Topical Encyclopedia Hircanus, also known as John Hyrcanus, was a significant figure in Jewish history during the intertestamental period, which is the time between the Old and New Testaments. He was a member of the Hasmonean dynasty, which rose to prominence following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Hircanus is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, but his influence and actions had a profound impact on the Jewish people and the religious landscape leading up to the New Testament era.Historical Context John Hyrcanus was the son of Simon Maccabeus, one of the leaders of the Maccabean Revolt. After the death of his father and brothers, Hircanus became the high priest and ruler of Judea around 134 BC. His reign marked a period of consolidation and expansion for the Jewish state. Hircanus is known for his military campaigns, which expanded the territory of Judea and increased its influence in the region. Religious and Political Influence Hircanus played a crucial role in the religious and political life of Judea. As high priest, he held significant religious authority, and his leadership helped to solidify the Hasmonean dynasty's control over the Jewish people. He is credited with the destruction of the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim, which furthered the divide between Jews and Samaritans, a division evident in the New Testament (John 4:9: "The Samaritan woman said to Him, 'How is it that You, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?' For Jews do not associate with Samaritans."). Hircanus also undertook the forced conversion of the Idumeans (Edomites) to Judaism, a policy that had lasting implications for the region. This action is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Edom, as found in the Old Testament (Obadiah 1:18: "Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame, but the house of Esau will be stubble; Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau, for the LORD has spoken."). Legacy and Impact Hircanus' reign set the stage for the later developments in Judea, including the rise of the Pharisees and Sadducees, two influential Jewish sects during the time of Jesus. His policies and actions contributed to the complex religious and political environment that Jesus and the early Christians navigated. The Hasmonean dynasty, established by Hircanus and his predecessors, eventually gave way to Herodian rule, which is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. While Hircanus himself is not mentioned in the Bible, his legacy is intertwined with the historical and religious context of the New Testament. His efforts to expand and consolidate Jewish territory and influence had lasting effects on the Jewish people and their interactions with surrounding nations. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HIRCANUSher-ka'nuz. Library Imperial Tombs. Thesaurus HircanusHircanus. Hiram's, Hircanus. Hire . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HIRCANUS. her-ka'nuz. See HYRCANUS. Hiram's, Hircanus. Hire . ... /h/hircanus.htm - 6k Hiram's (3 Occurrences) Hire (48 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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