Jambri
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The Jambri are mentioned in the context of the Maccabean period, specifically in the deuterocanonical book of 1 Maccabees, which is not included in the Protestant canon but is part of the Apocrypha. The Jambri were a group of people who played a role in the events surrounding the Jewish struggle for independence during the second century BCE.

Historical Context

The Jambri are introduced in 1 Maccabees 9:36-42, during the time when the Jewish people, under the leadership of the Maccabees, were fighting against the Seleucid Empire to reclaim their religious and political freedom. This period was marked by intense conflict and efforts to restore Jewish worship and autonomy in the land of Israel.

Biblical Account

According to 1 Maccabees 9:36-42, the Jambri were involved in a significant incident with the sons of Simon, one of the Maccabean leaders. The passage describes how the Jambri, a group of marauders, captured and killed the sons of Simon as they were traveling to collect tribute from the region of Gazara. This act of violence prompted a retaliatory response from the Maccabees.

The text recounts how Simon and his brothers, seeking to avenge the death of their kin, learned that the Jambri were planning a grand wedding procession. Seizing the opportunity, Simon and his men ambushed the procession, resulting in a decisive victory over the Jambri. This act of retribution not only avenged the deaths of Simon's sons but also served as a warning to other hostile groups in the region.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the account of the Jambri highlights themes of justice, retribution, and divine providence. The Maccabean revolt is often seen as a period where God’s hand was evident in the preservation and restoration of the Jewish faith and identity. The defeat of the Jambri can be interpreted as an example of God’s justice being enacted through the actions of His chosen leaders, the Maccabees.

Cultural and Historical Impact

The account of the Jambri, while not part of the canonical texts for many Christian traditions, provides insight into the turbulent times of the Maccabean revolt. It reflects the broader struggle of the Jewish people against foreign domination and their efforts to maintain their religious and cultural identity. The narrative also underscores the importance of family loyalty and the lengths to which the Maccabees were willing to go to protect and avenge their kin.

Conclusion

The account of the Jambri in 1 Maccabees serves as a vivid illustration of the challenges faced by the Jewish people during the Maccabean period. It underscores the themes of justice and divine intervention that are prevalent throughout the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the historical and spiritual struggles of the time.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JAMBRI

jam'-bri (hoi huioi Iambrein; 1 Maccabees 9:36-41): The sons of Jambri are said to have come out of Medeba (originally Med'ba), a city of the Moabites, and subsequently a possession of the Amorites, and to have carried off John, the brother of Jonathan, who succeeded Judas Maccabeus as leader of the Jews. The Israelites got possession of the place and assigned it to the tribe of Reuben. No mention is made elsewhere of the Jambri. In Josephus (Ant., XIII, i, 2) they are called "sons of Amaraeus."

Thesaurus
Jambri
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAMBRI. ... No mention is made elsewhere of the Jambri.
In Josephus (Ant., XIII, i, 2) they are called "sons of Amaraeus.". ...
/j/jambri.htm - 6k

Medeba (5 Occurrences)
... It also figures in later Jewish history. John, son of Mattathias, was captured
and put to death by the Jambri, a robber tribe from Medeba. ...
/m/medeba.htm - 12k

Jambres (2 Occurrences)

/j/jambres.htm - 11k

Jambs (19 Occurrences)

/j/jambs.htm - 11k

Nadabath
... na'-da-bath (Nadabath; the King James Version Nadabatha, na-dab'-a-tha): A city
East of the Jordan from which the wedding party of Jambri were coming when ...
/n/nadabath.htm - 6k

Maccabaeus
... the eldest, surnamed Gaddis (the King James Version "Caddis"), probably meaning
"my fortune," was murdered by a marauding tribe, the sons of JAMBRI (which see ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Maccabees
... the eldest, surnamed Gaddis (the King James Version "Caddis"), probably meaning
"my fortune," was murdered by a marauding tribe, the sons of JAMBRI (which see ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

Simon (75 Occurrences)
... great success (1 Maccabees 5:17;; Josephus, Ant, XII, viii, 1). We find him next
taking revenge along with Jonathan on the "children of Jambri" (1 Maccabees 9 ...
/s/simon.htm - 91k

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