Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
This word does not occur in Scripture. C. 175. It is supposed to have been derived from the Hebrew word (makkabah) meaning “hammer,” as suggestive of the heroism and power of this Jewish family, who are, however, more properly called Asmoneans or Hasmonaeans, the origin of which is much disputed. After the expulsion of Antiochus Epiphanes from Egypt by the Romans, he gave vent to his indignation on the Jews, great numbers of whom he mercilessly put to death in Jerusalem. He oppressed them in every way, and tried to abolish altogether the Jewish worship.
Mattathias, an aged priest, then residing at Modin, a city to the west of Jerusalem, became now the courageous leader of the national party; and having fled to the mountains, rallied round him a large band of men prepared to fight and die for their country and for their religion, which was now violently suppressed. In 1 Macc. 2:60 is recorded his dying counsels to his sons with reference to the war they were now to carry on.
C. 166) as the leader in directing the war of independence, which was carried on with great heroism on the part of the Jews, and was terminated in the defeat of the Syrians.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(a hammer), The. This title, which was originally the surname of Judas, one of the sons of Mattathias, was afterward extended to the heroic family of which he was one of the noblest representatives. Asmonaeans or Hasmonaeans is the Proper name of the family, which is derived from Cashmon, great grandfather of Mattathias. The Maccabees were a family of Jews who resisted the authority of Antiochus Epiphanes king of Syria and his successors who had usurped authority over the Jews, conquered Jerusalem, and strove to introduce idolatrous worship.
The standard of independence was first raised by Mattathias, a priest of the course of Joiarih. He seems, however, to have been already advanced in years when the rising was made, and he did not long survive the fatigues of active service. C. 166, having named Judas—apparently his third son—as his successor in directing the war of independence. After gaining several victories over the other generals of Antiochus, Judas was able to occupy Jerusalem except the “tower,” and purified the temple exactly three years after its profanation. C. 161, where he was slain.
This victory was the greatest of Judas’ successes, and practically decided the question of Jewish independence; but shortly after Judas fell at Eleasa, fighting at desperate odds against the invaders. After the death of Judas, Jonathan his brother succeeded to the command, and later assumed the high-priestly office. C. 135. The efforts of both brothers were crowned with success. C. 105. C. 105-101, was the first who assumed the kingly title, though Simon had enjoyed the fullness of the kingly power. C. 104-78. Aristobulus II. and Hyrcanus III. C. 63-40.
, ruled, and with his two grandchildren, Aristobulus and Mariurnne, the Asmonaean dynasty ended.
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
MACCABEES, THE FAMILY OF THE. " 1 Chr 24:7. "Maccabaeus" was a surname originally given to Judas, one of the sons of Mattathias, and then extended first to the whole family and then to the whole party which arose against the despotism of the Seleucides. " on Judas' banner. c. 168. Numbers of his country-men who held dear their religion joined him here, and thus the revolt began. In 166 Mattathias died, and his son, Judas, succeeded him as leader of the movement.
After the brilliant victories at Beth-horon and Emmaus, Judas occupied Jerusalem, and the temple was purified exactly three years after its profanation. By the still more brilliant victory at Adassa, 161, over Seleucus Nikanor, the independence of the Jews was practically established, but Judas fell shortly after in the battle of Eleasa. The contest was continued with success by his two brothers, Jonathan, died 143, and Simon, died 135. Under the latter the office of high priest was made hereditary in the family of the Asmonaeans.
, 105-104, who assumed the title of king, and Alexander Jannseus, 104-78, pursued the same line of conduct. After the death of Alexandra, 78-69, a civil war broke out between her two sons, Aristobulus II. and Hyrcanus II. , 69-63, having been defeated by Pompey, was dethroned. His brother Hyrcanus II. succeeded, 63-40, as high priest and prince under Roman supremacy, but without the title of king. , the Asmonsean dynasty ceased to reign, and with Aristobulus' two grandchildren, Aristobulus and Mariamne, it became extinct. Herodes became its heir.