Member-only story

The Maccabean Revolt: A Historical Novel That Explores Faith, Freedom, and Identity

William Faulkner

·17.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Day Of Atonement: A Novel Of The Maccabean Revolt

4 min read

414 View Claps

83 Respond

Save

Listen

The Maccabean Revolt was a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire that took place in the 2nd century BC. The revolt was led by the Maccabees, a family of Jewish priests, and resulted in the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom.

The Maccabean Revolt has been the subject of numerous historical accounts and novels. One of the most recent and acclaimed novels about the revolt is "The Maccabees" by Jo Graham.

Day of Atonement: A Novel of the Maccabean Revolt

by Susanna Gregory

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1380 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

Graham's novel tells the story of the Maccabean Revolt through the eyes of four main characters: Judah Maccabee, the leader of the revolt; his brother, Jonathan; his sister, Miriam; and his father, Mattathias.

The novel follows the Maccabees as they fight for their freedom and faith against the Seleucid Empire. Along the way, they face many challenges, including persecution, torture, and death.

Graham's novel is a powerful and moving account of the Maccabean Revolt. It is a story of faith, freedom, and identity that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.

Historical Context

The Maccabean Revolt took place during a time of great upheaval in the Middle East. The Seleucid Empire, which had conquered the region a century earlier, was in decline. This led to a power vacuum that was filled by a number of smaller kingdoms and principalities.

The Jews were one of the many groups that took advantage of the Seleucid Empire's decline. They had been ruled by the Seleucids for over a century, and they were eager to regain their independence.

In 167 BC, the Seleucid king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, issued a decree that outlawed Jewish religious practices. This decree sparked the Maccabean Revolt.

The Maccabees

The Maccabees were a family of Jewish priests who led the Maccabean Revolt. The family was headed by Mattathias, a priest from the village of Modi'in. Mattathias had five sons: Judah, Jonathan, Simon, Eleazar, and John.

When Antiochus IV Epiphanes issued his decree outlawing Jewish religious practices, Mattathias refused to obey. He led his family and a group of followers into the hills, where they began a guerrilla war against the Seleucids.

Judah Maccabee became the leader of the Maccabean Revolt after his father's death. He was a skilled military commander and a charismatic leader. Under his leadership, the Maccabees won a number of victories against the Seleucids.

The Revolt

The Maccabean Revolt lasted for three years. During that time, the Maccabees fought a number of battles against the Seleucids. They were eventually victorious, and in 164 BC, they established an independent Jewish kingdom.

The Maccabean Revolt is a significant event in Jewish history. It is a story of faith, freedom, and identity that has inspired generations of Jews.

Legacy

The Maccabean Revolt has had a profound impact on Jewish history. It led to the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom and the revival of Jewish religious practices.

The Maccabean Revolt is also a reminder of the importance of faith, freedom, and identity. It is a story that continues to inspire Jews around the world.

The Maccabean Revolt is a historical novel that tells the story of a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire. The novel is a powerful and moving account of faith, freedom, and identity.

The Maccabean Revolt is a significant event in Jewish history. It is a story that continues to inspire Jews around the world.

Day of Atonement: A Novel of the Maccabean Revolt

by Susanna Gregory

4.5 out of 5