Read & explore together
Antiochus' Letter about His Successor
This passage from the Catholic additional book of 2 Maccabees records a royal letter from Antiochus while he is suffering. It shows how he addresses the Jewish people, explains his concern for stability, and names his son as successor.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In 2 Maccabees 9:18, Antiochus is described as suffering under the righteous judgment of God and giving up hope for himself. At that point he writes a letter to the Jews. The passage then presents the contents of that letter as a formal appeal from a king.
2 Maccabees 9:18–27Main takeaway
This royal letter shows Antiochus addressing the Jews respectfully while seeking support for his son’s rule.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A letter written in sufferingThe passage begins by framing the letter before we hear its words. Antiochus’ sufferings have not stopped, and the text says the judgment of God has come upon him in righteousness.
Explanation
The passage begins by framing the letter before we hear its words. Antiochus’ sufferings have not stopped, and the text says the judgment of God has come upon him in righteousness. With no hope for himself, he writes to the Jews. The letter is described as having the nature of a supplication, meaning an earnest appeal or request.
02Respectful greeting and hopeful toneThe letter opens in the formal style of a ruler. Antiochus addresses the Jewish citizens with wishes for joy, health, prosperity, and wellbeing for them and their children.
Explanation
The letter opens in the formal style of a ruler. Antiochus addresses the Jewish citizens with wishes for joy, health, prosperity, and wellbeing for them and their children. He also says he has hope in heaven. These opening lines set a courteous tone before he explains why he is writing.
03Why he says he must plan aheadAntiochus says that on his return from Persia he was struck with an annoying sickness, and this made him think about the common safety of all.
Explanation
Antiochus says that on his return from Persia he was struck with an annoying sickness, and this made him think about the common safety of all. Even so, he says he is not despairing of himself and still hopes to recover. The letter presents both concern for the kingdom and confidence that he may yet escape the illness.
04His successor and his requestAntiochus says his father appointed a successor during a campaign so the people would not be troubled.
Explanation
Antiochus says his father appointed a successor during a campaign so the people would not be troubled. He adds that border rulers are watching for opportunity. So he appoints his son Antiochus as king and urges the Jews to keep their present goodwill toward both him and his son.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does 2 Maccabees introduce this letter before quoting it?
Look first at the narrator’s description of Antiochus’ condition and the statement that the letter has the nature of a supplication.
02What reasons does Antiochus give for appointing his son as king?
List the reasons he mentions: the example of his father, the need to prevent public trouble, and the threat of watchful neighbours.
03What does Antiochus ask from the Jewish people at the end of the letter?
Notice that he urges them to preserve their present goodwill toward both him and his son.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
2 Maccabees 9:18–27
18But when his sufferings did in no way cease, for the judgment of God had come upon him in righteousness, having given up all hope for himself, he wrote to the Jews the letter written below, having the nature of a supplication, to this effect:
19“To the worthy Jewish citizens, Antiochus, king and general, wishes much joy and health and prosperity.
20May you and your children fare well, and may your affairs be as you wish. Having my hope in heaven,
21I remembered with affection your honor and good will. Returning out of the region of Persia, and being taken with an annoying sickness, I deemed it necessary to take thought for the common safety of all,
22not despairing of myself, but having great hope to escape from the sickness.
23But considering that my father also, at the time he led an army into the upper country, appointed his successor,
24to the end that, if anything fell out contrary to expectation, or if any unwelcome tidings were brought, the people in the country, knowing to whom the state had been left, might not be troubled,
25and, moreover, observing how the princes who are along the borders and neighbors to my kingdom watch for opportunities and look for the future event, I have appointed my son Antiochus to be king, whom I often entrusted and commended to most of you when I was hurrying to the upper provinces. I have written to him what is written below.
26I therefore urge you and beg you, having in your remembrance the benefits done to you in common and severally, to preserve your present good will, each of you, toward me and my son.
27For I am persuaded that he in gentleness and kindness will follow my purpose and treat you with moderation and kindness.