Dorymenes
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Dorymenes is a figure mentioned in the historical context of the intertestamental period, specifically within the narrative of the Maccabean revolt, as recorded in the books of the Maccabees. While Dorymenes is not a character found within the canonical texts of the Bible, his role is significant in understanding the political and military landscape during the time of the Seleucid Empire's control over Judea.

Historical Context

Dorymenes is identified as a high-ranking official within the Seleucid Empire, serving under King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Seleucid Empire, one of the successor states of Alexander the Great's empire, exerted control over the region of Judea during the 2nd century BC. This period was marked by significant tension between the Hellenistic rulers and the Jewish population, who were striving to maintain their religious and cultural identity amidst pressures to conform to Greek customs and practices.

Role in the Maccabean Revolt

The Maccabean revolt was a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire, sparked by the oppressive policies of Antiochus IV, which included the desecration of the Jewish Temple and the prohibition of Jewish religious practices. Dorymenes is mentioned in the context of this revolt as a military leader and a supporter of the Seleucid efforts to suppress the Jewish resistance.

In the First Book of Maccabees, Dorymenes is noted for his involvement in the military campaigns against the Maccabees, a group led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, who were fighting to reclaim Jewish religious freedom and autonomy. His actions are part of the broader narrative of the struggle between the Hellenistic forces and the Jewish rebels.

Significance

Dorymenes' presence in the historical accounts of the Maccabean revolt highlights the complex interactions between the Jewish people and their Hellenistic rulers. His role as a military leader underscores the challenges faced by the Jewish community in their fight for religious and cultural survival. The resistance led by the Maccabees ultimately resulted in the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

While Dorymenes himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his involvement in the events of the Maccabean revolt provides valuable insight into the historical and political dynamics of the period. Understanding his role helps to illuminate the broader context of Jewish perseverance and faithfulness in the face of external pressures and persecution.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DORYMENES

do-rim'-e-nez (Dorumenes): Father of Ptolemy Macron (1 Maccabees 3:38; 2 Maccabees 4:45); probably the same man who fought against Antiochus the Great (Polyb. v.61).

Library

How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ...
... 3. Upon this Lysias chose Ptolemy, the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor, and Gorgias,
very potent men among the king's friends, and delivered to them forty ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how judas overthrew.htm

Thesaurus
Dorymenes
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DORYMENES. do-rim'-e-nez (Dorumenes): Father
of Ptolemy Macron (1 Maccabees 3:38; 2 Maccabees 4:45 ...
/d/dorymenes.htm - 6k

Nicanor (1 Occurrence)
... Nicanor was one of the three generals commissioned by Lysias-the others being
Ptolemy, son of Dorymenes, and Gorgias (1 Maccabees 3:38). ...
/n/nicanor.htm - 14k

Dorcas (3 Occurrences)

/d/dorcas.htm - 9k

Lysias (3 Occurrences)
... destroy Jerusalem and abolish the whole nation." Lysias, accordingly, armed against
Judas Maccabeus a large force under Ptolemy, son of Dorymenes, Nicanor and ...
/l/lysias.htm - 12k

Dositheus

/d/dositheus.htm - 7k

Menelaus
... Menelaus bribed Ptolemy, son of Dorymenes, to win over the king to acquit himself
and secure the execution of "those hapless men, who, if they had pleaded even ...
/m/menelaus.htm - 9k

Macron
... he was governor of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia (2 Maccabees 8:8). In 1 Maccabees
3:38 and 2 Maccabees 4:45 he is called "Ptolemy the son of Dorymenes." At first ...
/m/macron.htm - 7k

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Dorcas: A Pious Woman of Joppa
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