1 maccabees 1:20 - And Antiochus, after that he had struck Egypt, returned in the hundred and forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,

Generated Verse: 1 maccabees 1:20

What does "1 maccabees 1:20" mean?


This verse from 1 Maccabees 1:20 describes a key event in the lead-up to the Maccabean Revolt. Let's break it down:

"And Antiochus, after that he had struck Egypt..." Antiochus refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid Greek king who ruled over Judea (Israel) at this time. "Struck Egypt" refers to Antiochus's military campaign against the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. He was attempting to expand his territory and influence.

"...returned in the hundred and forty and third year..." This is a reference to a specific year according to the Seleucid era calendar, which began in 312 BC. So, the 143rd year would correspond to 169 BC (312 - 143 = 169).

"...and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude." This means Antiochus, after his Egyptian campaign (which was ultimately unsuccessful due to Roman intervention), turned his attention towards Judea and its capital, Jerusalem. He brought a large army with him, indicating a significant military operation.

In Summary:

The verse is stating that in 169 BC, after an unsuccessful campaign in Egypt, King Antiochus IV turned his military might toward Judea and Jerusalem. This was a pivotal moment because Antiochus' actions in Jerusalem (detailed further in 1 Maccabees) sparked the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion against Seleucid rule. He looted the temple, massacred many people, and issued decrees against Jewish religious practices.

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