Mattathias (priest, father of the Maccabean Revolt)
Father of the Maccabean Revolt
Mattathias was a Jewish priest from Modi'in who started the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire and their oppression of Jewish religious practice. He refused to sacrifice to Greek gods and killed both a Jew who intended to make such a sacrifice and the royal official. His sons, especially Judas Maccabeus, continued the fight for freedom after his death.
Familia
Hechos clave
Refuses to Sacrifice to Idols
When royal officials came to Modi'in to force the Jews to sacrifice to Greek gods, Mattathias refused despite offers of honor and reward.
Killing the Apostate Jew and the Royal Official
When another Jew stepped forward to offer sacrifice, Mattathias was seized with zeal, killed him at the altar, and also killed the royal official.
Fleeing to the Mountains and Starting the Revolt
After this act, Mattathias cried out in the city that all who were zealous for the law should follow him, and he fled to the mountains with his sons.
Deciding to Fight on the Sabbath
After a group of Jews was massacred because they refused to defend themselves on the Sabbath, Mattathias and his followers decided to fight even on the day of rest.
Mattathias' Farewell Speech and Death
On his deathbed, Mattathias gave a speech in which he urged his sons to be zealous for the law and appointed Judas Maccabeus as commander.