2 maccabees 4:7 - But when Seleucus was deceased, and Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias supplanted his brother in the high priesthood,
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What does "2 maccabees 4:7" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 4:7 is packed with historical and political context. Let's break it down:
"But when Seleucus was deceased...": This refers to Seleucus IV Philopator, the ruler of the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid Empire was a Hellenistic (Greek-influenced) kingdom that controlled much of the Middle East after the death of Alexander the Great. Seleucus IV died in 175 BC.
"...and Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom...": Antiochus IV Epiphanes was the successor to Seleucus IV. His reign is crucial for understanding the events in 1 and 2 Maccabees. "Epiphanes" means "manifest god" or "god revealed," a title Antiochus chose for himself.
"...Jason the brother of Onias supplanted his brother in the high priesthood...": This introduces a significant development in Jerusalem.
Onias: Onias III was the legitimate high priest in Jerusalem. The high priesthood was a powerful position, both religiously and politically.
Jason: Jason was Onias III's brother. He wanted to become the high priest himself. "Supplanting" means he ousted his brother, likely through bribery and political maneuvering with Antiochus IV. Jason offered Antiochus a large sum of money to be appointed high priest instead of Onias.
In summary:
The verse sets the stage for the events that led to the Maccabean Revolt. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, after coming to power, became involved in the internal affairs of Jerusalem. Jason, driven by ambition, bribed Antiochus to remove his brother Onias III from the high priesthood and install himself. This act marked a turning point because it shows:
Hellenistic Influence: The Seleucid Empire was exerting increasing influence over Jerusalem.
Corruption: The high priesthood, which should have been a sacred office, became subject to political corruption and bribery.
Internal Conflict: This act created division within the Jewish community.
The subsequent actions of Antiochus IV and Jason's replacement by another ambitious figure (Menelaus) fueled the growing resentment among many Jews, eventually leading to the Maccabean Revolt, which is the central narrative of 1 and 2 Maccabees.
2 maccabees 4:7 - But when Seleucus was deceased, and Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias supplanted his brother in the high priesthood,
What does "2 maccabees 4:7" mean?
This verse from 2 Maccabees 4:7 is packed with historical and political context. Let's break it down:
"But when Seleucus was deceased...": This refers to Seleucus IV Philopator, the ruler of the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid Empire was a Hellenistic (Greek-influenced) kingdom that controlled much of the Middle East after the death of Alexander the Great. Seleucus IV died in 175 BC.
"...and Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom...": Antiochus IV Epiphanes was the successor to Seleucus IV. His reign is crucial for understanding the events in 1 and 2 Maccabees. "Epiphanes" means "manifest god" or "god revealed," a title Antiochus chose for himself.
"...Jason the brother of Onias supplanted his brother in the high priesthood...": This introduces a significant development in Jerusalem.
Onias: Onias III was the legitimate high priest in Jerusalem. The high priesthood was a powerful position, both religiously and politically.
Jason: Jason was Onias III's brother. He wanted to become the high priest himself. "Supplanting" means he ousted his brother, likely through bribery and political maneuvering with Antiochus IV. Jason offered Antiochus a large sum of money to be appointed high priest instead of Onias.
In summary:
The verse sets the stage for the events that led to the Maccabean Revolt. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, after coming to power, became involved in the internal affairs of Jerusalem. Jason, driven by ambition, bribed Antiochus to remove his brother Onias III from the high priesthood and install himself. This act marked a turning point because it shows:
Hellenistic Influence: The Seleucid Empire was exerting increasing influence over Jerusalem.
Corruption: The high priesthood, which should have been a sacred office, became subject to political corruption and bribery.
Internal Conflict: This act created division within the Jewish community.
The subsequent actions of Antiochus IV and Jason's replacement by another ambitious figure (Menelaus) fueled the growing resentment among many Jews, eventually leading to the Maccabean Revolt, which is the central narrative of 1 and 2 Maccabees.