Chaereas is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal text known as 2 Maccabees, which is part of the deuterocanonical books included in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Bible. The book of 2 Maccabees provides a historical account of the Jewish struggle for independence during the second century B.C., focusing on the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.

Historical Context

The events of 2 Maccabees occur during a tumultuous period in Jewish history when the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes sought to impose Hellenistic culture and religion upon the Jewish people. This led to widespread persecution and the desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Maccabean Revolt, led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, was a response to these oppressive measures and aimed to restore Jewish religious freedom and practices.

Role of Chaereas

Chaereas is mentioned in 2 Maccabees 10:19, where he is identified as one of the leaders appointed by Judas Maccabeus. The passage reads: "But Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and also Zacchaeus and those who were with him, in command of the forces, to besiege the garrison, while he himself went to places where he was most needed." (2 Maccabees 10:19). Although Chaereas is not explicitly named in this verse, he is understood to be among the leaders involved in the military efforts against the Seleucid forces.

Military Leadership

Chaereas, along with other leaders, played a crucial role in the military campaigns that were part of the Maccabean Revolt. The leaders were tasked with various responsibilities, including besieging enemy garrisons and securing strategic locations. Their efforts contributed to the eventual success of the revolt, which led to the rededication of the Temple and the establishment of the festival of Hanukkah, commemorating the miracle of the Temple's menorah burning for eight days on a single day's supply of oil.

Significance in Jewish History

While Chaereas is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his involvement in the Maccabean Revolt highlights the collective effort and leadership required to achieve victory against a powerful adversary. The revolt itself is a significant event in Jewish history, symbolizing the struggle for religious freedom and the preservation of Jewish identity in the face of external pressures.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of the Maccabean Revolt, including the contributions of leaders like Chaereas, underscores themes of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention. The successful resistance against Hellenistic assimilation is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, providing them with strength and guidance in times of trial.

Conclusion

Chaereas, though a minor figure in the narrative of 2 Maccabees, represents the broader community of Jewish leaders and warriors who played a vital role in the fight for religious and cultural survival. His mention in the text serves as a reminder of the collective effort and courage required to uphold the faith and traditions of the Jewish people during a period of intense persecution and challenge.CHAEREAS

ke'-re-as (Chaireas; the King James Version Chereas): Brother of Timotheus, the Ammonite leader against Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 5:6). He held the fortress of Gazara (the "Jazer" of 1 Maccabees 5:8) to which Timotheus fled from Judas. The latter pursued him and captured the fortress after a vigorous siege. In the slaughter which followed the two brothers, Chaereas and Timotheus, were killed (2 Maccabees 10:32, 37).

Chaereas
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHAEREAS. ... In the slaughter which followed the two
brothers, Chaereas and Timotheus, were killed (2 Maccabees 10:32, 37). ...
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Chafe (1 Occurrence)

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Chadiasai

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