Learning from History

After being dominated by Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, Judea was ruled by the Greeks for more than a hundred years. It often was a tense relationship.

When the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes gained power over the region in 175 BC, he vowed to “rid the world” of the Jews. He banned observation of the Sabbath and reading the Law. Jerusalem was invaded and the Holy of Holies violated.

Some Jews fought back, led by Mattathias the priest, and then his son, Judas Maccabeus. But Antiochus continued repressing the revolt with a massive army. Maccabeus had few resources, but he reminded the Jews of their history, how God had saved them at the Red Sea when they were pursued by Pharaoh. God had given them a great victory (I Maccabees 4).

Antiochus responded with an even larger army, but the Jews again were victorious. The temple was cleansed, and proper worship was restored. They demonstrated that God’s people could be victorious against a foe with superior forces if they trusted in Him.

The Bible assures us that God can bring you victory. He is with you when you feel outnumbered. He is by your side when it feels there is no hope. You can be confident in Him. He is ready to deliver you, give you wisdom, and provide the resources you need.

Have faith. With God on your side, all things are possible.