September 8, 2013 – 1 Maccabees 16

We see the end of Simon and his blissful period. It seemed rather short. When looking up his brothers and him online, it was described that he was the first of a dynasty, but it sure started in a pretty shaky manner. How can you read a scene like this and not have the image of the “Red Wedding” from Game of Thrones; banquet that they are invited to and then at certain point, men come out and slaughter the guest. But John survives. The book ends with John surviving the assassination attempt and, I imagine, revenge on his mind against the men that killed his father and brothers.

I wonder if Jonathon and Judas had any sons and how active they are in the leadership of Israel. It hasn’t been brought up because it has gone brother to brother, but with that line finished, would any of the sons of Jonathon or Judas had some claim to leadership of Israel. And I would find it hard to trust anyone at any time with the double crossing that has happened and led to the death of Jonathon and Simon.