Leah kept her promise to the Lord Adonai. She became a source of strength for the remaining brothers and often traveled with the army, doing whatever had to be done in the fight for freedom. When the battle was not raging, she told the people of Israel everything she and Judah had learned. Eneas, who became her surrogate son, traveled with her and grew to become an outstanding advocate for Israel’s freedom.
From 161 BC, the year of Judah’s death, to 155 BC, Bacchides continued his campaign of persecution, but his target shifted from pious Jews to Judah’s family. The Hasmonean name had become so identified with the cause of national and religious freedom that the Seleucids sought to stamp it out.
One by one, Judah’s brothers gave their lives for Israel: after Eleazar and Judah, then Johanan, Jonathan, and Simon.
The year after Judah’s death, Jonathan was chosen as Israel’s high priest and leader. He led the nation for eighteen years, and only after he was murdered in 142 BC did Simon assume that position. He served as high priest for seven years, until he and two of his sons were murdered by his treacherous son-in-law. Simon’s wife was also brutally murdered.
All five of Mattathias’s sons gave their lives while working and fighting for the nation of Israel. Judah and Eleazar died on the battlefield. Johanan, Jonathan, and Simon were murdered by treacherous foes. But because of their sacrifice, the tiny nation of Israel united in fidelity and faith, clearing its Temple of all pagan abominations. Because Judah Maccabaeus and his courageous brothers sacrificed their lives, Israel was finally able to enjoy religious liberty and, for a brief period, political independence.