The Destruction of Nicanor
A Day of Deliverance and Judgment
The Destruction of Nicanor is a memorial feast celebrated on the 13th day of the 12th month, Adar, commemorating the miraculous defeat of a deadly enemy of Israel, Nicanor, through the hand of Judas Maccabeus. This solemn day honors the power of the Most High to protect His sanctuary and avenge the blasphemies of the wicked.
Historical Context and Scriptural Foundation
This historical account is found in 1 Maccabees 7 and 2 Maccabees 14–15, where Nicanor, a Greek general and enemy of Israel, was appointed by King Demetrius to destroy Judas Maccabeus and suppress the faithful Israelites.
2 Maccabees 14:31–33 – “He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas… I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus.”
This act of blasphemy sparked divine retribution.
The Wicked Plot of Alcimus and Nicanor
A wicked Israelite named Alcimus, who had previously defiled himself, sought the high priesthood and slandered Judas before King Demetrius (2 Maccabees 14:3–10). Demetrius, influenced by Alcimus, commissioned Nicanor, a former master of elephants, to govern Judea and destroy Judas.
At first, Nicanor attempted peace, even growing fond of Judas. But after more slander from Alcimus, Demetrius ordered Judas’s arrest, and Nicanor turned hostile (2 Maccabees 14:25–28).
The Threat Against the Temple
Nicanor, enraged, entered the temple and demanded Judas’s surrender. When the priests refused, he threatened to destroy the temple and replace it with one to Bacchus (2 Maccabees 14:33). The priests and elders prayed to the Most High for deliverance (1 Maccabees 7:36–38).
1 Maccabees 7:38 – “Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies.”
Judas Maccabeus’ Faith and Valor
Judas, with only 3,000 men, faced Nicanor’s mighty army of tens of thousands, including war elephants and cavalry. He encouraged his men with prayer, recalling past victories and the help of God (2 Maccabees 15:6–16).
1 Maccabees 3:19 – “For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.”
Judas prayed for an angel of the Lord to strike the enemy as He did in the days of Hezekiah (2 Maccabees 15:22–24).
The Battle and Divine Victory
2 Maccabees 15:27 – “So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.”
Nicanor, the blasphemer, was among the first to die. His army fled, and the Israelites pursued, utterly destroying them (1 Maccabees 7:44–46).
Public Display and Commemoration
2 Maccabees 15:30–33 – Judas had Nicanor’s head, right hand, and tongue removed and hung as a sign before the temple. This symbolized divine judgment on those who mock the Most High.
2 Maccabees 15:34 – “Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.”
Establishing the Feast Day
2 Maccabees 15:36 – “And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month… the day before Mardocheus’ day.”
This was made a holy day, similar to a Sabbath, in which no buying, selling, or working is done, though cooking is allowed. It immediately precedes the Feast of Purim (Mordechai’s Day).
Spiritual Significance
The Destruction of Nicanor commemorates:
- Victory over blasphemy and pride
- Preservation of the temple and Israelite worship
- Divine justice against treachery and idolatry
- The reward of those who fight for righteousness
Romans 15:4 – “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Daniel 11:32 – “But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
Final Thoughts
Just as with the Feast of Dedication, the Destruction of Nicanor reminds the children of Israel that Yahawah defends His sanctuary and exalts those who honor His commandments. Judas Maccabeus and the faithful stood boldly in the face of death, and the Most High answered with power.
Let this be a solemn day of praise, remembrance, and renewal of our faith, that we too may be counted among those who “fight the good fight” for the laws and for our people.
All praises to the Most High and His Anointed, Yahawashi.
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