Jerusalem Finally Relieved

Synopsis     1Maccabees 13:40-14:3     3/5/2021 

After King Demetrius affirmed Simon’s authority, Simon sent his army to Gazara. Once there, he besieged the city. Eventually, his men captured one of the towers. Almost immediately, the people came to the city wall. Together, they begged for mercy. So, Simon gave mercy. But he evicted all those who fought against Israel.  

In a similar way, he besieged the citadel overlooking Jerusalem. Eventually, the foreigners living there begged for mercy. And so, Simon sent them away in peace.  

Afterward, the Jews purified the citadel. And then, they took possession of the enclave with a great celebration. 

However, by this time, Simon was growing older. So, he made his son John general over all Israelite forces. And John set up his residence in the strategic city of Gazara.  

Meanwhile, King Demetrius was killed by King Arsaces of Parthia. 

Jerusalem Finally Relieved 

Decades before Simon was born, Seleucid kings built the citadel in the oldest part of Jerusalem. It was a fortress built inside Jerusalem’s city walls. And by filling it with foreign troops loyal to the Greek kings, Jerusalem was kept under control. The Jews there were never fully free.  

So, when Simon evicted the foreigners, the entire city rejoiced.  

Ultimate Relief 

Jesus once said, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” 

Awesome thought: Heaven rejoices whenever I leave my wickedness and return to God.  

“When the just prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there is jubilation.” Prov 11:10