Judas Maccabeus
the one who purified the Temple
Who was Judas Maccabeus?
- Son of the priest Mattathias. He was called Maccabeus. 1 Maccabees 2:1-4
- When his father died, he took his place at the head of the Israelites who were faithful to the Law. 1 Maccabees 2:66; 1 Maccabees 3:1-2
- He purified the Temple in Jerusalem and established the feast of the Dedication. 1 Maccabees 4:36, 59
What the Bible says
1 Maccabees 2:1-4
1In those days arose Mathathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and he abode in the mountain of Modin. 2And he had five sons: John who was surnamed Gaddis: 3And Simon, who was surnamed Thasi: 4And Judas, who was called Machabeus:
1 Maccabees 2:66; 1 Maccabees 3:1-2
And Judas Machabeus who is valiant and strong from his youth up, let him be the leader of your army, and he shall manage the war of the people.
1 Maccabees 4:36, 59
36Then Judas, and his brethren said: Behold our enemies are discomfited: let us go up now to cleanse the holy places and to repair them. 59And Judas, and his brethren, and all the church of Israel decreed, that the day of the dedication of the altar should be kept in its season from year to year for eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu, with joy and gladness.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
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