Athenobius is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal text of 1 Maccabees, which is part of the deuterocanonical books included in some Christian traditions but not in the Hebrew Bible. The historical context of Athenobius is set during the turbulent period of the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BC. This revolt is a significant event in Jewish history, marking the struggle for religious freedom and national sovereignty.

Historical Context

Athenobius appears in 1 Maccabees 15:28-36, during the reign of Antiochus VII Sidetes, a Seleucid king. Antiochus VII sought to reassert control over the territories that had gained independence or autonomy during the earlier phases of the Maccabean Revolt. The Seleucid Empire, at this time, was attempting to consolidate its power and reclaim lost territories, including Judea.

Role and Mission

Athenobius is described as an envoy or ambassador sent by King Antiochus VII to Simon Maccabeus, the leader of the Jewish people and high priest at the time. His mission was to demand the return of several cities and territories that the Jews had captured, as well as to collect tribute that was allegedly owed to the Seleucid king. The text of 1 Maccabees 15:28-29 states: "So he sent Athenobius, one of his Friends, to confer with him, saying, 'You hold Joppa and Gazara and the citadel in Jerusalem—cities of my kingdom.'"

Diplomatic Encounter

Athenobius's encounter with Simon Maccabeus is marked by a diplomatic exchange. Simon, in response to Athenobius's demands, asserts the Jewish claim to the territories based on historical and divine rights. He argues that these lands were taken not from the Seleucids but from their enemies, who had previously seized them unlawfully. Simon's response reflects the Jewish perspective of divine providence and the legitimacy of their cause.

1 Maccabees 15:33-34 records Simon's reply: "We have neither taken foreign land nor seized foreign property, but only the inheritance of our fathers, which at one time had been unjustly taken by our enemies. Now that we have the opportunity, we are firmly holding the inheritance of our fathers."

Outcome

The mission of Athenobius ultimately did not achieve its intended goals. Simon's firm stance and the strategic position of the Jewish forces made it difficult for the Seleucid envoy to enforce the king's demands. The encounter underscores the complex political and military dynamics of the period, as well as the determination of the Jewish leadership to maintain their hard-won autonomy.

Significance

Athenobius's role, though minor, highlights the broader geopolitical struggles of the Hellenistic world and the Jewish resistance against foreign domination. His mission is a testament to the ongoing conflict between the Seleucid Empire and the Jewish state, reflecting the broader theme of the struggle for religious and political freedom that is central to the narrative of the Maccabees.ATHENOBIUS

ath-e-no'-bi-us [Athenobios]: A "friend" of Antiochus VII (Sidetes), who was sent to Jerusalem by the king to protest against the occupation of Joppa and Gazara, and the citadel Jerusalem. A demand was made on Simon Maccabeus to give up all the places he had taken or pay 1,000 talents in silver. Simon declined to pay more than 100 talents, and Athenobius returned to Antiochus from his fruitless mission (1 Maccabees 15:28-36).

Athenobius
...ATHENOBIUS. ... Simon declined to pay more than 100 talents, and Athenobius returned
to Antiochus from his fruitless mission (1 Maccabees 15:28-36). ...
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Athens (5 Occurrences)

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Cupboard
... of sideboard in or on which Simon's gold and silver vessels were displayed, and
which, among other evidences of his glory, amazed the Syrian envoy Athenobius. ...
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Athenians (2 Occurrences)

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