The origin of 2 Maccabees is debated. From this it follows that, for the just man, supreme glory consists in being ready to give ones life, if necessary, to defend Gods intereststhe Law, which every Jew must strictly obey. 1 Maccabees covers this entire 40-year period. It frequently imitates biblical phraseology and directly cites biblical precedents. VERSE 1. Antiochus persecutes the Jewish people. [32] Ultimately the relationship between Jonathan and Demetrius breaks down: Maccabees' opinion is that Demetrius "broke his word about all that he had promised; he became estranged from Jonathan and did not repay the favors that Jonathan had done him, but treated him very harshly". It is accepted in the Catholic and Orthodox canons. The books had separate authors. Another explanation concerns the different origins of the books. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. The history presented is very accurate, comparing favorably to pagan historians such as Livy or Tacitus. This might mean the women were forcibly tattooed. The author, probably a Palestinian Jew, is unknown. After the episode of Heliodorus (3:1-40), the writer lays great emphasis on the inviolate sanctity of the Temple and implies that Antiochus suffers the terrible death he does suffer because of his profanation of it. For some more Biblical back history about the Exile and return of the Jews from Babylonian Exile, please read 2 Kings (Chapter 20:12-18), 2 Kings (Chapter 25), Jeremiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah. These two books tell you a lot about Jewish self-definition in the second and first century bc. It is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and apocryphal in Protestant tradition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. [20], The Jerusalem Bible divides the book into five sections:[24], The setting of the book is about a century and a half after the conquest of Judea by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, after Alexander's empire had been divided so that Judea had become part of the Greek Seleucid Empire. He achieves semi-independence from the Seleucid Empire and gains recognition of his rulership from the Roman Senate in 139. The contest which he describes is a struggle, not simply between Jew and Gentile, but between those who would uphold the law and those, Jews or Gentiles, who would destroy it. This usage of "Maccabees" as a group-term may have originated in Greek, as no usage of it in Hebrew to refer to the rebels survives from any era earlier than the 19th century.[10]. We will be talking about events that happened in the second century, which took place in Judea located in the Syrian empire. The book covers the whole of the revolt, from 175 to 134 B.C.E., emphasizing how the salvation of the Jewish people in this crisis came through the family of a zealous priest named Mattathias, particularly his sons, Judas Maccabeus, Jonathan, and Simon, and his grandson, John Hyrcanus. That is, they covered over their circumcision. And if you like what you see, check out our complete Online Course about the first five books of the Bible, a.k.a. 1 Maccabees describes the response of one family to these events. It describes the promulgation of decrees forbidding traditional Jewish practices by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the formation of a rebellion against him by Mattathias of the Hasmonean family and his five sons. Scholarly estimates for the date of authorship include: Roman Missal, Lectionary, Revised Edition approved for use in the dioceses of England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, published by Collins, Geoffrey Chapman and Veritas, 1981, 1982, volumes 2 and 3, The Revolt of the Maccabees: The True Story Behind Hanukkah, "The date of the first Book of Maccabees", "MACCABEES, THE - JewishEncyclopedia.com", "The Original Language of 1 Maccabees: A Reexamination,", "1 Maccabees, the first book of Maccabees", Session IV Celebrated on the eighth day of April, 1546 under Pope Paul III, The First Book of Machabees Liber I Machaborum, Erran Baron Cohen Presents: Songs in the Key of Hanukkah, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1_Maccabees&oldid=1141777926, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 3:1 to 9:22, under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, 9:23 to 12:53, under the leadership of Jonathan, Chapters 1316, under the leadership of Simon. As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from the control of the Greek empire and rededicated (an act that is still commemorated yearly in the festival of Hanukkah). The people of Israel have been specially chosen by the one true God as covenant-partner, and they alone are privileged to know and worship God, their eternal benefactor and unfailing source of help. Ps 119:89-90). When Mattathias died (c. 166 bc), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. British and Foreign Bible Society operates in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.We also work with a network of local Bible Societies around the world. He also forbids circumcision and possession of Jewish scriptures, imposing the death penalty for those who disobey. Chapter 