The period following the death of Seleucus and the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes was marked by political maneuvering and corruption. Jason, eager to gain power, resorted to bribery to secure the high priesthood, a position of significant religious and political influence. By offering a large sum of silver, Jason demonstrated the lengths to which individuals might go to achieve their ambitions, even at the cost of ethical standards. This historical account underscores the complexities of leadership and the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of authority. It also illustrates the broader theme of the struggle between maintaining religious integrity and succumbing to political pressures. The story of Jason's actions serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over communal and spiritual responsibilities. It invites reflection on the values that guide leadership and the impact of corruption on both individuals and communities.
When Seleucus died and Antiochus, who was called Epiphanes, succeeded to the kingdom, Jason, the brother of Onias, obtained the high priesthood by corruption, promising the king at an interview three hundred and sixty talents of silver and, from another source of revenue, eighty talents.
2 Maccabees 4:4
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