Mattathias facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mattathias
An imaginary depiction of Mattathias from Guillaume Rouillé's Promptuarii Iconum Insigniorum (1553)
Leader of the Maccabees
Successor	Judas Maccabeus
Died	166–165 BCE
Burial	Modi'in
Issue	Judas Maccabeus Eleazar Avaran Simon Thassi John Gaddi Jonathan Apphus
Dynasty	Hasmonean
Religion	Judaism

Mattathias ben Johanan (Hebrew: מַתִּתְיָהוּ הַכֹּהֵן בֶּן יוֹחָנָן, Mattīṯyāhū haKōhēn ben Yōḥānān; died 166–165 BCE) was a Kohen (Jewish priest). He played a key role in starting the Maccabean Revolt. This was a fight against the Seleucid Empire, which was a Greek kingdom.

Mattathias's story is told in the book of 1 Maccabees. It is also found in the writings of Josephus, an ancient historian. Mattathias is very important in the story of Hanukkah. Because of this, he is mentioned in special prayers during the Hanukkah festival.

Mattathias's Early Life

Mattathias lived in a small village called Modi'in. It's not fully clear if he was born there. Some stories say he moved to Modi'in from Jerusalem. Other accounts suggest Modi'in was his family's original home.

Mattathias came from a priestly family. His family was known as the Hasmoneans. This name later became famous because of him and his sons. As a priest, he likely served in the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Mattathias had five sons who became important leaders. They were Judas Maccabeus (Judah), Eleazar Avaran, Simon Thassi (Simeon), John Gaddi, and Jonathan Apphus (Yonatan).

Starting the Maccabean Revolt

Around 168-167 BCE, the Seleucid king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, began to persecute Jews. He made laws that went against traditional Jewish practices. He wanted Jews to adopt Greek customs and worship Greek gods.

In 167 BCE, Greek soldiers arrived in Modi'in. They ordered everyone to sacrifice to Greek gods. Mattathias was a respected leader in the village. The soldiers asked him to set an example and lead the sacrifice. They promised him wealth and a special title if he agreed.

Mattathias refused to do this. When another Jew stepped forward to make the sacrifice, Mattathias became very angry. He killed both the Jew and the government official who was forcing the sacrifice. Then, he called out to his supporters:

Let everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!

– Mattathias, after assassinating the Greek government official, who was forcing him to sacrifice; 1 Maccabees 2:27

After this dramatic event, Mattathias and his five sons fled. They went into the wilderness of Judea. There, they started to gather followers and build a fighting force. This group began to use guerrilla tactics against the Seleucid army.

Mattathias led this rebellion for about a year. Before he died, he gave his sons important roles. He chose Simon to be a counselor. He appointed Judah as the military commander. Mattathias died around 166-165 BCE. He was buried in his family's tomb in Modi'in.

Changing Religious Rules for Battle

In ancient Jewish law, fighting on the Sabbath was generally not allowed. Many Jews believed it was forbidden to fight, even if it meant losing their lives. There are stories of Jewish fighters who refused to defend themselves on the Sabbath. They died rather than break what they believed was a holy rule.

After one such event, Mattathias made an important decision. He declared that it was okay to fight in self-defense on the Sabbath. He said:

‘Let us fight against anyone who comes to attack us on the Sabbath day; let us not all die as our kindred died in their hiding-places.’

This was a big change. It was the first time someone allowed fighting on the Sabbath for defense. Later, this rule was expanded to include even attacking the enemy if needed. This decision helped the Maccabees win their battles.

Impact of the Revolt

The actions of Mattathias and his sons started the Maccabean Revolt. This revolt led to Jewish independence, which they had not had for over 400 years. The events of this war are the reason for the holiday of Hanukkah. Jews celebrate Hanukkah every year on the 25th of Kislev. This usually falls between mid-November and late December.

Mattathias in Stories and Prayers

Mattathias's story is found in several important texts. It is in the deuterocanonical book of 1 Maccabees. It is also mentioned in the writings of Josephus. Jewish religious texts like the Talmud also refer to him.

The "Al HaNisim" prayer is said during Hanukkah. This prayer mentions the story of the Maccabees and specifically names Mattathias.

See also

• Jewish leadership
• Hasmonean dynasty

Images for kids

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  Mattathias appealing to Jewish refugees (illustration by Gustave Doré from the 1866 La Sainte Bible)

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  Tomb of Mattathias ben Johanan, Israel