6 reports the last days of Antiochus Epiphanes and the accession of his young son Antiochus V Eupator to the throne. Thus, for example, in 2 Maccabees 12:43 there is Judas act of faith in the resurrection and salvation of his fallen soldiers, but he realizes that they must atone for their sins in the next life, and he wishes to help them in this and asks for prayers from the living. II Maccabees focuses on the Jews' revolt against Antiochus and concludes with the defeat of the Syrian general Nicanor in 161 bce by Judas Maccabeus, the hero of the work. In the first chapter, Alexander the Great conquers vast territories and sets up a great empire, in which the territory of Judea is included. The title of 1 and 2 Maccabees is taken from the surname of Judas (1 Mace. The words "God" and "Lord" never occur in the text, always being replaced by "Heaven" or "He.". Although the author of the first book devotes a lot of space to wars and political intrigues extending over a period of forty years, his primary purpose is a religious one. 1 Maccabees is best known for its account of the recapture of Jerusalem in the year 164 BC and rededication of the Second Temple: the origin behind the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 1 Maccabees. 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. His severest condemnation goes, not to the Seleucid politicians, but to the lawless apostates among his own people, adversaries of Judas and his brothers, who are models of faith and loyalty. The narrative is primarily prose text, but is interrupted by seven poetic sections, which imitate classical Hebrew poetry. At first, it was used to describe the martyrs described in 2 Maccabees. Hellenization included the construction of gymnasia in Jerusalem. When he died his widow, Alexandra, married his elder brother, Alexander Janneus, and she remained on the throne while her son Hyrcanus II was high priest. And he took the silver and the gold and the precious vessels; and he took the hidden treasures which he found. The history of the Maccabee family given in these books ends with the death of Simon and the succession of his son, John Hyrcanus. 2nd century bc) Priestly family of Jews who organized a successful rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Palestine and reconsecrated the defiled Temple of Jerusalem.The rebellion began under the leadership of the Jewish priest Mattathias after Antiochus sought to stamp out Judaism by forbidding all Jewish practices and desecrating the temple (167 bc). On the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, wrath will be poured out on the desolate. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. Jerome likewise claims "the first book of Maccabees I have found to be Hebrew, the second is Greek, as can be proved from the very style" (per Prologus Galeatus). That is, a gymnasium. While he clearly portrays a divine providence behind the history he presents, the narrator refrains from the miracle stories and other legends found in 2 Maccabees, which deals with much of the same material. In either case, only the Greek text has survived, and this only through its inclusion in the Christian canon. The First Book of Macabbees is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. VERSE 40. VERSE 35. Buy Also Available At: . [33], Proposed alliances with Rome and with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees 12:123. 1-2 Thessalonians. 2 He had five sons: John, who was called Gaddi; 3 Simon, who In Hebrew, the first letters of this four word slogan form the acronym MKBY. The 1643 Westminster Confession says that the books "are of no authority in the Church of God, not to be any otherwise approved", for example. The second book is not a sequel to 1 Maccabees; it partially covers the same history (176 - 160 b.c.). After Jesus redeemed mankind by dying on the cross, the just of the Old Testament were enabled to enter heaven, and thus the ancient people of God became the new Israel, which is the Church. 2nd century bc) Priestly family of Jews who organized a successful rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Palestine and reconsecrated the defiled Temple of Jerusalem. The surviving Greek script has Hebraisms and Hebrew idioms. III Maccabees has no relation to the other three books of Maccabees, all of which deal with the revolt of Judaea against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. VERSE 2. [14][15] Various reconstructions have been proposed: Gustaf Dalman, meanwhile, suggests that the title is a corruption of the Aramaic "The Book of the House of the Hasmoneans". And the land was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame. What did it mean to be Jewish in a predominantly Greek culture? He refuses to comply with Antiochus' officers and, in an act of utter defiance, murders a Jew who attempts to offer pagan sacrifice, killing the officer as well. The first and second Books of Maccabees, though regarded by Jews and Protestants as apocryphal, i.e., not inspired Scripture, because not contained in the Jewish list of books drawn up at the end of the first century A.D., have always been accepted by the Catholic Church as inspired and are called deuterocanonical to indicate that they are canonical even though disputed by some. Others, like Mattathias, fought to remain faithful to the Law. each should forsake his own laws. VERSE 9. 