Jonathan Apphus

thumb|Jonathan the Maccabee Jonathan Apphus was one of the sons of Mattathias and the leader of the Hasmonean dynasty of Judea from 160 to 143 BCE. Quotes Then Jonathan said to those with him, “Let us get up now and fight for our lives, for today things have changed considerably from the way they used to be. In front of us the battle awaits; behind us are the waters of the Jordan on one side and marshland and thickets on the other. There is no way out. Cry out to Heaven that you may be saved from our enemies.” 1 Maccabees 9:44-46 NCB Quotes about Then all the friends of Judas assembled and said to Jonathan, “Since the death of your brother Judas there has been no one like him to lead us against our enemies and Bacchides, as well as against those of our own nation who are hostile to us. Therefore, today we have chosen you to take his place as our ruler and our leader, and to fight our battle.” Thereupon Jonathan accepted the leadership in the place of his brother Judas. 1 Maccabees 9:28-31 NCB. King Alexander was informed of all the proposals made by Demetrius to Jonathan, and he was also told of the battles that Jonathan and his brothers had fought, of the heroic deeds that they had accomplished, and of the hardships that they had endured. His response was, “Shall we ever come across another man like him? Let us take steps to make him our friend and ally.” He therefore wrote a letter to him in these words: “King Alexander sends greetings to his brother Jonathan. We have heard that you are a mighty warrior and worthy to be our friend. We have therefore appointed you today to be the high priest of your nation. You are also to have the title ‘Friend of the King,’ supporting our interests and maintaining friendly relations with us.” In addition he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold. 1 Maccabees 10:15-20 NCB. External links Category:BCE births Category:BCE deaths Category:People from the Bible Category:Political leaders Category:High priests of Israel