1 Maccabees 15

41 verses • Latin Vulgate (Jerome)

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

Chapter 15 introduces Antiochus VII Sidetes, son of Demetrius I, who initially courts Simon's support against Trypho with generous promises. After defeating Trypho, however, Antiochus reverses course and demands that Simon surrender Joppa, Gezer, and the citadel or pay enormous indemnity. Simon refuses, and Antiochus sends his general Cendebeus to attack Judea. The chapter also includes a Roman letter to various kings ordering them not to harm the Jews.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The Roman consular letter (vv. 15-24) addressed to multiple kings, islands, and territories is the broadest international endorsement of Jewish sovereignty in the ancient world. Rome declares the Jews under its protection and demands the return of Jewish fugitives — treating the Hasmonean state as a legitimate ally worthy of imperial backing.

Translation Friction

Antiochus VII's broken promises (vv. 26-36) after Simon helped him against Trypho follow the exact pattern of Seleucid faithlessness the book has documented repeatedly — each new king makes promises to win Jewish support, then breaks them once the immediate crisis passes. The cycle of trust and betrayal is the diplomatic leitmotif of the entire work.

Connections

Simon's defiant refusal (vv. 33-35) to surrender Jewish territory because 'we have not taken foreign land... but the inheritance of our fathers' connects the Maccabean territorial claims to the patriarchal promises of Genesis and the Mosaic land grant. Antiochus VII's aggression sets up the final crisis of chapter 16.

1 Maccabees 15:1

et misit Antiochus filius Demetrii regis epistulas ab insulis maris Simoni sacerdoti et ethnarchae Iudaeorum et universae genti

Antiochus, son of King Demetrius, sent a letter from the islands of the sea to Simon the priest and ethnarch of the Jews, and to the whole nation.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

Antiochus filius Demetrii

"Antiochus son of Demetrius"

Antiochus VII Sidetes, brother of the captive Demetrius II; the last effective Seleucid king to seriously challenge Judean independence

Translator Notes

Antiochus VII Sidetes was in the eastern Mediterranean, preparing to return to Syria and claim the throne from Trypho.

1 Maccabees 15:2

quarum est exemplum rex Antiochus Simoni sacerdoti magno et ethnarchae et genti Iudaeorum salutem

Its contents were as follows: 'King Antiochus to Simon the great high priest and ethnarch, and to the nation of the Jews — greetings!'

1 Maccabees 15:3

quoniam quidem pestilentes obtinuerunt regnum patrum nostrorum volo autem vindicare regnum et restituere illud sicut erat prius et electam feci multitudinem exercituum et feci naves bellicas

'Since certain treacherous men have seized the kingdom of our fathers, I intend to claim the kingdom and restore it to its former state. I have raised a large number of forces and built warships.'

1 Maccabees 15:4

volo autem procedere per regionem ut ulciscar in eos qui corruperunt regionem nostram et qui desolaverunt civitates multas in regno meo

'I plan to march through the countryside to take vengeance on those who have ravaged our land and laid waste many cities in my kingdom.'

1 Maccabees 15:5

nunc ergo statuo tibi omnes oblationes quas remiserunt tibi ante me omnes reges et quaecumque alia dona remiserunt tibi

'Now therefore I confirm to you all the tax exemptions that the kings before me granted you, along with whatever other privileges they released to you.'

1 Maccabees 15:6

et permitto tibi facere percussuram proprii nomismatis in regione tua

'I permit you to mint your own coinage in your country.'

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

percussuram proprii nomismatis

"mint your own coinage"

The right to coin money — one of the highest marks of national sovereignty; a major concession

Translator Notes

The right to mint coins is one of the supreme markers of sovereignty in the ancient world — Antiochus offers it to win Simon's support.

1 Maccabees 15:7

Hierusalem autem sanctam esse et liberam et omnia arma quae fabricata sunt et praesidia quae construxisti quae tenes maneat tibi

'Jerusalem and the sanctuary shall be free, and all the weapons you have made and the fortresses you have built — which are in your possession — shall remain yours.'

1 Maccabees 15:8

et omne debitum regis et quae futura sunt regi ex hoc et in totum tempus remittuntur tibi

'Every debt owed to the king, and all future royal dues, are remitted to you from this time on forever.'

1 Maccabees 15:9

cum autem constituerimus regnum nostrum glorificabimus te et gentem tuam et templum gloria magna ita ut manifestetur gloria vestra in universa terra

'When we have established our kingdom, we will honor you and your nation and the Temple with great glory, so that your glory will be manifest throughout the whole world.'

1 Maccabees 15:10

anno centesimo septuagesimo quarto exiit Antiochus in terram patrum suorum et convenerunt ad eum omnes exercitus ita ut pauci relicti essent cum Tryphone

In the one hundred and seventy-fourth year, Antiochus marched into the land of his fathers. All the armies rallied to him, so that few were left with Trypho.

