In the reign of Demetrius, in the one hundred sixty-ninth year, we the Jews have already written to you in the suffering and in the distress that has come upon us in these years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and the kingdom,
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. Demetrius Nicator. The date refer to what goes before.—Nine. This author dates from autumn, whereas the preceding begins the era of Seleucides, in spring, which accounts for the apparent contradictions. Calmet.—Trouble. As they had written when in distress, so they now testify their joy and gratitude to God, begging their brethren to keep the dedication of the new altar. Worthington.—This first letter, sent during the heat of the persecution raised by Epiphanes, is lost.—Kingdom. Judea was then tributary to Egypt; yet Jason applied to the Syrian monarch, and instead of waiting for the death of Onias III. wished to purchase his dignity, and to change the manners of the people. Josephus gives contradictory accounts of these affairs, ( Calmet.) if he be really the author of 4 Mac. Bible.