1 Maccabees 2:1-7
1 In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.
2 And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:
3 Simon; called Thassi:
4 Judas, who was called Maccabeus:
5 Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.
6 And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,
7 He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?
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Simon was a man of counsel and before the death of Mattathias he charged his sons to look at him as a father.
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1 Maccabees 2:65
[65] And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.
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Simon along with his brethern fought many battles and defeated many of the heathen.
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1 Maccabees 5:21
[21] Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.
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Judas died in battle against Bacchides
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1 Maccabees 9:14-19
14 Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,
15 Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.
16 But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:
17 Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts.
18 Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.
19 Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.
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Johnathan takes over as leader in battle in his stead.
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1 Maccabees 9:28-31
28 For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan,
29 Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.
30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.
31 Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.
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Johnathan was tricked and put to death by they of Ptolemais.
​1 Maccabees 12:42-48
42 Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;
43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.
44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?
45 Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.
46 So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.
47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.
48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.
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Simon took up the charge and fought for the people and rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem
​1 Maccabees 13:1-10
1 Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,
2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,
3 And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.
4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.
5 Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.
6 Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.
7 Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.
8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.
9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.
10 So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.
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Day of Simon ordained as a memorial forever
1 Maccabees 13:50-52
50 Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:
51 And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.
52 He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.
