Jonathan Maccabeus (160–143 bc). By the time Jonathan assumed leadership, two rival factions in Syria—led by Demetrius I and Alexander Balas—were vying for the throne, and both wanted Jonathan as an ally. Jonathan capitalized on this opportunity, gaining concessions from both sides and successfully enlarging the territory under his influence.

In 153 bc, Alexander appointed Jonathan to the high priesthood. Jonathan’s union of two spheres—political and religious—into one office was unprecedented. Although a member of a priestly line, his appointment created two problems for conservatives: (1) he had stained himself in battle, and (2) he was not of Zadokite origin. One group protested by retreating to the Judaean desert to form the Qumran community (see below). In 143 bc, the Syrian general Tryphon, whom Jonathan considered an ally, captured and murdered Jonathan, leaving Simon, the remaining Maccabean, to lead the Jews.