12:1-23). The Maccabees then ruled over Israel, first as High Priests and then as High Priests and Princes of Israel. 1 Maccabees covers the period of 175 BCE to 134 BCE. 1 Maccabees was probably written in Jerusalem, but 3 and 4 Maccabees derive from the diaspora. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. First Maccabees was written about 100 B.C., in Hebrew, but the original has not come down to us. Many Jews adopt a policy of accommodation with him in the interest of maintaining peace with the Gentiles, and others openly embrace the Hellenistic culture he introduces. The author is unknown. 504 Pages, 6.12 x 9.25 in, 2 b-w illus. After his death in battle c. 161 B.C.E., his brother Jonathan succeeds him. With the advent of the printing press that obviated the need for scribes to manually and repeatedly copy such works, 1 Maccabees became more widely available. He bans the observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. He also requires Jewish leaders to sacrifice to idols. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many . Even in stories set during the Maccabean period, references to Judas by name were explicitly removed to avoid hero-worship of the Hasmonean line. [13] The word "Maccabees" in plural, however, does not appear to have been used until centuries after the Maccabean Revolt. According to all these words wrote he to his whole kingdom; and he appointed overseers over all the people, and he commanded the cities of Judah to sacrifice, city by city. This is a terrible punishment. 2 Maccabees, instead of covering later years, shines a microscope on the first fifteen years of the same period, drawing its own lessons (which I . Collins 2000 discusses 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the diaspora in the Hellenistic period. Hardcover; 9780300159936; Published: Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022; $85.00. 1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. Later Jewish leaders thought poorly of the rule of the Hasmonean dynasty for several reasons, and a document so openly celebratory of them was problematic. And they led captive the women and the children, and the cattle they took in possession. The Ptolemy kingdom was founded by Ptolemy I, the son of a Macedonian nobleman. the Torah. The First Book of Maccabees (I Maccabees) is historical work extant in Greek, covering the period of 40 years from the accession of Antiochus Epiphanes (175 B.C.E.) Unsure of the meaning of a word or phrase in the Bible? Many scholars suggest that these Church Fathers may have had access to a Biblical Aramaic paraphrase of the workmost Christians writers of the time did not distinguish between Hebrew and Aramaic. Do a bit of research on Hanukkah and talk what you have learnt about this very important Jewish festival. Book of Daniel. [30], After the death of Judas and a period of lawlessness,[31] he is succeeded by his brother Jonathan Apphus, whose battles with the Greek general Bacchides are recounted in chapter 9. And they did all put diadems upon themselves after that he was dead, and so did their sons after them many years: and they multiplied evils in the earth. VERSE 5. VERSE 16. Christian tradition venerates these seven brothers as martyrs, and churches were dedicated to them in Antioch, Rome, Lyons, and Vienne. 1 Maccabees is the most extensive source of information on events in Judea from 175 to 135. In this connection it gives a very moving account of the martyrdom of seven brothers, whose names are unknown but who are popularly called the Maccabees (2 Mac 7:1 ff). 16:2 And Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John, and said to them: I and my brethren, and my father's house, have fought against the enemies of Israel from our youth even to this day: and things have prospered so well in our hands that we have delivered . VERSE 37. And there came exceedingly great wrath upon Israel. Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. There are seven poetic sections in the book that imitate the style of classical Hebrew poetry: four laments (1:2528, 3640; 2:713; 3:45), and three hymns of praise of our fathers (2:5164), of Judas (3:39), and of Simon (14:415). Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. Through a series of events, Tobit goes blind and sends his son on a journey accompanied by the angel Raphael disguised as a human. Rather, it comes from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it from the other books of the Maccabees. VERSE 28. [19], The book was probably originally written in Hebrew. Acts 4 (King James Version) 1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 1 Maccabees 1:54. VERSE 39. Jonathan becomes high priest (1 Maccabees 10:20). 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. 