Topical Encyclopedia
Seron is a figure mentioned in the deuterocanonical book of 1 Maccabees, which is part of the Apocrypha in the Protestant tradition and included in the Old Testament of the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. He is identified as a commander in the Syrian army during the time of the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion against Seleucid rule in the 2nd century BC.
Historical ContextThe Maccabean Revolt (167–160 BC) was a pivotal period in Jewish history, marked by the struggle for religious freedom and national independence from the Seleucid Empire. The revolt was led by the priestly family of the Hasmoneans, particularly Judas Maccabeus, who became a central figure in the fight against Hellenistic influence and oppression.
Role in the Maccabean RevoltSeron is introduced in 1 Maccabees 3:13-24. As a Syrian commander, he sought to suppress the Jewish uprising led by Judas Maccabeus. Seron gathered a considerable force, intending to defeat the Jewish rebels and restore Seleucid control over the region. His campaign was motivated by both political and military objectives, aiming to quell the growing resistance and reassert the dominance of the Seleucid Empire.
The Battle Against Judas MaccabeusThe encounter between Seron's forces and the Maccabean army is a significant event in the narrative of 1 Maccabees. Despite being outnumbered, Judas Maccabeus and his men relied on their faith in God and their determination to defend their religious and cultural identity. The text highlights the contrast between the might of the Seleucid army and the spiritual resolve of the Jewish fighters.
1 Maccabees 3:16-19 describes the scene: "As Seron approached with his army, Judas and his men went out to meet him. When they saw the army coming to meet them, they said to Judas, 'How can we, few as we are, fight against so great and strong a multitude? Besides, we are weak today from fasting.' But Judas replied, 'It is easy for many to be overcome by a few; in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between saving by many or by few.'"
Judas's faith and strategic acumen led to a decisive victory over Seron's forces. The defeat of Seron not only boosted the morale of the Jewish rebels but also demonstrated the effectiveness of their guerrilla tactics against a larger, more conventional army.
LegacyThe defeat of Seron is emblematic of the broader struggle of the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire. It underscores the themes of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention that are prevalent throughout the narrative of the Maccabean Revolt. Seron's role, though ultimately that of a defeated adversary, serves to highlight the courage and resilience of the Jewish fighters in their quest for religious and national autonomy.
While Seron is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his account in 1 Maccabees provides valuable insight into the historical and religious context of the intertestamental period. His encounter with Judas Maccabeus remains a testament to the enduring spirit of those who stand firm in their beliefs against overwhelming odds.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Alt. of Seroon.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SERONse'-ron (Seron): "The commander of the host of Syria" of Antiochus Epiphanes, who was defeated at Beth-horon by Judas in 166 B.C. (1 Maccabees 3:13;). Not a Greek name; "perhaps it represents the Phoenician Hiram" (Rawlinson, at the place).
Library
How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius andSeron and Killed...
... CHAPTER 7. How Judas Overthrew The Forces Of Apollonius AndSeron And Killed The
Generals Of Their Armies Themselves; And How When, A Little While Afterwards...
In the Meantime, Matthathias Dies, Having Appointed in his Own...
... When a certain man, namedSeron, who was then the ruler of Syria, heard of this,
he increased his forces, and attacked Judah with much spirit as being superior...
Book 1 Footnotes:
... ch.2. sect.3; and Moses Chorenensis, who also says elsewhere, that another town
was related by tradition to have been calledSeron, or, The Place of Dispersion...
The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 7. How Judas Overthrew The Forces Of Apollonius AndSeron And Killed The
Generals Of Their Armies Themselves; And How When, A Little While Afterwards...
Thesaurus
Seron...SERON. se'-ron (
Seron): "The commander of the host of Syria" of Antiochus Epiphanes,
who was defeated at Beth-horon by Judas in 166 BC (1 Maccabees 3:13;).
...Nicanor (1 Occurrence)
... Soter. After the defeat ofSeron by Judas, Epiphanes entrusted his chancellor
Lysias with the reduction of Judea (1 Maccabees 3:34;)....
Sermons (1 Occurrence)
Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... Here the Syrian generalSeron was defeated by Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees
3:13-24), and six years later Nicanor, retreating from Jerusalem, was here defeated...
Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... Here the Syrian generalSeron was defeated by Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees
3:13-24), and six years later Nicanor, retreating from Jerusalem, was here defeated...
Asmoneans
... In sudden night attacks he surprised the Syrian generals, Apollonius and
Seron (1 Maccabees 3:10, 13), and scattered their armies....
Serpent (40 Occurrences)
Resources
Seron: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
