August 27, 2013 – 1 Maccabees 14 – 14:24

Simon seems to have benefitted to the wars fought by his brothers.  It does make note of his captures and it says that he captured enemies, but he seems to have lived mostly in peace and comfort along with most of Israel.  He renews the bonds with Rome and Sparta and is at ease.  When you think about the wars even dating back to the time of Judges, has there really been a time when Israel could say that they were in a time of Peace.  I guess Solomon was a fairly peaceful reign because David had defeated all of the surrounding enemies, but the period didn’t last long because right after him is when Israel split.