ALCIMO

ALCIMUS. – Contemporary and antagonist of Judas Maccabaeus (v.). He changed his Hebrew name ‘Eljáqim (or Jehôjâqim) into the Greek Ἀλκμὸς to display his adherence to the policy of Hellenization of Palestine instituted by the Seleucids. Of priestly stock, but not from the family from which the high priest was chosen, he aspired to the highest office backed by the Hellenizing Jews and the arms of the Syrian king. He was invested with the coveted dignity by Lysias, who ruled in the name of the young king Antiochus V Eupator (163–62 B.C.). Shortly afterwards (mid-161 B.C.) he succeeded in ingratiating himself with Demetrius I Soter (162–50 B.C.), who had suppressed his protectors, and obtained the help of the general Bacchides to be forcibly installed in office in Jerusalem, which was in the hands of the Maccabee. Bacchides’ first success was checked by Judas, who resisted even when operations were resumed by Nicanor, who died on the field (v. ADARSA). A. obtained a second intervention by Bacchides, who, with a large army, overcame the valiant Maccabee, who fell gloriously. A. was at last able to wield power and even attempt a reform of worship; but while demolishing “the wall of the inner court of the Sanctuary” he was struck by apoplexy (159 B.C.). 1 Mach. 7:5–50; 9:1–57; 2 Mach. 14:3–27.