Miracle of Snow

Synopsis     1Maccabees 13:19-39     3/4/2021 

Trypho collected a large ransom payment from Simon. But then, he reneged on his promise to return Jonathan. And almost immediately, with hostages in hand, Trypho began to ravage Judea. However, as he prepared for a winter invasion of Jerusalem, he was surprised by a deep snowfall that ruined his plans.  

So Trypho withdrew to the north. Along the way, he murdered Jonathan and his two sons. Afterward, he killed the boy-king Antiochus. Thus, he made himself king over Syria.  

Simon grieved Jonathan’s death and set up memorial to his family in Modein. It was an elaborate memorial intended to remind the people of all that the Maccabees had done for Israel.  

Afterward, Simon focused his efforts on construction and preparation. He continued to build up Jerusalem. And he built even more strongholds throughout the land.  

At this point, King Demetrius lived in exile and on the run. But despite past differences, he wrote a letter to Simon. In it, he affirmed Simon as leader and High Priest over Judea. And he further recognized Judean sovereignty.  

Miracle of Snow 

It is written as a simple matter of fact…”Heavy snow so Trypho’s plans were foiled.” But it was, of course, miraculous.  

Miraculous You 

However, the real miracle is in having the eyes to see. Try this:  

“A blanket of heavy snow came. And so Trypho abandoned his plans to invade Israel” 

OR 

“God sent a heavy snow. The severe weather prevented Trypho’s forces from invading. And this saved Israel from the destructive ambitions of a madman.”  

Which way do you read it?

Perhaps more importantly, how do you see God working in your own life? 

“Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” Mark 10:27