1 Maccabees 6:18-63: Syrian Attacks, Siege of Jerusalem, and Civil War

Renewed Syrian Attacks and the Siege of Jerusalem

• ⚔️ The Syrian garrison in Jerusalem's citadel continued to oppress Israel, prompting Judas to besiege them in the 150th year.
• 🛡️ The Syrians sought help from the new king, who assembled a massive army of 100,000 foot soldiers, 20,000 horsemen, and 32 war elephants.
• 🐘 The battle commenced at Beth Zachariah, featuring a phalanx formation and elephants equipped with towers and soldiers.
• 🩸 Elazar, attempting to kill the king by striking down a royal elephant, died when the animal fell on him, leading to a Jewish retreat.

The Sabbatical Year and Famine

• ⛰️ The Syrian king then encamped before the Jerusalem sanctuary, making peace with Bethzur, which evacuated due to lack of provisions during the sabbatical year.
• 🧱 Siege engines were deployed by both sides, but the Jewish defenders faced severe famine because it was the seventh year, and their stored supplies were depleted.
• 📉 Many Jewish defenders scattered to their homes due to the overwhelming famine.

Syrian Civil War and Peace Treaty

• 👑 Lysias learned of a civil war in Syria, with Philip attempting to seize control.
• 🕊️ To address the urgent kingdom affairs and dwindling supplies, Lysias offered peace to the Jews, which they accepted.
• 📜 The king and commanders swore an oath, allowing the Jews to live by their laws, but upon entering Mount Zion, the king broke the oath and ordered the walls torn down.
• ⚔️ Lysias then returned to Antioch and fought Philip for control of the government, highlighting the internal Syrian conflict as a reprieve for the Jews.