People of the BibleMeet the people behind the storiesBible versesFind a verse by topic or referenceBible stories for kids
From the first pages of Genesis to Paul’s journeys. Find a familiar story, discover a parable, or explore one Bible book at a time.
546 stories and parables · Read at your own pace
A page at a time
546 stories · Page 14 of 23
This passage shows how foreign rule and unfaithful choices brought a harsh attack on Jewish worship, daily life, and covenant faithfulness.
Older readers with an adult
In Modin, Mattathias refused the king’s command, fled with his sons, and others joined them after a deadly attack in the wilderness.
Older readers with an adult
After his father, Judas Maccabeus rose to lead and won early battles against enemies far stronger than his small band.
Older readers with an adult
When a great army came against Judea, Judas gathered the people to pray, prepare, and fight near Emmaus.
Older readers with an adult
After hearing of defeat, Lysias prepared a new campaign with a far larger army, and Judas prayed before the battle at Bethsura.
Older readers with an adult
After the sanctuary had been damaged and defiled, Judas and the people cleansed it and marked its new beginning with eight days of worship.
When Jewish communities in Galilee and Gilead were threatened, Simon and Judas led separate rescue missions and brought many people back to Judea.
Older readers with an adult
Two books recount the king's final failed campaign and his death in a strange land.
Older readers with an adult
In a fierce campaign near Jerusalem, Eleazar ran at a war elephant because he thought the king might be riding it.
Older readers with an adult
A new king took power, and Judea was shaken by accusation, deceit, and a struggle for control.
Older readers with an adult
1 and 2 Maccabees tell of Nicanor's threats against Judas and the temple, and of his final defeat.
Older readers with an adult
Judas hears reports about Rome and sends two men on a long journey to ask for friendship and alliance.
Older readers with an adult
Judas Maccabeus faces a much larger army, falls in battle, and is mourned by Israel.
Older readers with an adult
After Judas died, Jonathan was chosen to lead the people through danger, conflict, and a hard-won peace.
Older readers with an adult
Two rival kings tried to win Jonathan's support, and Alexander appointed him high priest and honoured him before all.
Older readers with an adult
Jonathan answered a proud challenge with a fierce campaign that ended in victory and honour.
Older readers with an adult
As rival kings traded alliances and promises, Jonathan had to act carefully to protect his people.
Older readers with an adult
Jonathan and Simon met threats with battle, diplomacy, and careful work to strengthen Judea’s cities.
Older readers with an adult
Tryphon used friendly words to trap Jonathan, and Jonathan’s men returned to Judah in grief and fear.
Older readers with an adult
When Tryphon threatened Judah, Simon took leadership, but Jonathan was not returned alive.
Older readers with an adult
As rival kings fought for power, Simon secured Judea, received tax relief, and took key strongholds.
Older readers with an adult
A dispute with the king led to raids on Judea, and Simon’s sons went out to defend their people.
Older readers with an adult
A proud plotter betrays Simon, then tries to spread his control even further.
Older readers with an adult
A king's official came to seize money from the temple treasury, but what happened in Jerusalem showed that God was guarding that place.
Older readers with an adult
These retellings include Bible references and links to the source passages. Some accounts describe difficult events and are marked for older readers with an adult. Catholic additional books are labelled separately. Every story has optional AI-generated narration with word highlighting. Tap a word to listen from there, or read aloud together at your own pace.
Next stop: the craft table
Keep the story going with a little colouring, cutting and glue.
