Jonathan Maccabeus
The Diplomat Warrior
Maccabean revolt
Son of Mattathias who led the Jewish people after Judas, uniting courage in battle with skill in diplomacy.
“Victory in battle does not depend on the size of the army, but strength comes from Heaven.” — 1 Maccabees 3:19Talk with Jonathan Maccabeus
The story of Jonathan Maccabeus
Jonathan was the youngest son of the priest Mattathias, whose family began the revolt against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV. After his brother Judas Maccabeus was killed in battle, the faithful chose Jonathan as their leader while they were scattered and hiding in the wilderness.
Jonathan proved skillful in both battle and diplomacy. Rival kings competed for his support, and he used those rivalries to win freedom for his people. He renewed ties with Rome and Sparta and was appointed high priest, strengthening Jerusalem and Judea.
In the end, Jonathan was deceived by the general Trypho, who invited him to Ptolemais with only a few men and then seized him. Jonathan was killed, and his brother Simon carried on the work of leading the people.
Key passages
1 Maccabees 9:28–31
Jonathan is chosen to lead after the death of Judas.
1 Maccabees 10:15–21
Jonathan is appointed high priest in the struggle between rival kings.
1 Maccabees 12:1–23
Jonathan renews friendship with Rome and Sparta.
1 Maccabees 12:39–53
Trypho deceives and captures Jonathan.
Key books
- 1 Maccabees
Questions you can ask
- “How did you lead after Judas died?”
- “Why did you make treaties with other nations?”
- “What was it like to be high priest?”
Common questions
Who was Jonathan Maccabeus?
He was a son of Mattathias and brother of Judas Maccabeus who led the Jewish people and served as high priest, as told in 1 Maccabees.
Is Jonathan Maccabeus the same as David's friend Jonathan?
No. David's friend was the son of King Saul, about eight centuries earlier.
How did Jonathan die?
1 Maccabees 13 says the general Trypho captured him by trickery and later killed him.