Scripture Daily

Context No. 139 of 4322 · 1 Maccabees

Context · Reflection

1 Maccabees 13:1-6: in context

1Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a mighty army to come into the land of Judah and destroy it utterly. 2He saw that the people were trembling in great fear. So he went up to Jerusalem and gathered the people together. 3He encouraged them, and said to them, “You yourselves know all the things that I, my kindred, and my father’s house have done for the laws and the sanctuary, and the battles and the distresses which we have seen. 4Because of this, all my brothers have perished for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone. 5Now be it far from me, that I should spare my own life in any time of affliction, for I am not better than my kindred. 6However, I will take vengeance for my nation, for the sanctuary, and for our wives and children, because all the Gentiles have gathered out of hatred to destroy us.”

The Maccabean revolt has cost this family nearly everything. The father Mattathias is dead. Judas, who led the fighting, is dead. Jonathan has just been captured by the Seleucid general Tryphon, who is now marching on Judea. This passage is Simon, the last surviving brother, addressing a frightened people in Jerusalem.

His speech does not open with a promise. It opens with an audit. You yourselves know what I and my brothers and my father's house have done for the laws and the sanctuary, and the wars and the hardships we have seen. Because of this all my brothers have perished for Israel's sake, and I alone am left. He states his family's record and his own isolation, in front of everyone, before asking anything.

Then the commitment: far be it from me to spare my own life in any time of distress, for I am no better than my brothers. And a promise to avenge his nation and the sanctuary and their wives and children. The people answer with a shout and make him their leader on the spot. He offered no strategy in that speech. He offered a résumé of costs already paid and a statement that he did not consider himself exempt. What have I asked people to follow me into, and had I already paid anything toward it?

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