Topical Encyclopedia Gorgias is a figure mentioned in the context of the Maccabean Revolt, a significant historical and religious event for the Jewish people during the intertestamental period. Although Gorgias is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, he is a prominent character in the deuterocanonical books, specifically in the First and Second Books of Maccabees, which are included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Old Testaments.Historical Context Gorgias was a Greek general under the Seleucid Empire, which was one of the successor states of Alexander the Great's empire. During the 2nd century BC, the Seleucid Empire sought to impose Hellenistic culture and religion upon the Jewish people, leading to significant tension and eventual rebellion. This period is marked by the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish uprising against Seleucid rule, which is detailed in the Books of Maccabees. Role in the Maccabean Revolt Gorgias is best known for his role as a military leader under the command of Lysias, a high-ranking official of the Seleucid Empire. He was tasked with quelling the Jewish rebellion led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers. Gorgias is depicted as a competent and strategic military leader, often leading forces against the Maccabean rebels. In 1 Maccabees 4:1-24, Gorgias is involved in a significant battle at Emmaus. The text describes how Gorgias, with a large force, attempted a surprise night attack on the camp of Judas Maccabeus. However, Judas, having been informed of the plan, strategically moved his forces to avoid the ambush. When Gorgias arrived at the camp and found it empty, he was forced to engage in battle during the day, which resulted in a decisive victory for the Maccabees. This victory was pivotal in boosting the morale of the Jewish forces and is celebrated as a testament to divine intervention and the righteousness of their cause. Military Strategy and Impact Gorgias' military strategies, while initially promising, ultimately failed against the guerrilla tactics and fervent resolve of the Maccabean forces. His engagements with the Jewish rebels highlight the challenges faced by the Seleucid Empire in maintaining control over its territories and the effectiveness of the Maccabean leadership. The defeat of Gorgias and his forces is often seen as a turning point in the Maccabean Revolt, leading to further successes for the Jewish rebels and eventually to the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Legacy While Gorgias himself is not a central figure in the broader biblical narrative, his involvement in the Maccabean Revolt underscores the historical and religious significance of this period for the Jewish people. The accounts of his military campaigns provide insight into the struggles faced by the Jewish nation in preserving their faith and identity against external pressures. The account of Gorgias and the Maccabees serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and faithfulness of God's people in the face of adversity. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GORGIASgor'-ji-as (Gorgias): A general in the service of Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 3:38; 2 Maccabees 8:9). Lysias, who had been left as regent during the absence of Antiochus in Persia, appointed Gorgias to take the command against Judea in 166 B.C. In 1 Maccabees 4:1-24 is recorded a night attack by Gorgias with 5,000 foot and 1,000 horse upon the camp of Judas Maccabeus in the neighborhood of Emmaus, in which Judas was completely victorious. The victory was all the more striking as the force of Judas was considerably smaller in number and had "not armor nor swords to their minds" (1 Maccabees 4:6). Later on (164 B.C.) he held a garrison in Jamnia, and gained a victory over the forces of Joseph and Azarias who, envying the glory of Judas and Jonathan, in direct disobedience to the orders of Judas, attacked Gorgias and were defeated. Library How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ... Rhetoric and Eloquence Your Apology Says that There are Three Opinions as to the Origin ... Reasons for Veiling the Truth in Symbols. What is the Philosophy which the Apostle Bids us Shun? How Love Makes Use of Natural, Servile and Mercenary Fear. In the Meantime, Matthathias Dies, Having Appointed in his Own ... That the Enemies of God are So, not by Nature, but by Will, Which ... These Testimonies of the Soul are Simple as True... How Judas Subdued the Nations Round About; and How Simon Beat the ... Thesaurus Gorgias... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GORGIAS. gor'-ji-as (Gorgias): A general in the service of Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Maccabees 3:38 ... /g/gorgias.htm - 7k Nicanor (1 Occurrence) Asmoneans Jabneh (1 Occurrence) Jabneel (2 Occurrences) Lysias (3 Occurrences) Gorget Goring (2 Occurrences) Gazara Esdris Resources What are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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