Jonathan Expands in Victory

Synopsis     1Maccabees 12:12-33     2/26/2021 

In Syria, a civil war raged between King Demetrius and King Antiochus. The war constantly threatened to spill over into Judea.

So, Jonathan wrote to the Spartans. He wanted to renew their mutual alliance to put pressure on the rival Syrian leaders. And the Spartans agreed to continue their treaty.  

However, this did not deter Demetrius. Instead, he sent his forces against Jonathan. But Jonathan heard about the advancing army before they entered Judea. So, he sent his own out to the field. He did not want the enemy to gain a foothold in Judea.  

At this time, what remained of Demetrius’ army were foreign mercenaries. And Jonathan had planted spies amongst them. So, he was generally aware of their plans.

As a result, one particular night he repelled a surprise night attack by keeping his forces positioned instead of setting up camp. When the enemy realized their plan had failed, they fled in the darkness. 

In the morning, Jonathan was not able to catch the fleeing forces. However, as they withdrew, Jonathan’s forces expanded the territory they controlled. In fact, Jonathan marched into Damascus. At the same time, his brother Simon marched into Ashkelon near the coast.  

Jonathan Expands in Victory 

Because Demetrius and Antiochus were fighting a civil war, neither attempted to govern the southern part of the Syrian Empire. As a result, Jonathan’s victory over the enemy created a power vacuum. So, Jonathan and Simon filled this vacuum by expanding their authority over the region.  

Expand in Victory 

Sometimes my tendency is to relax when things seem to be going well. But in the end, God’s call is for complete victory. In creation, he has given me a sabbath each week to rest. And that’s the time to rest.  

But He gives me the other six days to work. The goal is to go from strength to strength. And so, when I have a victory I commit myself to keep going. With the guidance of the Holy Spirt, I mean to press into the challenges that remain.  

“Therefore, let us leave behind the basic teaching about Christ and advance to maturity, without laying the foundation all over again: repentance from dead works and faith in God” Heb 6:1