Judas Maccabeus

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek Ioudas (from Hebrew Yehudah, “Judah/praise”); “Maccabeus” is a sobriquet often linked with “hammer,” reflecting military leadership.
• Period/Era: Post-Exilic (Second Temple period; 2nd century BC under Seleucid rule).
• Main References: 1 Maccabees 3–9; 2 Maccabees 8–15 (Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal historical sources).
• Key Connections: Son of Mattathias the priest (Hasmonean family); brothers Jonathan and Simon; opposed Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ policies and Seleucid commanders.

Who was Judas Maccabeus?

Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish military leader who emerged after his father Mattathias began resistance to Seleucid suppression of Jewish law and worship.
He led insurgent forces in Judea, organizing campaigns that challenged stronger imperial armies.
His leadership is closely associated with the recovery and rededication of the Jerusalem temple during the Second Temple period.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Took command of the revolt after Mattathias’ death and strengthened resistance forces in Judea.
• Event 2: Won major engagements against Seleucid armies and local collaborators, reshaping control of key areas.
• Event 3: Captured Jerusalem’s sanctuary area and oversaw the temple’s rededication, restoring regular worship.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Judas Maccabeus is remembered for determined leadership aimed at preserving Israel’s ancestral practices under foreign pressure.

Key Verse

"Then Judas and his brothers said, “Behold, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it.”" — 1 Maccabees 4:36, ESV