Tragedy based on the revolt
of the persecuted Jews against King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria
under the leadership of Judah Maccabee, third of the seven sons of Mattathias
and Leah. At first the Jews are successful, but then the tide of battle
turns. Judah and his troops are routed, and Leah and her sons are among
those captured. The prisoners are ordered to become pagans or die.
They refuse, and Antiochus has them executed. However, his people, impressed
by the Jews' steadfastness and valour, turn
against him. Judah then marches in, and Antiochus capitulates, conquered
not by force of arms but by the strength of the Jews' faith.