Topical Encyclopedia
Alcimus, also known as Jakim, was a significant figure during the turbulent period of Jewish history following the Maccabean Revolt. He served as the high priest in Jerusalem from approximately 162 to 159 BC. His tenure is noted for its political complexity and religious controversy, as he was appointed by the Seleucid king, Antiochus V Eupator, and later confirmed by Demetrius I Soter. Alcimus is a figure mentioned in the deuterocanonical books of 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, which provide insight into his role and the challenges he faced.
Historical ContextAlcimus emerged during a time when the Jewish people were struggling for religious and political autonomy. The Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BC) was a response to the oppressive policies of the Seleucid Empire, particularly under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who sought to Hellenize the Jewish population and suppress their religious practices. The revolt, led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, resulted in a temporary restoration of Jewish worship and governance.
Appointment as High PriestAlcimus was a member of the priestly line of Aaron, but his appointment as high priest was controversial. Unlike his predecessors, who were chosen based on religious qualifications and popular support, Alcimus was installed by the Seleucid rulers. This political appointment was seen by many as a betrayal of Jewish autonomy and religious purity. The book of 1 Maccabees 7:5-9 describes how Alcimus sought the support of the Seleucid king to secure his position, leading to further division among the Jewish people.
Conflict and ControversyAlcimus' tenure was marked by significant conflict. Many Jews viewed him as a collaborator with the Seleucid oppressors, and his actions often exacerbated tensions between different factions within the Jewish community. The Hasideans, a group of pious Jews, initially supported Alcimus, hoping for peace and stability. However, his subsequent actions, including the execution of sixty Hasideans, led to widespread disillusionment and resistance.
1 Maccabees 7:12-18 recounts how Alcimus, with the backing of the Seleucid general Bacchides, attempted to consolidate his power through force, leading to further bloodshed and unrest. His efforts to maintain control were met with resistance from Judas Maccabeus and his followers, who continued to fight for Jewish independence and religious freedom.
Death and LegacyAlcimus' rule as high priest ended with his death in 159 BC. His passing marked a turning point in the struggle for Jewish self-governance, as it paved the way for the eventual establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. Despite his controversial role, Alcimus' tenure highlights the complex interplay of politics and religion during this critical period in Jewish history.
The legacy of Alcimus is a reminder of the challenges faced by the Jewish people in maintaining their faith and identity amidst external pressures and internal divisions. His account is preserved in the historical accounts of the Maccabean period, serving as a testament to the enduring struggle for religious and political autonomy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ALCIMUSal'-si-mus ('elyaqum, "God will rise"; Alkimos, "valiant"): A high priest for three years, 163-161 B.C., the record of whose career may be found in 1 Maccabees 7:4-50; 9:1-57; 2 Maccabees 14; see also Ant, XII, 9-11; XX, 10. He was a descendant of Aaron, but not in the high-priestly line (1 Maccabees 7:14; also Ant, XX, 10); and being ambitious for the office of high priest, he hastened to Antioch to secure the favor and help of the new king, Demetrius, who had just overthrown Antiochus Eupator and made himself king. Alcimus was of the Grecianizing party, and therefore bitterly opposed by the Maccabees. Demetrius sent a strong army under Bacchides to establish him in the high-priesthood at Jerusalem. The favor with which Alcimus was received by the Jews at Jerusalem on account of his Aaronic descent was soon turned to hate by his cruelties. When Bacchides and his army returned to Antioch, Simon Maccabeus attacked and overcame Alcimus, and drove him also to Syria. There he secured from Demetrius another army, led by Nicanor, who, failing to secure Simon by treachery, joined battle with him, but was defeated and killed. A third and greater army, under Bacchides again, was dispatched to save the falling fortunes of Alcimus. Now Simon was overwhelmed and slain, Alcimus established as high priest and a strong force left in Jerusalem to uphold him. But he did not long enjoy his triumph, since he died soon after from a paralytic stroke.
Edward Mack
Library
How Bacchides, the General of Demetrius's Army, Made an Expedition...
... Success; And How Nicanor Was Sent A Little Afterward Against Judas And Perished,
Together With His Army; As Also Concerning The Death OfAlcimus And The...
At that Time Judah Besieged the Syrians who were Posted in the...
... And first the army was led by a certain man named Bacchides, and byAlcimus, a Jew;
Nicanor, being afterwards placed at the head of the war, fell in battle....
Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator...
... How Antiochus Eupator Fought Against Juda And Besieged Him In The Temple And
Afterwards Made Peace With Him And Departed; OfAlcimus And Onias....
The Maccabees.
... "Woe to the idol shepherd who had left his flock!" Another half heathen, namedAlcimus,
was appointed in his place, and when the Jews would not receive him...
Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of...
... xii.4.10), Onias III., Jason (Ant. xii.5.1), Menelaus, andAlcimus (Ant. xii... rashness.
Aided by the Syrians,Alcimus seized the Pontificate....
The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Ages of ages, [46]238, etc. Aionun, [47]326. Albans, the wickedness of the
war waged by the Romans against, [48]49.Alcimus, [49]388....
Letter ccclviii. Libanius to Basil.
... I hear thatAlcimus in his old age is venturing on a young man's exploits, and is
hurrying to Rome, after imposing on you the labour of remaining with the lads...
That the Jews Ceased to have Prophets after the Rebuilding of the...
... But not long after, oneAlcimus, although an alien from the sacerdotal tribe,
was, through ambition, made pontiff, which was an impious thing....
The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Antiochus Eupator Fought Against Juda And Besieged Him In The Temple And Afterwards
Made Peace With Him And Departed; OfAlcimus And Onias. CHAPTER 10....
Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... But there might have been an artificial substitution of one for the other, just
as Joseph was called "Hegissippus," the Eliakim "Alcimus," &c.]....
Thesaurus
Alcimus... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ALCIMUS.
...Alcimus was of the Grecianizing
party, and therefore bitterly opposed by the Maccabees.
...Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... Octavius (Polyb. xxi.23); and he then tried to secure the Hellenizing party by sending
his friend BACCHIDES (which see) to make the wickedAlcimus high priest....
Nicanor (1 Occurrence)
... and Lysias (the last two at the hands of Demetrius (1 Maccabees 7:2)), Nicanor appears
again under King Demetrius in the struggle betweenAlcimus and Judas....
Pharisees (86 Occurrences)
... 1. Associated at First with Hasmoneans, but Later Abandon Them: When Bacchides appeared
against Jerusalem withAlcimus in his camp, this feeling against Judas...
Asmoneans
...Alcimus, leader of the disloyal Jews and a mortal enemy of Judas, was made high
priest and he prayed Demetrius, who had captured the Syrian throne, to come to...
Mesaloth
... mes'-a-loth (Messaloth, Maisaloth): A place mentioned in the account of the march
of Bacchides andAlcimus into Judah, as "in Arbela" (1 Maccabees 9:2). If...
Bacchides
... CompareALCIMUS; BETHBASI; JONATHAN; JUDAS MACCABAEUS; ADASA; NICANOR. less importance
than some modern scholars have attempted to demonstrate. AL Breslich....
Albeit (2 Occurrences)
Alcove (2 Occurrences)
Arbela
... and encampment of Bacchides. The former says that "Demetrius sent Bacchides
andAlcimus into the land of Judea. who went forth by...
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