Bible Dictionary
ATHENOBIUS
Athenobius was a representative of Antiochus VII sent to Jerusalem to demand that Simon Maccabeus surrender captured territories or pay a large sum of silver. Simon refused the demand, and Athenobius returned unsuccessful.
Definition
Athenobius was a friend and representative of Antiochus VII sent to Jerusalem to protest Simon Maccabeus’s occupation of Joppa, Gazara, and the Jerusalem citadel.
Biblical Usage
In 1 Maccabees, Athenobius demanded that Simon surrender the captured places or pay one thousand talents. Simon offered one hundred talents, and Athenobius returned unsuccessful.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ath-e-no'-bi-us [Athenobios]: A "friend" of Antiochus VII (Sidetes), who was sent to Jerusalem by the king to protest against the occupation of Joppa and Gazara, and the citadel Jerusalem. A demand was made on Simon Maccabeus to give up all the places he had taken or pay 1,000 talents in silver. Simon declined to pay more than 100 talents, and Athenobius returned to Antiochus from his fruitless mission (1 Macc 15:28-36).</p>