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Alexander Bows to the High Priest
It is a fascinating and worthwhile study to understand this ancient time
period and its high priests. According to the Bible the high priest was the most
important man in the world, for he represented the nation before God, and God
before the nation. Unfortunately there were times when the priesthood became
corrupt and blinded to its original intent. There were no doubt high priests in Israel’s history who sought after God. Every high priest has a story and the history
of the intertestamental period is packed with adventures. One interesting story
is related in the Talmud concerning Simon the Just:
The Talmud relates that when Alexander the Great and his conquering legions
advanced upon Jerusalem, they were met by a delegation of elders, led by the High
Priest Shimon Ha Tzaddik (Simon the Righteous). When Alexander saw Shimon
approaching, he dismounted and prostrated himself before the Jewish Sage.
To his astonished men, Alexander explained that each time he went into battle,
he would see a vision in the likeness of this High Priest leading the Greek
troops to victory. In gratitude, and out of profound respect for the spiritual
power of the Jews, Alexander was a kind and generous ruler. He canceled the
Jewish taxes during Sabbatical years, and even offered animals to be sacrificed on
his behalf in the Temple.
Unfortunately, history would prove that Alexander's heirs failed to sustain
his benevolence.
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