Cheshvan 15 – From Generation to Generation, No One Who Continues to Trust God Will Lack Strength

Cheshvan 15, 5786; from sunset November 5, 2025, to sunset November 6, 2025

(The fifteenth day of the eighth month)

Today is the traditional date of the death of Mattathias, the son of John, the son of Simeon. Mattathias was the father of Judah, who was called Maccaebeus. They are a part of a larger group of people who became known as the “Maccabees” (“the Hammers”). These were the men who rebelled against Antiochus IV (aka “Epiphanes” or “The Divine”) and his stringent rules against his subjects worshipping any other God/god/person but himself. Mattathias is credited with being among the first to say, “no,” thus starting the rebellion which brought about the Hanukkah holiday that is still celebrated to this day. This rebellion is dated to 167 BCE and the text below recounts the beginning of it.

In those days Mattathias the son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, moved from Jerusalem and settled in Modein. He had five sons, John surnamed Gaddi, Simon called Thassi, Judah called Maccabeus, Eleazar called Avaran, and Jonathan called Apphus.

He saw the blasphemies being committed in Judah and Jerusalem, and said, “Alas! Why was I born to see this, the ruin of my people, the ruin of the holy city, and to dwell there when it was given over to the enemy, the sanctuary given over to aliens? Her temple has become like a man without honor; her glorious vessels have been carried into captivity. Her babes have been killed in her streets, her youths by the sword of the foe. What nation has not inherited her palaces and has not seized her spoils? All her adornment has been taken away; no longer free, she has become a slave. And behold, our holy place, our beauty, and our glory have been laid waste; the Gentiles have profaned it. Why should we live any longer?” And Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly.

Then the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to make them offer sacrifice. Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled. Then the king’s officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: “You are a leader, honored and great in this city, and supported by sons and brothers. Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah and those that are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons will be numbered among the friends of the king, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.”

But Mattathias answered and said in a loud voice: “Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to do his commandments, departing each one from the religion of his fathers, yet I and my sons and my brothers will live by the covenant of our fathers. Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances. We will not obey the king’s words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left.”

When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice upon the altar in Modein, according to the king’s command. When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him upon the altar. At the same time he killed the king’s officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. Thus he burned with zeal for the law, as Phinehas did against Zimri the son of Salu. (see Exodus 25)

Then Mattathias cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying: “Let every one who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!” And he and his sons fled to the hills and left all that they had in the city.

Then many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to dwell there, they, their sons, their wives, and their cattle, because evils pressed heavily upon them. – 1 Maccabees 2:1-30 (RSV)

About a year after these events, Mattathias said these words before he died.

Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he spoke to his sons: “Arrogance and contempt are present everywhere. It is a time of ruin and raging anger. Now, my children, demonstrate zeal for the Law, and give your lives for our ancestors’ covenant.

“Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their day, and you will inherit great honor and everlasting remembrance. Wasn’t Abraham found faithful when he was tested, and it was considered righteousness? Joseph kept the commandment in the time of his distress, and he became ruler of Egypt. Our ancestor Phinehas received the covenant of everlasting priesthood because he was deeply zealous. Joshua became a judge in Israel because he fulfilled the command. Caleb received an inheritance in the land because he testified in the assembly. David inherited the throne of the kingdom forever because he was merciful. Elijah was taken up into heaven because he had great zeal for the Law. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael believed, and were rescued from the flame. Daniel was delivered from the lions’ mouths because of his innocence.

“So you see that from generation to generation, no one who continues to trust God will lack strength. Don’t fear the words of sinners, for their glory will turn into dung and worms. Today they may be exalted, but tomorrow they can’t be found, because they will have returned to the dust and their plans will have vanished. My children, show courage and grow strong in the Law, because this will bring you honor.

“Look, here is your brother Simon, who I know is a man with purpose. Always listen to him. He will be your father. Judah Maccabeus has been a powerful fighter since he was a boy. He will command the army for you and lead the battle against the peoples. Rally around yourselves all who observe the Law, and avenge wrong done to your people. Pay the Gentiles back in full, and obey what the Law commands.”

Then he blessed them and joined his ancestors. He died in the year 146 and was buried in an ancestral tomb at Modein. All Israel mourned for him with sorrow. – 1 Maccabees 2:49-70

As we approach the season of Hanukkah, we’ll be adding more to the story of the Maccabees and follow them as they fight to restore the Holy Temple and their right to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

To see all of our posts revolving around the history of the Maccabees, just click on the image above.