Topical Encyclopedia Cendebaeus was a military commander under the rule of Antiochus VII Sidetes, the king of the Seleucid Empire. His role is primarily documented in the context of the Maccabean Revolt, a significant period in Jewish history marked by the struggle for independence from Seleucid control. Cendebaeus is mentioned in the First Book of Maccabees, which is part of the Apocrypha and provides a historical account of the Jewish resistance against Hellenistic influence and oppression.Historical Context During the latter part of the 2nd century BC, the Jewish people were under the dominion of the Seleucid Empire. The Maccabean Revolt, led by the Hasmonean family, was a response to the aggressive Hellenization policies and religious persecution imposed by the Seleucid rulers. This revolt eventually led to the establishment of an independent Jewish state. Role in the Maccabean Revolt Cendebaeus was appointed by Antiochus VII as a general to suppress the Jewish uprising and to maintain Seleucid control over the region. His appointment came after the death of Jonathan Maccabee, a key leader of the Jewish resistance. Cendebaeus was tasked with fortifying the coastal cities and preparing for military engagements against the Hasmoneans. Military Campaigns The First Book of Maccabees provides a detailed account of Cendebaeus's military activities. In 1 Maccabees 15:38-41 , it is recorded that Antiochus sent Cendebaeus to the coastal regions with a significant force, instructing him to build fortifications and wage war against the Jewish people. Cendebaeus established his base at Kedron and began launching raids into Judean territory. The Jewish response was swift and decisive. Simon Maccabee, the leader of the Jewish forces at the time, dispatched his sons, Judas and John, to confront Cendebaeus. In 1 Maccabees 16:1-10 , the text describes how Judas and John successfully engaged Cendebaeus in battle, ultimately defeating his forces. The Jewish victory was attributed to their strategic prowess and divine favor, a recurring theme in the narrative of the Maccabean Revolt. Significance Cendebaeus's involvement in the Maccabean Revolt highlights the ongoing struggle between the Seleucid Empire and the Jewish people during this tumultuous period. His defeat at the hands of the Hasmoneans underscored the resilience and determination of the Jewish resistance, contributing to the eventual establishment of an independent Jewish state. The account of Cendebaeus serves as a testament to the broader conflict between Hellenistic and Jewish cultures, a central theme in the historical and religious narrative of the Maccabean period. His role, though ultimately unsuccessful, is a reminder of the external pressures faced by the Jewish people and their enduring fight for religious and political autonomy. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CENDEBAEUSsen-de-be'-us (Kendebaios; the King James Version Cendebeus): A general of Antiochus VII who was appointed "captain of the seacoast" of Palestine (1 Maccabees 15:38) after the defeat of Tryphon by Antiochus 138 B.C. He fortified Kedron and harassed the Jews in various ways. As Simon Maccabeus was too old to attack Cendebaeus in person he sent his two eldest sons, Judas and John, who defeated him with great loss at Modin (1 Maccabees 16:1-10). Thesaurus Cendebaeus... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CENDEBAEUS. sen-de-be'-us (Kendebaios; the King James Version Cendebeus): A general of Antiochus ... /c/cendebaeus.htm - 6k Censer (10 Occurrences) Kidron (11 Occurrences) Modin Cen'chre-ae (2 Occurrences) Simon (75 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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