1 Maccabees 15:11

et insecutus est eum Antiochus rex et venit Doram fugiens per maritimam

King Antiochus pursued him, and Trypho fled by the coast to Dora.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

Doram

"Dora"

Coastal fortress city south of Mount Carmel; Trypho's last refuge before fleeing further

1 Maccabees 15:12

sciebat enim quod congregata sunt mala in eum et reliquit eum exercitus

For he knew that troubles had piled upon him and the army had abandoned him.

1 Maccabees 15:13

et adplicuit Antiochus super Doram cum centum viginti milibus virorum bellatorum et octo milibus equitum

Antiochus encamped against Dora with a hundred and twenty thousand warriors and eight thousand cavalry.

1 Maccabees 15:14

et circuivit civitatem et naves a mari accesserunt et vexabat civitatem a terra et mari et neminem sinebat ingredi vel egredi

He surrounded the city, with ships closing in from the sea. He pressed the city by land and sea, allowing no one to enter or leave.

1 Maccabees 15:15

venit autem Numenius et qui cum eo fuerant ab urbe Roma habentes epistulas regibus et regionibus scriptas in quibus continebantur haec

Meanwhile, Numenius and his companions returned from Rome carrying letters to various kings and countries, which read as follows:

1 Maccabees 15:16

Lucius consul Romanorum Ptolomaeo regi salutem

'Lucius, consul of the Romans, to King Ptolemy — greetings!'

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

Lucius consul

"Lucius, consul"

Roman consul who issued this circular letter; the identification is debated between several consuls of the 140s-130s BCE

Translator Notes

The consul 'Lucius' is likely Lucius Calpurnius Piso or Lucius Caecilius Metellus (consul 142 or 139 BCE).

1 Maccabees 15:17

legati Iudaeorum venerunt ad nos amici nostri renovantes pristinam amicitiam et societatem missi a Simone principe sacerdotum et populo Iudaeorum

'The envoys of the Jews have come to us as our friends to renew the former friendship and alliance, having been sent by Simon the high priest and the people of the Jews.'

1 Maccabees 15:18

adtulerunt autem et clipeum aureum minarum mille

'They have also brought a golden shield of a thousand minas.'

1 Maccabees 15:19

placuit itaque nobis scribere regibus et regionibus ut non inferant illis mala neque inpugnent eos et civitates eorum et regiones eorum et ut non ferant auxilium pugnantibus adversus eos

'We have therefore resolved to write to the kings and the countries not to do them harm, not to wage war against them or their cities or their territories, and not to support those who fight against them.'

1 Maccabees 15:20

visum autem est nobis accipere ab eis clipeum

'We have decided to accept the shield from them.'

1 Maccabees 15:21

si qui ergo pestilentes refugerunt de regione ipsorum ad vos tradite eos Simoni principi sacerdotum ut vindicet in eos secundum legem suam

'If, therefore, any troublemakers have fled from their country to you, hand them over to Simon the high priest, so that he may punish them according to their law.'

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The Roman demand for extradition of Jewish fugitives gives Simon international enforcement power — the right to reclaim and punish renegades wherever they flee.

1 Maccabees 15:22

haec eadem scripta sunt Demetrio regi et Attalo et Ariarathae et Arsaci

The same letter was written to King Demetrius, to Attalus, to Ariarathes, and to Arsaces,

1 Maccabees 15:23

et in omnes regiones et Sampsami et Spartiatis et in Delum et in Myndum et in Sicyonem et in Cariam et in Samum et in Pamphyliam et in Lyciam et in Halicarnassum et in Rhodum et in Phaselidem et in Con et in Siden et in Aradum et in Gorthinam et Gnidum et Cyprum et Cyrenen

and to all the regions — to Sampsames, to the Spartans, to Delos, Myndos, Sicyon, Caria, Samos, Pamphylia, Lycia, Halicarnassus, Rhodes, Phaselis, Cos, Side, Aradus, Gortyna, Cnidus, Cyprus, and Cyrene.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

This catalogue of cities, islands, and regions across the Mediterranean reveals the vast scope of Rome's diplomatic network — and of Jewish international recognition.

1 Maccabees 15:24

exemplum autem eorum scripserunt Simoni principi sacerdotum et populo Iudaeorum

A copy of the letter was sent to Simon the high priest and to the people of the Jews.

1 Maccabees 15:25

Antiochus autem rex adplicuit castra in Doram secundo admovens semper manus et machinas faciens et conclusit Tryphonem ne procederet

King Antiochus, meanwhile, encamped against Dora for the second time, continually pressing his attack with siege engines, and he shut Trypho in, preventing him from going out.

1 Maccabees 15:26

et misit ei Simon duo milia virorum electorum in auxilium et argentum et aurum et vasa copiosa

Simon sent him two thousand chosen soldiers to fight for him, along with silver, gold, and abundant equipment.

