superior forces, seeks a decisive victory at Capharsalama. However, Judas, aware of the impending attack, rallies his troops by reminding them of past divine interventions and the promise of future victory. He draws strength from the Law and the Prophets, reinforcing their faith and instilling courage in their hearts. The Law and the Prophets, the foundation of Jewish scripture, serve as a source of inspiration and hope. Recalling past victories reinforces their belief in God’s power and their ability to overcome adversity. The importance of remembering God’s faithfulness, and remembering to find strength and courage in God.

Verses 32-36: “And when he had ended his exhortation, he gave them this watchword, The help of God. And then leading the way before them, he himself flew upon Nicanor. And when their enemies were discomfited, they followed after them, and slew them right down unto Gazara, and from Gazara unto the plains of Idumaea, about twenty thousand men. Now when Judas had heard that, and all that Nicanor had done, he commanded all the people to seek help of the Lord Almighty, the Most High, in the time of their trouble; Who slew Nicanor himself, with his whole army. For this cause they ordained to keep the thirteenth day of Adar every year, a day of rejoicing. Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.”

Greek: “Καὶ παρακαλέσας αὐτοὺς ἔδωκεν σύνθημα «Βοήθεια Θεοῦ». Καὶ προηγησάμενος αὐτὸς ἐπετέθη τῷ Νικάνορι. Καὶ ἀποτραπέντων αὐτῶν κατεδίωξαν αὐτοὺς πατάξαντες ἕως Γαζάρων καὶ ἀπὸ Γαζάρων ἕως τῶν πεδίων τῆς Ἰδουμαίας ὡς εἴκοσι χιλιάδας ἀνδρῶν. Ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ Ἰούδας καὶ πᾶν τὸ συμβεβηκὸς περὶ τὸν Νικάνορα παρεκάλεσε τὸν λαὸν ἀνακαλεῖσθαι τὸν Κύριον τὸν παντοκράτορα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν αὐτῶν, ὃς κατέπαυσεν τὸν Νικάνορα καὶ τὸν στρατὸν αὐτοῦ. Διὰ τοῦτο ἔκριναν ἄγειν τὴν τρισκαιδεκάτην τοῦ Ἀδάρ ἑκάστου ἔτους ἡμέραν εὐφροσύνης. Καὶ ἡσύχασεν ἡ γῆ τῆς Ἰουδαίας ὀλίγον.”

KJV: “And when he had ended his exhortation, he appointed a man to lead the battle, and himself led the way before: howbeit their enemies were discomfited, and they followed after them unto Gazara, and unto the plains of Idumaea, and Azotus, and