17 And he wrote letters, and sent them to him, according to these words, saying, 18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greeting: 19 We have heard of you, that you are a mighty man of valour, and meet to be our See 1 Maccabees 2:18. Experts date the original Hebrew text sometime in the late second century B.C.E. Some Jews went along with the changes. Book of Deuteronomy. [40] Jews who complain about Judas's activities "bring to the king an accusation against the people". [28] Verses 2332 record an agreement between Rome and the nation of the Jews, whereby each party would act as a willing ally of the other and refuse to supply their enemies in time of war, specific warning being given to Demetrius I Soter that this pact would be activated against him if requested by the Jews. [44] For the author, bold military action while living is the proper response to oppression. [48] Bezalel Bar-Kochva praises it as among the better military historiography of the period. Antiochus forbids both circumcision and possession of Jewish scriptures on pain of death. In any case, the name later came to be used for Judah's brothers as as a family name, as well as to each of the books of "Maccabee. Rabbinic Judaism generally disapproved of the rule of the Hasmonean dynasty, but the book is openly pro-Hasmonean, one of several factors for a lack of enthusiasm for the book within later Judaism. Some even engage in foreskin restoration. VERSE 12. 1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated[ a] King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. Luckily, when a skateboard courier called Y.T. VERSE 59. Editor's note: The following homily delivered by the Reverend Peter M. J. Stravinskas, Ph.D, S.T.D., on 1 August 2017, commemoration of the Holy Maccabees (Extraordinary Form) at the Church of . The book's author is unknown, but is assumed to have been a devout Jew from the Holy Land who may have even taken part in the events described in the book, or at least knew older people who participated in them. Corrections? In the middle of the week he will cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. First Maccabees (written circa 134-104 BCE and describing the period of 166-135 BCE) is devoted to presenting the Maccabean dynasty, from Mattathias through his son Judah, to Jonathan and Simon who became high priests and gained political independence.. First Maccabees was written in Hebrew (though it is only preserved today in Greek) for a Judean audience in a Biblical style that emphasizes . Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. On his journey, the son Tobias meets Sarah, who is afflicted by a demon. Registered charity 232759. But he also wants to show that Gods purpose in permitting persecution is to discipline the Jews in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterwards when our sins have reached their height (6:12-17). Reflect on whether you think that Mattathias and his sons were right to rebel against their Greek oppressors.We are challenged about how we should behave towards our enemies and how we should act as Gods agents, wherever we live in the world. However, 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who sought out or welcomed the introduction of Greek culture. That is, men of Israel came forth. Its vocabulary and style indicate a Greek original. For Jews, a highlight of 1 Maccabees is its description of the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem and the institution of Hanukkah. It runs from the end of the reign of Seleucus IV, the predecessor of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, up to the defeat of Nicanor, shortly before the death of Judas Maccabeusthat is, a period of fifteen years (176-161), which are covered in chapters 1-7 of the first book. Friend. THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES. Judas victory over Nicanor ensures the liberation of the Jewish people and guarantees the proper worship of the true God. put to shame and fled. they chose to die. Second Maccabees includes a different edition of the first seven chapters of 1 Maccabees and was written at a later date, likely in Alexandria, Egypt. And they put there a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, and they strengthened themselves therein. From the time of Alexander onward Greek culture spread throughout the Middle East. It became part of the deuterocanon in early Christianity. The people, in turn, must worship the Lord alone and observe exactly the precepts of the law given to them. Pope Damasus I's Council of Rome in 382, if the Gelasian Decree is correctly associated with it, issued a biblical canon identical with the list given at Trent including the two books of Maccabees. the hundred and forty and fifth year. [20], During the Crusades, Pope Urban II and other church leaders used 1 Maccabees 2 to justify the concept of holy war against the Muslim kingdoms controlling the holy city of Jerusalem. As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from . Gentile forces still hold a fortress in Jerusalem, however, as well as many towns in Judea and Galilee. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. Help me reach the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. VERSE 31. In Chapter 2, there is a line from a dying Mattathias who tells his sons to always listen to Simon and that "he shall be your father", seemingly praising him even over Judas. VERSE 51. And king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people. It has traditionally been considered highly trustworthy, although it is to some extent the "official" version of history according to the Hasmoneans and from the Maccabean point of view. