1 Maccabees 15: Antiochus VII's Promises and Betrayals

Antiochus VII's Initial Promises

• 📜 King Antiochus VII, son of Demetrius, sent a letter to Simon, the High Priest, offering significant concessions upon his return to reclaim the throne.
• 💰 These promises included tax remissions, freedom for Jerusalem and its sanctuary, permission to mint coinage, and the retention of weapons and strongholds.
• 🤝 Antiochus aimed to secure Simon's neutrality by offering these benefits, preventing the Jews from siding with the usurper Trypho.

Rome's Support for the Jews

• 🌍 Envoys from the Jews arrived in Rome to renew their ancient friendship and alliance, presenting a gold shield.
• 📜 The Roman Senate responded by sending letters to various kings and countries, urging them not to harm the Jews and to reject those who warred against them.
• 🤝 Rome also requested the return of any Jewish fugitives to be punished according to their law, solidifying an alliance with the Jewish people.

Antiochus VII's Betrayal

• 💔 Despite his initial promises, Antiochus VII, after regaining power, betrayed Simon and broke all agreements.
• ⚔️ He demanded the return of cities like Joppa and Gezer, along with tribute money from conquered territories, or payment of 500 talents of silver for damages and 500 for the cities.
• 😠 Simon offered 100 talents for Joppa and Gezer, but Antiochus, angered by the response and the display of Simon's wealth, refused and prepared for war.

Renewed Conflict with Trypho and Judea

• 🚢 Trypho fled by ship to Orthosia, while Antiochus pursued him.
• 🛡️ Antiochus appointed Doscides as commander of the coastal region, tasking him with fortifying cities and waging war against Judea.
• 💥 Doscides began raiding Judea, capturing and killing people, and establishing a military presence to carry out the king's orders, signaling a renewed conflict.