1 Maccabees 15:27

et noluit ea accipere sed rupit omnia quae pactus est cum eo antea et alienavit se ab eo

But he refused to accept them. He broke all the agreements he had previously made with him and turned hostile.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

The refusal of Simon's aid signals Antiochus's reversal — he no longer needs Jewish support and intends to reclaim Seleucid authority over Judea.

1 Maccabees 15:28

et misit ad eum Athenobium unum de amicis suis ut tractaret cum ipso dicens vos tenetis Ioppen et Gazaram et arcem quae est in Hierusalem civitates regni mei

He sent Athenobius, one of his Friends, to negotiate with him, saying: 'You hold Joppa and Gezer and the citadel in Jerusalem — cities of my kingdom.'

1 Maccabees 15:29

fines earum desolastis et fecistis plagam magnam in terra et dominati estis per loca multa in regno meo

'You have devastated their territories, caused great harm in the land, and taken control of many places in my kingdom.'

1 Maccabees 15:30

nunc ergo tradite civitates quas occupastis et tributa locorum quibus dominati estis extra fines Iudaeae

'Now therefore, hand over the cities you have seized and the taxes of the territories you have taken beyond the borders of Judea.'

1 Maccabees 15:31

sin autem date pro illis quingenta talenta argenti et exterminii quod exterminastis et tributorum civitatum alia talenta quingenta sin minus veniemus et expugnabimus vos

'Otherwise, pay five hundred talents of silver for them, and another five hundred talents for the damage you have caused and for the taxes of the cities. If not, we will come and make war on you.'

1 Maccabees 15:32

et venit Athenobius amicus regis Hierusalem et vidit gloriam Simonis et claritatem in auro et argento et adparatum copiosum et obstipuit et rettulit ei verba regis

Athenobius, the king's Friend, came to Jerusalem. He saw Simon's splendor, the display of gold and silver, and his magnificent entourage. He was astonished, and delivered the king's message.

1 Maccabees 15:33

et respondit ei Simon et dixit neque alienam terram sumpsimus neque aliena detinemus sed hereditatem patrum nostrorum quae iniuste ab inimicis nostris aliquo tempore possessa est

Simon answered him: 'We have not taken foreign land, nor do we hold what belongs to others, but the inheritance of our fathers — which was unjustly seized by our enemies for a time.'

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

hereditatem patrum nostrorum

"inheritance of our fathers"

The patriarchal land promise — Judea is not Seleucid territory given to the Jews but ancestral heritage recovered from foreign occupation

Translator Notes

Simon's argument is theological-historical: the land was always Israel's inheritance from God. What the Maccabees hold is not conquest but recovery of what was always theirs.

1 Maccabees 15:34

nos vero tenentes occasionem tenemus hereditatem patrum nostrorum

'We, having the opportunity, are holding fast to the inheritance of our fathers.'

1 Maccabees 15:35

nam de Ioppe quidem et de Gazara quae postulas ipsae faciebant in populo plagam magnam et in regione nostra harum damus talenta centum et non respondit ei Athenobius verbum

'As for Joppa and Gezer, which you demand — they were causing great harm to our people and our land. For these we will give a hundred talents.' Athenobius made no reply.

1 Maccabees 15:36

reversus autem cum ira ad regem renuntiavit ei verba ista et gloriam Simonis et universa quae vidit et iratus est rex ira magna

He returned to the king in anger and reported Simon's words, and his splendor, and everything he had seen. The king flew into a great rage.

1 Maccabees 15:37

Tryphon autem fugit navi Orthosiada

Meanwhile, Trypho fled by ship to Orthosia.

1 Maccabees 15:38

et constituit rex Cendebeum ducem orae maritimae et exercitum peditum et equitum dedit illi

The king appointed Cendebeus as commander of the coastal region and gave him infantry and cavalry.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

Cendebeum

"Cendebeus"

Seleucid military commander appointed to confront the Jews; his campaign sets up the climax of chapter 16

1 Maccabees 15:39

et mandavit ei movere castra contra faciem Iudaeae et mandavit ei aedificare Gedorem et obstruere portas civitatis et debellare populum Simon autem rex obpugnabat Tryphonem

He ordered him to encamp opposite Judea and to fortify Kedron, bar the city gates, and make war on the people. The king himself continued to pursue Trypho.

1 Maccabees 15:40

et pervenit Cendebeus Iamniam et coepit inritare populum et conculcare Iudaeam et captivare populum et interficere et aedificare Gedorem

Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people, invade Judea, take captives, kill, and fortify Kedron.

1 Maccabees 15:41

et collocavit illic equites et exercitum ut egressi perambularent viam Iudaeae sicut constituit ei rex

He stationed cavalry and troops there so they could go out and patrol the roads of Judea, as the king had commanded him.

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