Simon Leads and Jonathan Dies

Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered a mighty army to come into Judah and destroy it. The people were trembling with fear, so Simon went up to Jerusalem and called them together. He reminded them that his family had suffered and fought for the laws and the sanctuary, and said he would not try to save himself while the nation was in trouble.

Simon said he would act for the nation, the sanctuary, and their wives and children, because enemies had gathered to destroy them. The people took heart and answered that he should be their leader in place of Judas and Jonathan. Then Simon gathered fighting men, hurried to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and sent Jonathan son of Absalom with a large force to Joppa, where they drove people out and stayed there.

Jonathan, Simon's brother, was still under guard with Tryphon. Tryphon sent a message saying Jonathan was being held because of money owed to the king's treasury. He asked for one hundred talents of silver and Jonathan's two sons as hostages, promising to release him. Simon recognised the deceit, but sent the money and the children so the people would not say Jonathan had died because Simon refused.

Tryphon did not keep his word and did not release Jonathan. He moved to invade the land, while Simon and his army marched near him from place to place. People from the citadel sent messengers to Tryphon, asking him to reach them through the wilderness and send food. But heavy snow fell that night, so he did not come that way. He turned toward Gilead instead, and near Bascama he killed Jonathan. After that, Tryphon went back to his own land.

Simon sent for Jonathan's bones and buried him at Modin, the city of his fathers. All Israel mourned for many days. Simon then built a high monument for his father and family with polished stone on the front and back. He set up seven pyramids and great pillars, with carved armour for a lasting memorial and carved ships beside them, visible to those who sailed on the sea. What do you notice about the way Simon led in danger and honoured his brother in grief?