Antiochus Changed His Attitude

Synopsis     1 Maccabees 15:7-27     3/11/2021 

Just as he had promised Simon, King Antiochus invaded Syria. And almost immediately his forces attacked Trypho. Of course, Trypho fled to the city of Dor. As a result, Antiochus blockaded the port by both land and sea.   

About this time, Rome’s warning arrived to the nations. In a letter they sent to all regional leaders, the Romans pledged to support Israel against all invaders.  

About this same time, Simon sent support to King Antiochus as his forces besieged Dor. But Antiochus unexpectedly refused the support. So the forces returned to Jerusalem.   

Antiochus Changed His Attitude 

King Antiochus refused Simon’s support. He was willing to allow Judea to have some autonomy. But he later expressed his frustration that Simon had taken over Gazara and the Jerusalem citadel. Additionally, once he returned, he quickly amassed a large army. And so, he no longer needed Simon’s support to establish his monarchy.  

As a result, Antiochus changed his attitude toward Simon and Judea. 

God is Faithful 

Unlike any man I’ve ever known, God is faithful – even when I am not.  

God is faithful. It’s so easy to write. And yet his faithfulness challenges everything I know about being a person. 

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Heb 13:8