The Age of the Maccabees (Illustrated) Read Online Free Page B

the instruction of the young
in the written and unwritten traditions of the Law sprang up in Jerusalem and
elsewhere, and there the pupils of the wise were instructed by the scribes in
the ever-increasing mass of decisions (Halachah) and illustrative tales
(Haggadah) which culminated later in the compilation of theTalmuds of Jerusalem
and Babylon.
    The fervid admirers of
the Torah and its developments were only strengthened in their faith with
regard to its all-embracing efficacy as a rule of life and morals by the laxity
and indifference which they saw around them. As we noticed in the last chapter,
it is probably in part to the prevalence of legalism that we are to ascribe the
tendency to support the earlier Ptolemies against the Seleucid dynasty.
Although a Hellenizing party is scarcely discernible in the political life of
Judea till towards the close of the third or beginning of the second century
BC, the policy of the Macedonian conqueror must have at once acted in this
direction. That policy was, as we have noticed, in accordance with what was the
general Hellenic instinct, to plant Greek colonies in the various towns which
came under his rule, so as gradually to introduce the language and manners of
Greece throughout the empire. It is clear how effectual were the means thus
adopted by him and carried out by his successors, for the Hellenization of his
wide dominions. In particular, the planting of Greeks in such cities as Gaza,
Ashkelon, Ashdod, Joppa, and the founding of newcities in attractive
localities, such as Anthedon and Apollonia, would have an influence, more or
less gradual, on their Jewish neighbors. That influence was of a twofold
character. On the one hand, to those whose training or temperament disposed
them firmly to resist all change, and to cling closely to Jewish models in
thought and practice, the Greek laxity in belief and habit was simply a thing
which called for unqualified censure. On the other hand, the necessary
acquisition of the language of the settlers for purposes of commerce and
general intercourse had given, as we shall see, by the time of Antiochus, if
not earlier, a hold to the Greek element, which implies a considerable
antecedent period of growth. Accordingly in, and even before, Maccabean times
we shall find a strong party, in the majority at Jerusalem, in favor of
Hellenism, while in stoutopposition to them was the party which upheld the Law
as the only rule of life, and clung to the ideal as taught by the scribes. The
premature violence of Antiochus Epiphanes, forming the occasion of the outbreak
of the Jewish wars in the second century BC, was the cause which enabled the
minority, headed by Judas and his brethren, through their vehement appeal to
the patriotic and religious sentiment, to gain the day against the force of
numbers.
     

THE HISTORY FROM THE ACCESSION OF ANTIOCHUS THE
GREAT TO THE TIME   OF THE MACCABEAN REVOLT  (222-108 BC)
     

     
    POLYBIUS chose the year
221 BC for the opening of his great history of the civilized world, because in
his opinion it marked a curious turning-point in the affairs of men. Several of
the greatest monarchs of the world died at that time—Antigonus Doson, Ptolemy
Evergetes,Cleomenes. Antiochus III of Syria was only just come to the throne, a
mere youth, and other inexperienced youths, Ptolemy Philopator and Philip V ascended
the vacant thrones. To those who expected a Roman invasion it must now have
seemed inevitable, and at this time the Romans could have conquered the empire
of Alexander with no difficulty. But suddenly there arose for them too the
cloud in the west; Hannibal was before Saguntum, and crossed the Ebro, and for
the next twenty years they were struggling for bare existence against the
mighty Carthaginian. So then the interference of Rome was stayed, and
Hellenistic life was allowed another generation of development.
    We have already touched
upon the position of affairs in Egypt and Judea during the earlier years of