Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

LYSIAS

(Gk. Lysías)

A general in the Seleucid army of Antiochus IV. When Antiochus went to Persia to raise funds, he left orders for Lysias to march against Jerusalem (1 Macc. 3:32-41). In 165 b.c.e. Lysias’ commanders met defeat at Emmaus in a battle with Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc. 4:1-24). Lysias marched on Israel again the next year and engaged Judas at Beth-zur (1 Macc. 4:26-35). The exact outcome of this battle is unclear. 1 Maccabees reports that Judas routed Lysias’ army, while 2 Maccabees claims that the two parties signed a peace treaty (2 Macc. 11:1-15). Whatever may have happened, Lysias’ departure from Israel allowed Judas to rededicate the temple (1 Macc. 4:36-59).

When Antiochus IV learned of Lysias’ defeat, he appointed Philip as king. In a counter move, Lysias set up Antiochus V, the son of Antiochus IV, as king (1 Macc. 6:14-17). Philip’s return from the east interrupted Lysias’ second campaign against Israel, and Lysias returned to Antioch to regain control. Demetrius I killed Lysias and Antiochus V upon his return from Rome in 162 (1 Macc. 6:55–7:4).

See Claudius Lysias.

Rodney A. Werline