The author exhibits a personal interest in the events, but presents them as accurately as possible given his own commitment to the Maccabean dynasty as instituted by God. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. Chapter 16. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. At this point the book ends. 1:9). 2 Maccabees recaps some of the story (until the events of 161 bc) and adds in details about Gods intervention into the events reports. This is alluded to in two other passages: Daniel 9:27. [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". 20 And now we have . That is, a gymnasium. [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. perhaps even Sadducean, tendency interpenetrates the entire work" (Fischer, 4:441) and the "author of 1 Maccabees identifies unreservedly with the rebels and their leaders." (Efron, 47; Sievers, 2). The doctrine expressed in the book is the customary belief of Israel, without the new developments which appear in 2Maccabees and Daniel. the king sent letters. Antiochus makes Judaism illegal. It is not known whether Josephus's copy of 1 Maccabees was missing the final three chapters, or he simply found a better source for that era of history. 1 Maccabees was probably written in Hebrew originally. 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. Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honor into contempt. They establish a gymnasium, where men socialized in the nude. [27], In chapter 8, Judas seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic, aiming to remove the Greeks. [26] Mattathias calls upon people loyal to the traditions of Israel to oppose the invaders and the Jewish Hellenizers, and his sons begin a military campaign against them. 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. A Greek version of the text was printed for the first time in 15141517 in the Complutensian Polyglot Bible. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . Some Jews went along with the changes. The same fate overtakes another persecutor, Nicanor, who dies because he threatened to destroy the Temple. 2 Kings. 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 enforcement may be targeting only Jewish leaders, ordinary Jews were also killed as a warning to others. Ptolemy supposedly threatened the Jews with loss of citizenship after Palestinian Jews refused to permit him to enter the sanctuary of the Temple of Jerusalem. The book draws a sharp contrast between Jews and Gentiles, similar to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. That is, about 170 BC. This page was last edited on 16 October 2020, at 19:27. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=1_Maccabees&oldid=1044072, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. an abomination of desolation. VERSE 19. To keep the Law of Moses would mean being put to death. 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. VERSE 32. for the second, on the basis of the information given in the first letter they refer to (2 Mace. The first book was written in Hebrew, although what we have is only a Greek translation; the second, written in Greek, shows that the author had a good grasp of Greek rhetoric and the Greek language, which suggests he may have been from Alexandria. Unlike, the writer of 2 Maccabees, he evidences no Pharisaic theology and may have written in order to justify the Maccabeean dynasty against criticism that they were corrupt and were ruling illegitimately as Jewish kings since they were not of the Davidic lineage. He achieves semi-independence from the Seleucid Empire and gains recognition of his rulership from the Roman Senate in 139. (He had previously become king of Greece.) Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. VERSE 28. First Maccabees covers the efforts of the Jewish people to regain their freedom following the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and apocryphal in Protestant tradition. Maccabees , (fl. the hundred and forty and fifth year. Gentile forces still hold a fortress in Jerusalem, however, as well as many towns in Judea and Galilee. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 01793 418222. He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. The author propagates "Hasmonean propaganda" in the sense of upholding the righteousness of the Hasmoneans and their just claim to rule the Hasmonean kingdom. 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. 63 Today they will be exalted, but tomorrow they will not be found, because they will have returned to the dust, and their plans will have perished. It also asserts the resurrection of the just and tells us what we need to know about the fate of the unjust (7:9, 14,23,29; 14:46). And the land was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame. [ a] 2 He had five sons: John, who was called Gaddi; 3 Simon, who was called Thassi; 4 Judas, who was called Maccabeus; 5 Eleazar, who was called Avaran; and Jonathan, who was called . As we know, those who have left this world and enjoy the beatific vision, in the same act of charity in which they love God, are also praying for their brothers, who are members of the Church like themselves. From Alexander to Antiochus. And he called his servants, which were honorable, which had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided to them his kingdom, while he was yet alive. Antiochus captures Egypt. They will not live a lie. 1 Maccabees,[note 1] also known as the First Book of Maccabees, First Maccabees, and abbreviated as 1 Macc., is a deuterocanonical book which details the history of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire as well as the founding and earliest history of the independent Hasmonean kingdom. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 12:1-23). Modin. At first, it was used to describe the martyrs described in 2 Maccabees. 1 Maccabees 10, Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, One of over 125 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary was originally compiled by priest and biblical scholar Rev. After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. It is accepted in the Catholic and Orthodox canons. VERSE 21. and entered presumptuously into the sanctuary, and took the golden altar, and the candlestick of the light, and all that pertained thereto. St. Augustine wrote in The City of God that they were preserved for their accounts of the martyrs. 1 Maccabees covers the period of 175 BCE to 134 BCE. 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. Antipathy toward the Seleucid-friendly Hellenizing Jews is unsurprising, as they were enemies in war, but 1 Maccabees extends criticism to internal Jewish opponents of the Hasmoneans as well. An unknown editor, the "Epitomist," used the factual notes of a historian . The sacred writers purpose is to build up the morale of the Jews. (He had previously become king of Greece.) The book covers the whole of the revolt, from 175 to 134 BC, highlighting how the salvation of the Jewish people in this crisis came through Mattathias' family, particularly his sons, Judas Maccabeus, Jonathan Apphus, and Simon Thassi, and Simon's son, John Hyrcanus. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. 1 and 2 Maccabees are set during the reign of the Seleucid Greek empire (the part of the Greek empire that found its roots in Syria). It includes such fundamental texts as that which states that God created all thingsex nihilo, out of nothing, not out of things which existed (7:28), and those which make it clear that the sacrifice of martyrs is a voluntary form of atonement which placates Gods anger (7:36, 8:5). This history includes battles with Antiochus IV and his son. 