Maccabeus Acted Immediately

Synopsis     1Maccabees 5:27-44     1/18/2021 

Timothy was a Seleucid general. Twice he had been defeated by Judas Maccabeus. So, for a while, he withdrew his forces from Judea. But then, he began to persecute Jewish communities that lived as minorities in nearby regions.  

Of course, Judas Maccabeus heard the report of Timothy’s persecution. So, he set out for Gilead. He and his forces marched several days. Upon arriving, they attacked Bozrah. The city fell in a single day. Afterward, Judas led his army to the Jewish stronghold. They marched all night after fighting all day. In this way, Judas arrived early in the morning. As Timothy’s army attacked the Jews, they were unaware that Judas had arrived. So, Judas attacked Timothy’s forces from the rear. As a result, the Greeks were quickly defeated. They lost eight thousand men that day.  

But Timothy escaped. He regrouped and formed yet another army. This time he encamped near Raphon. Once again, Judas Maccabeus marched toward Timothy’s camp. 

Somehow, Timothy realized Judas’ tactical advantage. As Judas approached, he anticipated victory if the Jewish army encamped across the river before attacking. However, he anticipated defeat if Judas came across the river without resting.  

Of course, Judas drove his army relentlessly. Specifically, he stationed leaders at the edge of the river with order to let no one encamp. And then he personally crossed the river and led his army into the battle.  

Timothy’s army was once again defeated. They were routed and fled in disarray. Judas pursued them to Carnaim. There, his army captured the city and burnt the temple.  

After this, Judas met no more resistance.  

Judas Acted Immediately 

Judas Maccabeus pushed himself and his army to act immediately. As a result, he achieved victory

Act Right Away 

Creation is action. Salvation is action. God is a God of action. 

And so, He commands action. There is no victory without action.  

“Go to the ant, O sluggard, study her ways and learn wisdom; For though she has no chief, no commander or ruler, She procures her food in the summer, stores up her provisions in the harvest.” Prov 6:6-8