Trypho’s Ambush

Synopsis     1Maccabees 12:34-50     3/2/2021 

King Antiochus was the son of Alexander. However, he was only a boy living in Arabia. So, Trypho brought the boy-king back to Syria in order to fight a rebellion against King Demetrius. Together, Trypho and Antiochus defeated Demetrius. And soon thereafter, Trypho brought a large army against Judea.  

For his part, during the civil war, Jonathan spent the quiet times building up strongholds. Together, he and his brother Simon strengthened the walls of Jerusalem and built strong outposts throughout the land. They also built up their army. 

So, when Trypho brought his forces near Judea, Jonathan brought out a large army to meet him. As a result, Trypho chose to avoid direct conflict. Instead, he deceived Jonathan by offering him honors. And he even affirmed him in his position over Judea.  Furthermore, he invited him to a conference in the city of Ptolemais.  

Jonathan accepted Trypho’s offer. So, he travelled to Ptolemais with one thousand men. And, he sent an additional two thousand men with Simon to Galilee. But when he arrived in Ptolemais, Trypho ambushed Jonathan and killed his men.  

Trypho’s Ambush 

Jonathan failed to discern Trypho’s true motives. As a result, he stepped into his own destruction.  

Ambushed 

It is my inability to recognize the signs of the times that ruins me. It’s not stupidity. But it is a deficit of attention. And it’s an overdependence on my assumptions.  

“My people are ruined for lack of knowledge! Since you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as my priest; Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.“ Hosea 4:6