'Antisemitism'

When Antiochus IV Epiphanes marched into Judea in 167 BC, laid siege to Jerusalem, and defiled the Temple, his actions sparked a revolt that is still commemorated today. The festival of Hanukkah—which means “dedication” and is celebrated for eight days each winter—marks this event. The Maccabees ultimately defeated the Seleucid forces, regained control of Judea, and cleansed and rededicated the Temple to Yahweh. Antiochus not only desecrated the Temple and humiliated the Jewish people, but he also persecuted and killed many of them. Although it may be tempting to describe Antiochus simply as an antisemite motivated by hatred of the Jews, that interpretation can be overly simplistic. What other factors might have motivated Antiochus to persecute the Jews, apart from antisemitism? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #387.