Maccabees: This word does not occur in Scripture. It was the name given to the
leaders of the national party among the Jews who suffered in the
persecution under Antiochus Epiphanes, who succeeded to the Syrian
throne B.C. 175 It is supposed to have been derived from the Hebrew
word (makkabah) meaning "hammer," as suggestive of the heroism and
power of this Jewish family, who are, however, more properly called
Asmoneans or Hasmonaeans, the origin of which is much disputed. After
the expulsion of Antiochus Epiphanes from Egypt by the Romans, he
gave vent to his indignation on the Jews, great numbers of whom he
mercilessly put to death in Jerusalem. He oppressed them in every
way, and tried to abolish altogether the Jewish worship. Mattathias,
an aged priest, then residing at Modin, a city to the west of
Jerusalem, became now the courageous leader of the national party;
and having fled to the mountains, rallied round him a large band of
men prepared to fight and die for their country and for their
religion, which was now violently suppressed. In 1 Macc. 2:60 is
recorded his dying counsels to his sons with reference to the war
they were now to carry on. His son Judas, "the Maccabee," succeeded
him (B.C. 166) as the leader in directing the war of independence,
which was carried on with great heroism on the part of the Jews, and
was terminated in the defeat of the Syrians.
