Destruction of Nicanor

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It would be of great benefit to read and research the history of the biblical writings called "Apocrypha" in order to gain a good understanding of more than two hundred years of scriptural information that was extracted from the Bible.  In the Apocrypha book called Maccabees, during the time when the Greek empire began to rule the world, there were great atrocities and injustices committed against the children of Israel and the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem.  The Israelites were held under cruel and merciless Greek rulers that conquered all of the land.

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As the Greeks gained control of the land of Israel, many seditions and insurrections ensued as an attemot to bring forth peace and justice.  all which failed.  In defense of Israel’s constitution, there emerged a family, of the tribe of Levi, called Maccabeus, specifically, Judas Maccabeus called Hammer.  He was a man of great devotion and was fervently committed to the cause of fighting for the laws of the Most High and for the lives of his people Israel.

One battle in particular was fought against the Greek general, Nicanor, who had extreme and bitter hatred for all Jews that rose up against the kingdom of the Greeks to destroy and put to death all people of the Nation of Israel.  Judas and his men of 3,000, however, were prepared and ready to live or die valiantly for the cause and go against Nicanor and his host of 185,000. (I Maccabees 3:38, 39 & 7:26-50)

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Maccabees 3:19

“For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.” 

 

The domination of Judas and the Israelites over Nicanor and his army was so great, that a triumph and celebration among the Jews was declared.  For a short while, the nation of Israel was free from

persecution of their enemies.

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This great victory occurred on the thirteenth day of the month, Adar, which corresponds to our present day calendar of February/March.  Moreover, it was ordained that all of of Israel was to keep it yearly throughout their generations and esteem it a festival day of commemoration in honor and praise of our Savior and Most High God of Israel. (I Maccabees 7:48, 49)

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Ecclesiasticus 43:30

“When ye glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for even yet will he far exceed:  and when ye exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can never go far enough.”