Onias and Heliodorus

The first clash between the two sides comes as a result of an internal Jewish dispute over control of the high-priesthood. The Seleucids, looking to exploit temple funds, intervened in exchange for increased revenue. The story of Heliodorus is presented in Maccabees II in an entirely negative light.

However, it the high priesthood continued to be fought over and sold to the higher bidders. We now have separate documentation that Heliodorus was involved in the administration of the province and that Seleucus IV established an overseer for all the temples in the region. (ZPE 159 see: http://www.currentepigraphy.org/2007/05/07/the-heliodorus-stele-zpe-159-2007-191-205/)

Simon from the clan Bilgah quarrelled with Onias about the regulation of the market. Thwarted by Onias he goes to Apollonius son of Thraseus, governor of Coele-Syria and Palestine, alleging that the treasury at Jerusalem held untold undeclared riches. Apollonius reports this to the king, who selects Heliodorus, his chief minister, to remove the treasures.

Simon explains that the wealth was held for widows and orphans. Heliodorus insists on making an inventory. The priests prayed to the Lawgiver to protect the savings of rightful owners. Distress of high priests, gnashing, wailing, women bare their breasts, unmarried girls take to the streets. Entreaties to heaven.

“When Heliodorus arrived at the treasury, the Ruler of the spirits and all powers produced a mighty apparition, Heliodorus’ bodyguard struck with terror. They saw a horse, splendidly caparisoned, with a rider of terrible aspect; it rushed fiercely at Heliodorus and, rearing up, attacked him with its hooves. The rider was wearing golden armour. There also appeared to Heliodorus two young men of surpassing strength and glorious beauty, splendidly dressed. They stood on either side of him and scourged him, raining ceaseless blows on him. He fell suddenly to the ground, overwhelmed by great darkness, and his men snatched him up and put him on a litter. This man, who had so recently entered the treasury with a great throng and his whole bodyguard, was now borne off by them quite helpless, publicly compelled to acknowledge the sovereignty of God.”