Do you have a source for a quote of Josephus that states the temple was destroyed in 167 BC?
I see that was the time of the first Maccabean Revolt....and that did result in Antiochus banning sacrifices in the Temple.
From Westmont college:
"Second Temple Judaism: A Brief Historical Outline--Part Three"
Second Temple Judaism: A Brief Historical Outline--Part Three
3.1. The Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean Dynasty [
167-37 BCE]
167 Antiochus IV issues a decree abolishing Jewish religion.
- He defiles the temple (1 Macc. 1:54-59; 2 Macc. 6:2-5; Dan. 11:31).
- He tortures those who refused to comply.
- Mattathias, an old priest in Modein, N.W. of Jerusalem, refuses to cooperate, kills an idolatrous Jew and flees with his five sons: John, Eleazar, Judas, Jonathan, Simon.
- The Maccabean revolt (and the Hasmonean dynasty) begins. See 1 Macc.2:15-28.
On the zeal of Phinehas, see Num.25:6-15; Psm.106:28-31; Sir.45:23-24; 1 Macc.2:27, 54.
1 Macc.2:29-38: a band of rebels hiding in the desert are attacked on the Sabbath. They refuse to defend themselves and are slaughtered.
1 Macc.2:39-41: Mattathias and company determine to fight even on Sabbath--they would break the Torah for the sake of Torah.