Maccabeus Victory to Victory

Synopsis     2Maccabees 12:12-25     4/27/2021 

After Maccabeus sacked Joppa, his forces were ambushed by Arabs. Of course, the Arab forces were loyal to Antiochus. But, Maccabeus’ forces skillfully outmaneuvered them. And so, the Arab forces begged for peace.  

After getting concessions, Maccabeus released the Arabs. Then, he immediately marched on Caspin. Although it was a heavily fortified city, the Jews captured it in a great route. Next, Maccabeus’ army marched to Cherax to catch Timothy. Although Timothy had already departed with his army, the Jews destroyed the stronghold there.  

As a result of Judas Maccabeus’ pursuit, Timothy’s forces fell into disarray. Eventually, even Timothy was captured by some of Maccabeus men. However, because he had captured Jewish hostages, Timothy negotiated his release with lower-level Jewish soldiers before Maccabeus arrived.  

Maccabeus from Victory to Victory 

Judas chose to defend Jews even when they did not live in Judea. But this decision had consequences. In the past, King Antiochus had granted the Jews permission to worship in the temple. And he had even given them permission to defend themselves in Judea. But, he had not granted them permission to attack other parts of the empire in order to defend Jews living outside Judea.   

Once again, the decision to defend the Jews and attack Timothy made Judas an outlaw. So, he pressed for as much success as possible. After winning one victory over his enemies, he immediately leveraged the chaos and anxiety to make another attack. Eventually, Timothy’s army fled. 

Of course, this was tactical decision. He knew that eventually the king would have to respond to his actions. So, he pressed hard because he wanted to be in the strongest position possible when that happened.  

From Strength to Strength 

Whenever I achieve something I’ve worked hard for, my natural tendency is to let down and coast. But that isn’t necessarily God’s way. If you find that God is moving in your life in some specific way, then don’t relax. Stay with Him until the work is complete. Allow the Spirit to lead you from strength to strength.  

“Blessed the man who finds refuge in you, in their hearts are pilgrim roads. As they pass through the Baca valley, they find spring water to drink. The early rain covers it with blessings. They will go from strength to strength and see the God of gods on Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7