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . The author sees the revolt as divinely ordained, but downplays direct divine intervention such as miracles. VERSE 38. Series: The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries. The following is a brief analysis of 1 Maccabees: (1) 1 Maccabees 1:1-10: An account of the rise of the Seleucid Dynasty. The book of 1 Maccabees clearly favors the revolution against the Seleucid and the Hasmonean dynasty. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). IV Maccabees has scanty historical information and belongs to the Maccabees series only because it deals with the beginning of the persecution of Jews by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. Thus did they in their might to Israel, to those that were found month by month in the cities. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. 1 In those days Mattathias, son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, left Jerusalem and settled in Modein. Ptolemy IIs court at Alexandria was famed for its learning. [47] No angels or miracles come to save the Jews; rather, it is the divinely-approved firm leadership of the Hasmoneans that leads to victory.[9]. According to the first book of Maccabees, one of the Hellenistic kings defiled the temple, forbade circumcision, and even set up altars to his gods. While Judas is eventually killed in battle, the Maccabees eventually achieve autonomy and then independence for Judea under the leadership of the Hasmonean family. The book of Tobit tells the story of Tobit and his family, who are living as exiles from Israel after the Assyrian conquest. He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. As noted above, if ancient manuscripts of the hypothesized original Hebrew version existed, they have been lost. Here are 8 handy tips to get your book club up and running. In 165 BC the Temple is freed and reconsecrated, so that ritual sacrifices may begin again. "Exodus ch. [64], The Roman Catholic Lectionary makes use of texts from 1 Maccabees 1 to 6, along with texts from 2 Maccabees 6 and 7, in the weekday readings for the 33rd week in Ordinary Time, in year 1 of the two-year cycle of readings, always in November, and as one of the options available for readings for the dedication of an altar and as one of the suggested readings at a Mass celebrated to honour persecuted Christians.[65]. The persecution of Antiochus IV presumably radicalized the Jews. And after two full years the king sent a chief collector of tribute to the cities of Judah, and he came to Jerusalem with a great multitude. That is, each nation should abandon its religious customs. Were there any parts of the book that you particularly liked or which inspired you? 2 Maccabees interprets the misfortunes of the Jews as God's punishment for their own sins; the author of 1 Maccabees depicts the problems as due to the external evil of Antiochus IV and his generals, not as a cleansing ordeal that was in some sense divine will. VERSE 45. and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the sanctuary; and should profane the Sabbaths and feasts. Look out for what you might learn about the Judaism of the period from the story. However, we believers CANNOT do evil that good may result. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Books-of-the-Maccabees, The Catholic Encyclopedia - The Books of Machabees. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. Antiochus was determined to impose hellenic religion and civilization in Palestine as elsewhere, and naturally this was anathema to the Jews, who at this time were quite faithful to the Covenant with Yahweh. 3 So he advanced to the ends of the earth . The works main religious theme is that the martyrs sufferings vicariously expiated the sins of the entire Jewish people. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture.. An unknown editor, the "Epitomist," used the factual notes of a historian . Other texts lay stress on the intercession of the saints and the value of prayers for the dead (12:43-46), which are the basis of the dogma of the communion of saints. Updates? Because of the accuracy of the historical account, if a later date is accepted, then the author must have had access to first-hand reports of the events. Why do you think the story of the Maccabees remains so important for Jews even today? According to 1 Maccabees, there were some early groups of Jewish rebels who refused to fight on the Sabbath, and perished accordingly (1 Maccabees 2:29-38) until the Maccabean patriarch Mattathias decided to change the law and permit defensive warfare on the Sabbath (2:39-41). 1 Maccabees was probably written in Hebrew originally. (He had previously become king of Greece.) They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. A Greek version of the text was printed for the first time in 15141517 in the Complutensian Polyglot Bible. 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