Topical Encyclopedia Callisthenes is a figure mentioned in the context of the historical and religious narratives surrounding the Hellenistic period, particularly in the deuterocanonical books, which are recognized in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions but are not part of the Protestant canon. While Callisthenes is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his account is intertwined with the events that shaped the Jewish experience during the time of the Maccabees.Historical Context Callisthenes was a Greek historian and a relative of Aristotle, known for his association with Alexander the Great. However, the Callisthenes referenced in the context of Jewish history is often associated with the events described in the books of the Maccabees, particularly in the struggle against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to impose Hellenistic culture and religion upon the Jewish people. Role in the Maccabean Revolt The Maccabean Revolt (circa 167-160 BC) was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marked by the resistance against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who sought to suppress Jewish religious practices and enforce Hellenistic customs. The revolt was led by the priestly family of the Hasmoneans, also known as the Maccabees. Callisthenes is mentioned in 2 Maccabees, a book that provides a detailed account of the Jewish resistance. In 2 Maccabees 8:33, Callisthenes is noted for his role in setting fire to the sacred gates during the conflict. The text states: "And those who were with Maccabeus, after beseeching the Lord to be their ally, rushed upon the strongholds of the Idumeans, attacking them vigorously. They captured the places and drove back all who fought upon the wall, and they slaughtered those whom they encountered, killing no fewer than twenty thousand. When at least nine thousand had fled into two very strong towers, well equipped to withstand a siege, Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and also Zacchaeus and his men, a force sufficient to besiege them, and he himself set off for places where he was more urgently needed. But the men with Simon, being greedy, were bribed by some of those who were in the towers, and on receiving seventy thousand drachmas, let some of them slip away. When word of what had happened came to Maccabeus, he gathered the leaders of the people and accused these men of having sold their brothers for money by setting their enemies free to fight against them. Then he killed these men who had turned traitor and immediately captured the two towers. Having success at arms in everything he undertook, he destroyed more than twenty thousand in the two strongholds." Significance The actions of Callisthenes, as described in the deuterocanonical texts, highlight the intense conflict between the Jewish people and the Hellenistic forces. His involvement in the desecration of sacred sites underscores the cultural and religious tensions of the period. The Maccabean Revolt ultimately led to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the account of Callisthenes and the Maccabean Revolt illustrates the theme of divine providence and deliverance. The Jewish people's resistance against overwhelming odds and their eventual victory is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and protection of His covenant people. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the dangers of compromising with secular or pagan influences. While Callisthenes himself is not a central figure in the biblical canon, his account is a part of the broader historical and religious context that shaped the Jewish identity and faith during a tumultuous period. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CALLISTHENESka-lis'-the-nez (Kallisthenes): An officer of Nicanor who was charged with the burning of the sacred portals of the temple at the time of the desecration under Antiochus Epiphanes (168 B.C.). After the decisive defeat of Nicanor's army at Emmaus (165 B.C.) the Jews celebrated the victory in the city of their fathers and burned C. who had fled into an outhouse with others who had set the sacred gates on fire, "the meet reward of their impiety" (2 Maccabees 8:33). Library Letter Lxxiii. To Callisthenes. Letter Lxxii. To Hesychius. Book 2 Footnotes Diversity of Dreams and visions Epicurus Thought Lightly of Them ... When Turbo had Made this Statement, Archelaus was Intensely ... Basil: Letters and Select Works the Legendary History of Egypt Footnotes Chaldaean Civilization The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Thesaurus Callisthenes... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CALLISTHENES. ka-lis'-the-nez (Kallisthenes): An officer of Nicanor who was charged with the burning ... /c/callisthenes.htm - 6k Callous (6 Occurrences) Calling (145 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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