Topical Encyclopedia Mattathias is a significant figure in Jewish history, particularly known for his role in the events leading up to the Maccabean Revolt. Although not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his account is detailed in the deuterocanonical books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which are included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Old Testaments.Historical Context Mattathias was a Jewish priest from the village of Modein, located in the region of Judea. He lived during the 2nd century BC, a time when the Jewish people were under the oppressive rule of the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, sought to Hellenize the Jewish people, enforcing Greek customs and outlawing Jewish religious practices. This period of persecution included the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the prohibition of key Jewish rites such as circumcision and Sabbath observance. Role in the Maccabean Revolt Mattathias is best known for his pivotal role in igniting the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. According to 1 Maccabees, when a royal official attempted to enforce the king's decrees in Modein, Mattathias refused to comply. He is famously quoted as saying, "Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him and have chosen to do his commandments, departing each one from the religion of his fathers, yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers" (1 Maccabees 2:19-20). In a dramatic act of defiance, Mattathias killed a Jewish man who stepped forward to offer a pagan sacrifice and then killed the king's officer. This act of zealotry sparked a widespread rebellion. Mattathias and his five sons—John, Simon, Judas (also known as Judah Maccabee), Eleazar, and Jonathan—fled to the mountains, where they gathered a group of Jewish fighters committed to resisting the Seleucid oppression. Legacy and Influence Mattathias's leadership and fervent commitment to the Jewish faith laid the groundwork for the Maccabean Revolt, which was later led by his son Judas Maccabee. The revolt ultimately resulted in the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Mattathias's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage in the face of persecution. His actions are seen as a testament to the importance of religious conviction and the willingness to stand against tyranny for the sake of preserving one's faith and cultural identity. His account continues to inspire those who value religious freedom and the defense of spiritual heritage. Concordance Mattathi'as (2 Occurrences)Luke 3:25 Luke 3:26 Thesaurus Mattathi'as (2 Occurrences)Mattathi'as. Mattathias, Mattathi'as. Mattattah . Multi-Version Concordance Mattathi'as (2 Occurrences). Luke 3:25 the 'son' of ... /m/mattathi'as.htm - 6k Mattathias (2 Occurrences) Mattattah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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