Syrian Intrigue & Conquest

Synopsis     1Maccabees 10:78-11:10     2/16/2021 

Upon his return to Syria, King Demetrius named Apollonius his military general. And Apollonius immediately formed an army. From the beginning, he intended to challenge Jonathan and Judea. 

So, Jonathan brought his army to the coastal plain. And he attacked Apollonius near Azotus. Even though Apollonius fought well, Jonathan defeated him. The enemy fled into Azotus (formerly known as Ashdod). And Jonathan and his brother Simon sacked and burned the city.  

With this victory, King Alexander rejoiced. So, he showered Jonathan with additional resources and honors.  

But King Ptolemy was concerned. He perceived that Alexander could not win the civil war against Demetrius. So, he intervened with a secret plan to eliminate Alexander. 

Syrian Intrigue and Conquest  

The Syrian Empire became ungovernable. From the time of Antiochus, the king’s had overspent. And there was no clear plan of succession. All of this made the empire unstable.  

The king of Egypt wanted stability in the region. But perceiving that Alexander could not provide stability, he decided to fill the vacuum of power.  

Justifying Intrigue and Conquest 

No one wakes up in the morning wanting to do evil. And yet, in the moment of action, everyone justifies their evil behavior.  

“all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” Rom 3:23