1 Maccabees

The Rebellion of Mattathias

In those days, Mattathias, son of Simon, a priest of the family of Joarib, left Jerusalem and went to settle in Modein.

He had five sons: John, known as Gaddi,

Simon called Thassi,

Judas called Maccabeus,

Eleazar called Avaran, and Jonathan called Apphus.

Mattathias saw the blasphemies com-mitted in Judah and Jerusalem,

so he said: “Alas! Was I born just to witness the ruin of my people and the destruction of the Holy City? Shall I sit by while she is in the hands of her enemies and her Sanctuary in the power of foreigners?

Her temple has become like a dishonored man,

the precious objects that were her glory have been carried off as booty, her babies have been murdered in the squares, and her young men killed by the sword of the enemy.

What nation has not received part of its treasures and taken possession of her spoils?

She has been stripped of all her adornments and of the freedom that was hers; she has gone into slavery.

Our beautiful Sanctuary, which was our pride has been laid waste and profaned by pagans.

What is there to live for?”

Mattathias and his sons tore their clothes, put on sackcloth, and went into deep mourning.

In the meantime, the king’s representatives, who were forcing the Jews to abandon their religion, arrived in Modein to organize a sacred gathering.

Mattathias and his sons separated themselves, while many Israelites joined them.

The king’s representatives approached Mattathias and said: “You are one of the city’s leaders, a prominent and well-respected man, and your many children and relatives follow your lead.

Come now, and be the first to carry out the king’s order, just as the men of Judah have already done, along with the survivors in Jerusalem. You and your sons will be the king’s friends, and he will send you gold, silver, and many other gifts.”

But Mattathias answered loudly: Even if all the nations within the kingdom should abandon the religion of their ancestors and submit to King Antiochus’s rule,

I, my sons, and my family will remain faithful to the Covenant of our ancestors.

May God keep us from forsaking the law and its precepts.

We will not obey the king’s orders nor turn away from our religion, neither to the right nor to the left.

When he finished speaking these words, a Jew stepped forward, in front of everyone, to offer incense on the altar built in Modein, according to the king’s decree.

When Mattathias saw him, he was fired with zeal. His heart was stirred, and giving vent to his righteous anger, he threw himself on the Jew and cut the man’s throat on the altar.

At the same time, he killed the king’s representative, who was forcing the people to offer a sacrifice, and then tore down the altar.

In doing so, he demonstrated his passion for the law, just as Phinehas did with Zimri, son of Salu.

Mattathias then loudly announced in the city: “Everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the Covenant, come out and follow me!”

He and his sons immediately fled to the mountains and left behind all they had in the city.

Many Jews who sought justice and wanted to be faithful to the law went into the desert.

They took their children, wives, and livestock with them because life had become unbearable.

Then the king’s representatives and the authorities in the city of David, in Jerusalem, were informed that some men had disobeyed the king’s order and had gone to hide in the caves in the desert.

A strong force of the king chased after and caught up to them. They boxed them in and got ready for an attack. It was the Sabbath day.

And they said to the Jews: “Enough of this! Come out and obey the king’s order if you wish to save your lives.”

But they answered: “We will neither come out nor obey the king’s order to violate the day of the Sabbath.”

So they attacked them at once;

but the Jews did not defend themselves, nor did they try to close the entrance of their place of refuge.

They said: “We shall die with a clear conscience, but heaven and earth will remember that we were murdered.”

The king’s men attacked them on that Sabbath, and they all died—men, women, and children—a total of more than a thousand, not counting the livestock.

When Mattathias and his friends came to know what happened, they went into deep mourning.

They said to one another: “We cannot do as our brothers and sisters have done. We shall fight against the pagans to defend our life and customs; otherwise, they will quickly destroy us.”

On that day, they resolved to defend themselves against anyone who attacked them on the day of the Sabbath and not let themselves be killed, as had happened with their people in the hiding place.

At that time, a group of Hasideans (the Devout), committed Israelites who sincerely dedicated themselves to the law, joined them.

All those seeking to escape oppression joined and, in this way, they grew stronger.

They succeeded in forming an army. Then, they began to vent their anger and resentment on the sinners and renegades. These men had to flee to other lands for safety.

Mattathias and his friends made expeditions, during which they destroyed the altars,

imposed, by force, the rite of circumcision on the children they found uncircumcised,

and pursued all the arrogant. The undertaking prospered in their hands.

They defended the law against foreigners and their kings and subdued the renegades.

When Mattathias neared his death, he said to his sons: Now, the proud and the violent hold power. It is a time of upheaval when God unleashes His anger.

So, my sons, be passionate about the law and risk your lives defending the Covenant of our ancestors.

Remember the deeds our ancestors accomplished, so that you too may gain fame and glory.

Recall Abraham, who proved himself faithful during the test of trial, and how God made him righteous.

Joseph, in his misfortune, obeyed God’s commandment and thus became the ruler of Egypt.

Phinehas, our ancestor, because of his deep zeal, received the priesthood for himself and his descendants forever.

Joshua became leader of Israel because he followed God’s commands.

Caleb received his inheritance in this land because he boldly declared the truth before everyone.

And David received an everlasting kingdom because of his loyalty.

Elijah was taken into heaven because of his fervor for the law.

Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were saved from the flames because of their faith.

Daniel was rescued from the lion’s mouth because of his righteousness.

Consider, then, that in any generation, those who trust in God are never defeated.

Do not fear the threats of an ungodly man, for his glory will fade and be meaningless.

Today, he is exalted, but tomorrow, he will perish. He will return to dust from which he came, and nothing will remain of his schemes.

Have courage, my sons, and stay firm in the law, for you will earn glory.

I know that Simon is a man of sound judgment among you. Listen to him, and he will take your father’s place.

Judas Maccabeus has been brave since he was young; make him your leader and command the fight against foreigners.

Now, gather all who keep the law to join you and defend our people.

Retaliate against the pagans and follow the command of the law.

Mattathias blessed them and then went to join his fathers.

He died in one hundred and forty-six (in B.C.), and they buried him in the tomb of his ancestors at Modein, and all Israel mourned him deeply.