The Day Of Simon

A Memorial of Israelite Victory and Deliverance

As we reach back in our search to uncover our true Israelite history, there is yet another renowned father who cannot go unmentioned: Simon, the son of Mattathias. Simon was the brother of Judas Maccabeus, as stated in 1st Maccabees 2:1–4:

1st Maccabees 2:1 - 4

In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin. And he had five sons: John, surnamed Gaddis: Simon, called Thassi: Judas, who was called Maccabeus: Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.

After Alexander the Great conquered the known world in 333 BC, his successors invaded Jerusalem, defiled the sanctuary, and destroyed the holy records.

1st Maccabees 1:56

And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire.

The Israelites were tortured, enslaved, brainwashed, and compelled to embrace Greek customs.

1st Maccabees 1:15

And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.

1st Maccabees 1:43 - 49

Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath… And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament… they put him to death.

This led to the scattering of Israelites into Hellenized provinces such as Corinth, Galatia, Egypt, and Thessalonica, and over time, many of them were referred to as “Gentiles” or “Greeks” in the New Testament.

Amid this persecution, the priestly family of Mattathias, from the tribe of Levi, rose up in righteous defiance. Armed with the Torah and faith in the Most High, Mattathias and his sons led a revolutionary stand against Hellenism. Their courage inspired Israel to resist Greek customs and fight for their spiritual and national survival. Under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, great victories were won. The Temple was cleansed and rededicated in what became known as the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).

1st Maccabees 4:36 - 59

Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary… Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven… Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained that the days of the dedication… should be kept with mirth and gladness.

Eventually, Judas and all his brothers died in battle except Simon. When Tryphon, a Seleucid military leader, attempted to invade Judea, Simon stepped up and boldly encouraged the fearful Israelites:

1st Maccabees 13:1 - 7

[1] Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it, [2] And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together, [3] And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen. [4] By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone. [5] Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren. [6] Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice. [7] Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.

Simon was chosen as the new leader in place of Judas and Jonathan, and the people vowed to follow his command. He fortified Jerusalem, prepared Israel for war, and challenged Tryphon directly.

1st Maccabees 13:12 - 24

[12] So Tryphon removed from Ptolemais with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward. [13] But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain. [14] Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying, [15] Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him. [16] Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go. [17] Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people: [18] Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead. [19] So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go. [20] And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went. [21] Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals. [22] Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad. [23] And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there. [24] Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

Simon buried Jonathan in Modin and built a monument to honor his family.

1st Maccabees 13:25 - 30

[25] Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers. [26] And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days. [27] Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before. [28] Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren. [29] And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea. [30] This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day.

He then strengthened Israel diplomatically by securing immunity from taxes and tribute through negotiations with King Demetrius.

1st Maccabees 13:34 - 40

[34] Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil. [35] Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner: [36] King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting: [37] The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted. [38] And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own. [39] As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid. [40] And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.

Then Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius… And the king granted and wrote letters… that the land of Judea should be free.”

This marked a turning point, for in the 170th year, the yoke of the heathen was broken from Israel.

1st Maccabees 13:41

Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year.

We believe the Bible is the true word of the Most High, written by and for the children of Israel. We believe the so-called Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are the descendants of the 12 Tribes of Israel, scattered through slavery and colonization, but chosen to return.

1st Maccabees 13:43 - 48

[43] In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it. [44] And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city: [45] Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace. [46] And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy. [47] So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving. [48] Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.

Meanwhile, those who remained in the tower of Jerusalem, previously built under Antiochus Epiphanes, were starving and helpless. These traitors had aligned themselves with the Greeks but received no aid from Tryphon. Simon seized the opportunity, besieged the tower, and purified it after its surrender.

1st Maccabees 13:50 - 51

[50] Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions: [51] And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.

1st Maccabees 13:52

He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness.

Thus was established the Day of Simon, a memorial of deliverance for the children of Israel. It is to be observed each year on the 23rd day of the second month, as a day of joy and celebration for the defeat of one of Israel’s greatest enemies.

What Makes the Day of Simon Significant?

It commemorates the end of a long-standing occupation and the cleansing of the Temple precincts.
It honors a faithful leader who risked and gave everything for Israel.
It reminds us that deliverance comes through obedience to the Most High, not assimilation to the world.

How Should the Day Be Observed?

It is a day of gladness, feasting, music, and thanksgiving.

1st Maccabees 13:51

And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.

Unlike the Sabbath or Levitical feasts, it is not a holy convocation or a day of rest.

Proverbs 30:5 - 6

[5] Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. [6] Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

It is a memorial—not a Sabbath—and should be honored without adding to the Most High’s commandments.

Final Thoughts

Let us remember and rejoice in the courage of Simon the Maccabee, and in the power of the Most High who delivered Israel through his hands. In this time of reflection, we must also send portions to the poor and keep the spirit of our forefathers alive.

All praises to the Most High and to His Anointed, Yahawashi, for the preservation and awakening of the children of Israel.