The Jewish War

Kevin Gahr Gahr 1

April 22, 2009

ENG 3100

Research Paper

The Jewish War, written by Jewish historian Josephus, was published sometime between 75 and 79 A.D. Although it was the historian’s earliest work, the book that has been translated today is not said to have been the original. According to scholars, Josephus wrote a first draft of the book in Aramaic, rather than Greek. The draft was dedicated to “…the barbarians in the interior” (natives of Parthia, Babylonia, and Arabia) and was meant to serve as a warning to further opposition.[1]

The first book of The Jewish War begins with Onias, a chief priest of Judaea, expelling the sons of Tobias from the city. Left with nowhere to go, the sons took refuge with Antiochus and convinced him to invade Judaea. Antiochus and his army captured the city and forced its Jewish inhabitants to violate certain codes of their country, such as “leaving their infants uncircumcised and sacrificing swine upon the altar”.[2] After seizing the city, Antiochus sent Bacchides to command the garrison there, where Bacchides committed ruthless crimes of war through torture and other barbarian techniques. Matthias, a local priest, decided to create an armed band of forces and rise against Bacchides and his forces. Matthias successfully murdered Bacchides, drove out Antiochus’ generals, and gained rule of the city. Matthias bequeathed power to his son Judas, who eventually made an alliance with the Romans and began rebuilding the city. It was also at some point in this year, 164 B.C. that Antiochus died and left his son, Antiochus, as heir.

Antiochus, with a force of 50,000 infantry, 5000 horses, and 80 elephants decided to take Jerusalem, forcing Judas to flee to the province of Gophna.[3] After his victory, Antiochus left the garrison to withdraw his army to Syria. It was during this time that Judas and other survivors were able to band together and lead a victorious battle against...