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). [43] Rather, the author interprets events as God using the military genius of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers as the instrument to achieve the liberation of Judea. However, we believers CANNOT do evil that good may result. This book also tells us more about atonement beyond the grave by asserting the existence of purgatory (12:38ff). [40] Jews who complain about Judas's activities "bring to the king an accusation against the people". 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. [62], The book was never included in the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh and is not canonical in Judaism. The period of peace and prosperity is celebrated in a biblical-style poetic passage, the "Eulogy of Simon",[36] which Rappaport considers to be "one of the most important poetic passages in 1 Maccabees".[37]. And he took the spoils of the city, and set it on fire, and pulled down the houses thereof and the walls thereof on every side. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. He bans the observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. Grimm indicates the time span for when the book could have been written to be from 105-64 b.c.e. "[45][46] Even if "heaven" is merely shorthand for "God in heaven", 1 Maccabees is remarkably secular in its depiction of the conflict. He then imposes a tax and establishes a fortress in Jerusalem. CHAPTER 1. many in Israel were fully resolved. And the kingdom was well ordered in the sight of Antiochus, and he thought to reign over Egypt, that he might reign over the two kingdoms. And he took the silver and the gold and the precious vessels; and he took the hidden treasures which he found. These heroes of the faith will walk with the One God and keep the Covenant. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. he shall die. [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. were recognized by the Fathers as inspired, there is an interim stage where souls are purified. It came to pass, after that Alexander the Macedonian, the son of Philip, who came out of the land of Chittim, and struck Darius king of the Persians and Medes, it came to pass, after he had struck him, that he reigned in his stead, in former time, over Greece. When Mattathias died (c. 166 bc), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. ISBN links support NWE through referral fees. It aims at bringing out even more strongly the religious lessons of the time, and the story is written more like a sermon than a history. 1 Maccabees 1:54. That is, each nation should abandon its religious customs. And there came great mourning upon Israel, in every place where they were; the beauty of the women was changed. Jonathan's capture in 143 BC, having been double-crossed by Diodotus Tryphon, is recorded in 1 Maccabees 12:48. The history presented is very accurate, comparing favorably to pagan historians such as Livy or Tacitus. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. These include four laments and three hymns of praise. Despite this, the book is not included as canon in the Tanakh. the Torah. 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. Chapter 2. 2 Simon now had the effrontery to name this benefactor of the city, this protector of his . Hardcover; 9780300159936; Published: Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022; $85.00. Look out for the similarities and differences between the two. Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. He then calls forth the people to holy war against the Gentiles and their Jewish collaborators. VERSE 27. Reading time: Around 4 hours for both books or 2 hours for one. Collins 2000 discusses 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the diaspora in the Hellenistic period. He may also have consulted it for Book 1 of The Jewish War. And Alexander reigned twelve years, and he died. 1 Maccabees covers this entire 40-year period. VERSE 25. And they tore in pieces the books of the law which they found, and set them on fire. The kingdom began to decline under Ptolemy IV Philopator, who was a bad administrator and led a dissolute life. The second book overlaps with the first, starting earlier. 1 The Simon mentioned above as the informer against the funds and against his country began slandering Onias, insinuating that the latter had been responsible for the assault on Heliodorus and himself had contrived this misfortune. A supporter of the Hasmonean dynasty. Ptolemy IIs court at Alexandria was famed for its learning. [note 2] All agree that the book was written before 63 BC, as the author shows great admiration toward Rome and does not know of the Roman general Pompey conquering Jerusalem and reducing the Hasmonean kingdom to a client state of the Roman Republic in that year. Updates? In the middle of the week he will cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. 3He advanced to the ends of the earth, and plundered many nations. 3 So he advanced to the ends of the earth . Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. The origin of 2 Maccabees is debated. 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. Shortly before his death, he divides his kingdom among his generals. The king will require Jews to reject their Covenant with the One God. VERSE 56. Purpose of The Book of 1 Maccabees: The purpose in writing 1 Maccabees Book is to record the deliverance of Israel that God worked through the family of Mattathias (5:62) - especially through his three sons, Judas, Jonathan, and Simon, and his grandson, John Hyrcanus. Ps 119:89-90). 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. VERSE 4. and he gathered together an exceedingly strong army, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him. All this shows that these inspired books are well worth prayerful reading, particularly the second, which provides us with many edifying examples especially the humility which leads its protagonists to trust in God, their fortitude in defending their faith, their patience in dealing with obstacles to observance of the Law, and their deep piety, as shown in their prayer for their dead comrades. Related to this is the issue that including 1 Maccabees in the canon may have given legitimacy to other texts in the Septuagint that were more problematic for the rabbis. He extensively uses the first thirteen chapters of it in Books 12 and 13 of his work Jewish Antiquities, paraphrasing it directly in parts, although supplementing it with other Greek histories such as Nicolaus of Damascus. [This chapter is in Orthodox and Catholic Bibles] Alexander the Great. And there came exceedingly great wrath upon Israel. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. If this is all new to you, don't worrywe're here to help. Eusebius, in his book Church History, quotes Origen of Alexandria who says the original title of the work was Sarbth Sarbanael,[note 3] an enigmatic Greek transliteration from a putative Hebrew original title. Reigned twelve years, and an arrogant spirit before a fall inhabitants,! Will walk with the one God and keep the Covenant passages: Daniel 9:27, men... Asserting the existence of purgatory ( 12:38ff ) by asserting the existence of (. 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