What was the Maccabean Revolt?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Although the Maccabean Revolt is only detailed in the Apocrypha, its history is tied to events described in the Old Testament. After the Persians had conquered the Babylonian Empire (Daniel 5), various Persian rulers allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Prophecies in the book of Daniel are regarded as being fulfilled by Alexander the Great’s victory over the Persians and control of Jerusalem (Daniel 8). Upon Alexander's untimely death, the Greek empire was divided among his four generals (Daniel 8). Judea came under the control of the Seleucid Empire, the quarter based out of Syria, and Jews were persecuted under Antiochus IV (Daniel 11). The Maccabean Revolt came out of this persecution. Their re-establishment of Jewish worship in 165 or 164 B.C. is still celebrated today in the holiday of Hanukkah, which Jesus observed during His time on Earth (John 10:22). Though Christians generally don’t commemorate the Maccabean Revolt, believers can view it as another instance of God preserving His people (Isaiah 10:22), while also realizing that true salvation comes from God’s Son, whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The success of the Maccabean Revolt is just one example among many of God preserving a remnant of His people (Isaiah 10:22) to accomplish His plan. In this case, the Maccabean Revolt reinstated Jewish religious practice in Judea and left a hunger for the Messiah among the Jews who came after the Hasmonean Dynasty had ended.
• The books of Ezra and Nehemiah record the Jews returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, at the behest of the Persian rulers of the time. Eventually, as prophesied in Daniel 8, the Greeks conquered the Persians, eventually leaving Judea came under the control of the Seleucid Empire. This led to a period of Jewish oppression but later, a successful rebellion under the Maccabees.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• After victory in Jerusalem around 165 or 164 BC, the Maccabean army cleansed the temple and reestablished Jewish worship there. This cleansing and rededication of the temple is still celebrated today in the holiday of Hanukkah. Jesus also observed this celebration, called the Feast of Dedication, during His time on earth (John 10:22).
• The Maccabean revolt led to religious worship and relative autonomy after Antiochus IV died, beginning the Hasmonean Dynasty, a name originating in the Maccabean leader’s ancestor Hasmonaeus. The Hasmoneans ruled Judea in relative independence for the next nearly one hundred years, but political intrigue and family infighting among the Hasmoneans led the Romans to eventually gain control of Judea, thus setting the political backdrop against which Jesus was born. Jews alive during Jesus' day remembered the independence they had enjoyed before the Roman occupation of Judea and they were eager for a new Jewish king to restore their freedom. However, Jesus' mission was not a political one at that time (John 18:36).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Menorah lights are almost as common as Christmas trees in December. Many appreciate the beauty of those lights without realizing what they commemorate. The revolt of ancient Jews and their re-establishing of temple worship demonstrate God’s hand within the lives of a remnant of His people.

An even greater demonstration of God’s provision is in His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, all nations have been blessed. Jesus came to bring a sword, but not a physical one (Matthew 10:34). That sword did and still does separate family and friends, those who worship Christ and those who reject Him. Sadly, most Jews fall in the latter category. But Christ also brings together people of all nations and backgrounds (Galatians 3:28; Revelation 5:9).

We can celebrate Hanukkah with our Jewish friends and tell them of the greater victory they can have in Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• The Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BC) restored Jewish worship in Jerusalem.
• The miracle of the temple oil during the Maccabean Revolt is celebrated in Hanukkah, which was also observed by Jesus.
• The Maccabean Revolt preserved a faithful Jewish remnant and set the stage for Jesus’ time.

REFLECT

• How does the zealousness of the Maccabees challenge or encourage you in the way you respond to living in a world distant from God today?
• How do you see God preserving His people today, and how does that impact your trust in Him?
• How can you celebrate God’s provision in your life while also sharing the greater victory through Christ with others?

ENGAGE

• Why might the Maccabean Revolt not be included in Scripture?
• What positives and negatives can we take from the Maccabeans, and how can we apply them to the way we live out our faith today?
• In what ways does Hanukkah point to a deeper spiritual truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ?