Bible Dictionary
BACCHIDES
Bacchides was a Syrian ruler and general who supported the appointment of Alcimus and campaigned against the Maccabees. After military conflict, he made peace with Jonathan, the brother of Judas Maccabee.
Definition
Bacchides was a ruler over Mesopotamia and a trusted friend of Antiochus Epiphanes and Demetrius Soter. At Demetrius’s request, he established Alcimus as ruler in Judea. He later campaigned against Judas Maccabee and, after an unsuccessful battle near Bethbasi, made peace with Jonathan.
Biblical Usage
Bacchides appears in the books of the Maccabees as an opponent of Judas Maccabee and his supporters. His campaigns included the construction of strongholds during the struggle for control of Judea, followed by peace with Jonathan.
Historical Background
Bacchides served Syrian rulers during the conflict over Judea. His activity belongs to the period of Demetrius Soter, Alcimus, Judas Maccabee, and Jonathan.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bak-i-dez: Bakchides: Bacchides, ruler over Mesopotamia and a faithful friend of both Antiochus Epiphanes and Demetrius Soter, established at the request of the latter the rulership over Judea for Aleimus, who, desiring to become high priest, had made false accusations against Judas Maccabee (1 Macc 7:8 ff; Ant, XII, x, 2). Bacchides is sent the second time to Judea after the Syrian general Nicanor was killed near Adasa and Judas Maccabee had gained control of the government (1 Macc 9:1 ff; Ant, XII, x). Bacchides after an unsuccessful battle near Bethbasi was forced to make peace with Jonathan, the brother of Judas Maccabee (1 Macc 9:58 ff; Ant, XIII, i). In 1 Macc 10:12 and 2 Macc 8:30 reference is made to the strongholds Bacchides built during his second campaign against Jerusalem (1 Macc 9:50). Compare ALCIMUS; BETHBASI; JONATHAN; JUDAS MACCABAEUS; ADASA; NICANOR. less importance than some modern scholars have attempted to demonstrate.</p><p>A. L. Breslich</p>