1 Maccabees 15:32-41: a reflection

32Athenobius, the king’s friend, came to Jerusalem. When he saw the glory of Simon, the cupboard of gold and silver vessels, and his great attendance, he was amazed. He reported to him the king’s words. 33Simon answered, and said to him, “We have not taken other men’s land nor do we have possession of that which belongs to others, but of the inheritance of our fathers. However, it had been in possession of our enemies wrongfully for a while. 34But we, having opportunity, firmly hold the inheritance of our fathers. 35As for Joppa and Gazara, which you demand, they did great harm among the people throughout our country. We will give one hundred talents for them.” Athenobius didn’t answer even one word, 36but returned in a rage to the king, and reported to him these words, and the glory of Simon, and all that he had seen; and the king was exceedingly angry. 37Meanwhile, Tryphon embarked on board a ship, and fled to Orthosia. 38The king appointed Cendebaeus chief captain of the sea coast, and gave him troops of infantry and cavalry. 39He commanded him to encamp against Judea, and he commanded him to build up Kidron, and to fortify the gates, and that he should fight against the people; but the king pursued Tryphon. 40So Cendebaeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people, and to invade Judea, and to take the people captive and kill them. 41He built Kidron and stationed cavalry and infantry there, to the end that going out they might make raids on the highways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.

A royal envoy named Athenobius comes to Jerusalem, sees Simon's wealth and honor, and delivers the king's demand for cities and tribute. Simon's reply is a model of calm dignity under pressure. We have not taken other men's land, he says, nor do we hold what belongs to others; this is the inheritance of our fathers, wrongfully held by our enemies for a time, and now reclaimed.

Notice the balance in his answer. He does not grasp at what is not his, and he does not surrender what is. He refuses both temptations that pressure tends to produce: to overreach when you have gained strength, or to cave when a stronger party leans on you. He simply stands on rightful ground and states the truth plainly, even offering a fair payment for the disputed towns.

And notice the king's response: he was enraged. Those used to getting their way often cannot bear a calm, principled no. Simon's steadiness does not spare him conflict; it provokes it. But he keeps his integrity. When you are pressured to give up what is rightfully yours, or to seize what is not, Simon is worth remembering: do not grasp, do not cave, stand on the truth with dignity, and leave the other's rage to them.

Lord, under pressure keep me from both grasping what is not mine and surrendering what is. Give me Simon's calm dignity to stand on the truth, and leave others' anger in your hands.