Nadene Goldfoot
Mattathias (d. 167/6 BCE was a Jewish priest from Modein who sparked the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE by defying Antiochus IV Epiphanes's Hellenistic decrees, becoming the patriarch of the Hasmonean dynasty; he led guerrilla warfare against the Syrians, eventually passing leadership to his famous son, Judas Maccabeus (Judah Maccabee), after his death. This happened in about 200 BCE to 101 BCE, which means about 2,225 years ago.
Mattathias was brave. He slayed the royal official sent to enforce worship of Zeus and so created a focus for the revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes. Mattathias also took over the guerilla war on the Syrians. After his death, he was succeeded by his son, Judah.
You can well imagine that in those days, runners had the job of running to the next town to procure more oil for the lamp in the synagogue at the time the Hellenizers (Antiochus) had taken over temple, putting in an idol of Zeus, which infuriated the Jews.
He had five sons: John (Gaddi), Simon (Thassi), Judas (Maccabeus), Eleazar (Avaran), and Jonathan (Apphus). Judas Maccabeus was called the hammerer.
Did you know that the story of Hanukkah isn’t just about the miracle of the oil? It’s also the story of a courageous battle for freedom that took place right here in Judea and Samaria. 🗡
From the hills of Modiin, where the revolt began, to the narrow passes of Beth Horon and the valleys near Beit Tzur, the Hasmoneans fought fiercely against the mighty Seleucid Empire. Their victories weren’t just military—they were spiritual, securing the Jewish people’s right to worship freely in the Holy Land.
If Judaism was smothered to death, there would have been no Christianity. Think about that.
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