John Crushed Rebellion

Synopsis      1Maccabees 16:22-2 Maccabees 1:16     3/16/2021 

John was Simon’s son and general over the army. He definitively crushed Ptolemy’s rebellion. And afterward, he went on to rule for many years. 

In the next book, the leaders in Jerusalem wrote a letter to the Jews in Egypt. In it, they encouraged the Egyptian Jews to celebrate the Feast of Booths in accordance with the Law of Moses.  

After this, another letter was preserved from the time of Judas Maccabeus. In it, he reported to King Ptolemy how the Persians had killed King Antiochus. 

John Crushed Rebellion 

Ptolemy had married Simon’s daughter. But he was envious. And so he meticulously planned to assassinate Simon. Afterward, he killed Judas and Mattathias. But John discovered the plot before the assassins could get to him.  

And so, he crushed the rebellion.  

Crush Rebellion 

God’s intention is to crush rebellion once and for all. And yet, He is so careful not to uproot the righteous with the unrighteous. Of course, this process can make for some uncomfortable moments.  

But whenever it looks like the rebellion might win the day, remember that the battle always belongs to the Lord.  

“All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle belongs to the LORD, who shall deliver you into our hands.” 1Sam 17:47