NUMENIUS (Νουμήνιος). The son of Antiochus (1 Macc 12:16) who was sent on special missions to Rome by Jonathan and Simon the Hasmonean.

Following his victory over the commanders of Demetrius in Upper Galilee, Jonathan sent an embassy consisting of Numenius and Antipater (son of Jason) to Rome “to confirm and renew the friendship with them” (12:1). The Romans responded favorably and urged others to do the same. Likewise, the Spartans reacted positively to a letter from Jonathan (12:5-23). Simon succeeded his brother Jonathan after his capture and defeat through a subterfuge by Trypho. Simon’s victories and successes were applauded by the Romans and Spartans. Shortly before the Jews, in 140 b.c., declared “that Simon should be their leader and high priest for ever” (14:41), Simon sent Numenius on a second mission to Rome with a large gold shield “to confirm the alliance with the Romans” (14:24). Numenius returned from Rome with letters to all the neighboring kings and countries declaring the sovereignty of the Jewish people and the integrity of their territory. A copy of this letter is recorded (1 Macc 15:16-21). Josephus (Jos. Antiq. XIII. v. 8) alludes to the event, and in his report of a slightly variant VS of the letter he mentions Numenius, but incorrectly dates the episode in the time of Hyrcanus II (76-67 b.c.). Numenius’ success on these missions would indicate that he was a capable diplomat and successfully represented the Jewish cause in Rome.