Background to the Maccabean Revolt
Before the time of Jesus, the Jews were ruled by several foreign powers — first by the Assyrian in 722 BCE (the northern part)
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second by the Babylonians in 586 BCE (the southern part) then the Persians, then the Greeks. When the Greeks came under the leadership of Alexander the Great, they spread Greek culture and religion everywhere, including among the Jews.
After Alexander’s death, his empire broke into parts. The noted ones (Ptolemy and Seleucid dynasty) One part was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian Greeks) who later took control of Palestine. The Jews suffered greatly under their rule.
The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BC) was especially cruel. He wanted all people under his rule to forget their native religions and follow Greek customs.
Major causes of the revolt
He entered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and built an altar to the Greek gods “Zeus” on the alter of Yahweh. He even sacrificed pigs, which were unclean animals, on the temple altar. He also banned the reading of the Law of Moses and punished anyone who kept the Sabbath or practiced circumcision.
Meaning of the Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt was a Jewish uprising against the rule of Antiochus IV and the Greek influence on their religion and culture (Hellenization).
It was led by a priestly family known as the Hasmoneans, whose nickname was Maccabees, meaning “the Hammer."
Main Leaders of the Revolt
1. Mattathias
He was an old priest from the village of Modein.
When the king’s officer came to his town and ordered the people to sacrifice to idols, Mattathias refused.
Another Jew tried to obey the order, but Mattathias became angry, killed both the officer and the Jew, and tore down the altar.
He then shouted, “Whoever is zealous for the law, follow me!”
He and his five sons fled to the mountains, where they began to fight for their faith.
2. Judas Maccabeus
After Mattathias died, his son Judas Maccabeus became the leader.
Judas was a strong and courageous: we weighed war guerrilla war, their main weapons was SICA.
Key Events in the Maccabean Revolt
Religious persecution under Antiochus IV – Jews were forced to abandon their faith.
Refusal of Mattathias to worship idols – started the revolt.
Formation of a resistance army by the Maccabees.
Hellenization: imposing Greek culture on other nations.
Results of the Maccabean Revolt
Restoration of Jewish worship – The temple was purified, and true worship was restored.
Religious freedom – Jews could now practice their faith without fear.
Political independence – For a short time, the Jews had their own government under the Hasmonean dynasty.
Strengthening of Jewish identity – The Jews became more committed to keeping the Law of Moses.
Footnote: for exam preparation, know the causes, leaders, and benefits of the maccabean revolt
Jupeb Questions on maccabean revolt.
CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
From 2024 JUPEB CRS Past Question
(a) Assess the historical background of the Maccabean Revolt.
(b) State THREE importance or effects of the Maccabean Revolt.
From 2025 JUPEB CRS Past Question.
(a) Discuss the role played by the Maccabees in ancient Israel.
(b) State the THREE causes and THREE effects of the Maccabean Revolt.