Maccabeus: Enemy to Ally

Synopsis     2Maccabees 12:42-13:11     5/3/2021 

Stoked by Menelaus, King Antiochus decided to invade Judea. His intent was to do away with Judas Maccabeus. With that done, he intended to reestablish direct control over the region.  

However, Maccabeus received word of Antiochus’ plans. And so, he assembled his army and marched to Modein. The two forces met there in battle. 

In the first day of battle, Antiochus lost a large number of men. The following day, he sustained additional losses. 

About the same time, King Antiochus received word that Philip had arrived at Antioch. Because he feared Philip would try to usurp the throne, he broke from the combat. Instead, he negotiated a peace treaty with Maccabeus. Additionally, he made Judas Maccabeus the governor and military leader over the southern part of the empire.  

Maccabeus Enemy to Ally 

In a single day, everything changed. Judas Maccabeus went from most wanted man in the Syrian Empire to the king’s regional authority.  

Former Enemy 

I was formerly God’s enemy. I try to let that sink in. And yet, in a single moment in time, He transformed me and everything about my life. 

“Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” Rom 5:10