Shimon Bar-Kokhba was the leader of the Jewish revolt
against Rome between 132 and 135 C.E. Bar-Kokhba united his army in Judea and
led the Jews in battle. This rebellion later became known as the Bar-Kokhba
revolt.
There are few sources about Bar-Kokhba. Those that exist in Talmud, Midrash and Church Father Euseblus are largely legendary. Even his name is uncertain.
His first name, Shimon, was found written on coins from the time of the
revolt. His last name, however, is written with many variations, such as Ben
Koziva or Bar Kozevah, in different documents. It is probable that his name
was originally Bar Koseva, which is either his father's name or the name of a
Judean settlement. It was likely changed to Bar-Kokhba during the revolt, as a
reference to a verse in the Bible referring to the Messiah as a star (kokhav).
This would be fitting as Bar-Kokhba was descended from the Davidic dynasty
(which is the Messianic dynasty according to Jewish tradition) and the Messianic hopes of the nation centered around him.
Bar-Kokhba was an imperious dictator who was in charge of
both the army and the economy during the Jewish revolt against Rome.
He held the title of Nasi, which could be a Messianic allusion or could simply
refer to the one in charge of army, administration and economy. Bar-Kokhba had
unlimited authority over his army and was concerned with even the most minor
details. He was not afraid to threaten senior officers of his army with
punishment. The 400,000 soldiers in his army were said to have been initiated
either by having a finger cut off or by being forced to uproot a cedar tree.
Bar-Kokhba relied on his own powers and, according to aggada,
when he went to battle he asked God to "neither assist nor discourage
us."
Despite this attitude, Bar-Kokhba strictly adhered to
Jewish laws including Sabbath, tithes and holidays. Letters written in his
name between 132 and 134 C.E., found in the Judean desert between 1952 and
1961, reveal his concern for Jewish observance. These letters also show his
preoccupation with everyday issues such as supplying food to the camp and
solving problems of land ownership.
Before and during the rebellion, Bar-Kokhba and his men
controlled large amounts of land in the Judean hills, Judean desert and Bet
Guvrin. They also maintained contact with Jews in other areas. Bar-Kokhba led
the Jewish army through three and a half years of revolt. He died in a massive
battle at Bethar, in the Judean hills. He was succeeded as ruler by his son
Rufus, who was followed by Rufus' son Romulus.