The Dramatic Last Battle of King Yannai

King Yannai brutally crushed the Jewish uprising. After his victory, he permitted Torah scholars to remain in Jerusalem, no longer seeing them as a threat. Shimon ben Shetach, Queen Shlomtzion's brother, emerged from hiding. This change came after an event during which King Yannai wanted someone to lead a post-meal blessing, but having been at odds with Torah scholars, no one was available. Shlomtzion claimed she had someone who could do it if Yannai promised not to harm him. Yannai agreed, allowing Shimon ben Shetach to come out of hiding.

Despite joining the king, Shimon had to remain cautious, as Yannai had little respect for Torah scholars. During a drought and food shortage, Shimon informed Yannai of the need for sacrifices by 300 Nazirites and asked if he would share the cost. Yannai agreed to pay for 150 sacrifices. Shimon then found a way to release the Nazirites from their vows, infuriating Yannai once more, causing Shimon to hide again.

Later, foreign philosophers visiting the king inquired about the wise elder present during their last visit. Yannai sought Shimon ben Shetach again, eager to showcase Jewish wisdom. Assuring Shimon of his safety, Yannai asked, "Why did you deceive me?" Shimon replied, "As Solomon said, 'Wisdom provides as much protection as money,' implying his wisdom equaled Yannai's wealth."

During a time of drought, Choni HaMe'agel was invited to pray for rain. When his prayer was effective, Shimon ben Shetach warned him, "If not for your reputation, I'd excommunicate you," as one should not impose on Hashem at will.

Yannai may have softened towards scholars, but his life was cut short. In 76 BCE, 146 years before the Second Temple's destruction, Yannai embarked on a military campaign beyond the Jordan. Contracting malaria, he returned to Jerusalem. There, he famously told his wife, "Do not fear those who are pious or not, but those who appear pious yet act corruptly." He instructed Shlomtzion to allow the Pharisees to lead after his death, seeing them as more virtuous than the Sadducees. Insisting on leading one last campaign despite his illness, he passed away mid-campaign. Although he instructed that his body be given to the Pharisees for desecration, this didn't occur—either due to his wife's refusal or the Pharisees' unwillingness to emulate him.

After Yannai's death, his wife Shlomtzion, who had previously been married to his elder brother Aristobulus and was 13 years his senior, assumed the throne at age 64. Her reign marked the only instance during the Second Temple period where a woman ruled alone. Unlike the notorious Athaliah from the First Temple period, Shlomtzion was righteous, and respected by Torah scholars. Her story will continue in the next installment.

From Empire to Ruin (Part 1): The Hasmonean Rebellion and its Surprising Victory

From Empire to Ruin (Part 2): The Dangerous Alliance that Toppled Judah

From Empire to Ruin (Part 3): John Hyrcanus' Amazing Triumph over Antiochus

From Empire to Ruin (Part 4): The Decisive Battle between Torah Scholars and Sadducees

From Empire to Ruin (Part 5): The Rise and Fall of Aristobulus

From Empire to Ruin (Part 6): Battles, Victories, and the Famous Decree Remembered for Generations

From Empire to Ruin (Part 7): The Brutal Confrontation of Yannai and its Devastating Consequences