From 161 to 162 BC
1 Maccabees 6:30
Demetrius rises up against Antiochus V, usurps the throne, and sends Bacchides to conquer Jerusalem. Judas avoids all confrontation with Bacchides due to the enormity of the forces under his control. Demetrius then sends Nicanor to fight Judas. The two engage in several clashes in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, all of which end without negotiations or a decisive outcome. Eventually, the Jews and the Seleucid troops meet in battle at Kfar Shalem, near Gibeon. Nicanor is forced to retreat to the Acra – a robust, Seleucid-controlled fortress in Jerusalem – in 162 BC. He is killed during the next battle, which takes place in Adasa in 161 BC. The main obstacle remaining is the Acra. Judas solidifies his rule across Judea and Samaria and signs a treaty with the Romans in 160 BC.
Judas Maccabeus understands that his enemy has the overwhelming military advantage – and so he changes his strategy. He takes action in order to maintain the status quo, engage in negotiations, and establish his hold in locations that are inaccessible to the opposing side. Positive energy envelops and protects Judas and his army from their hateful, vengeful enemy – and despite their inferiority in terms of weapons and numbers, they remain invincible.
“So he came to Judas, and they greeted one another peaceably, but the enemy were preparing to kidnap Judas. 30 It became known to Judas that Nicanor had come to him with treacherous intent, and he was afraid of him and would not meet him again. 31 When Nicanor learned that his plan had been disclosed, he went out to meet Judas in battle near Caphar-salama. 32 About five hundred of the army of Nicanor fell, and the restfled into the city of David. After these events Nicanor went up to Mount Zion. Some of the priests from the sanctuary and some of the elders of the people came out to greet him peaceably and to show him the burnt offering that was being offered for the king” (1 Maccabees 7:29-35)
Flexibility is being able to receive guidance and change course.
