That said, the author is still proud of forging alliances with others, citing negotiations with the Roman Republic and Sparta. They are in the Public Domain. 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. 1 Maccabees . Look out for what you might learn about the Judaism of the period from the story. From Alexander to Antiochus. 2 Chronicles. [27], In chapter 8, Judas seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic, aiming to remove the Greeks. Reading time: Around 4 hours for both books or 2 hours for one. The second book is not a sequel to 1 Maccabees; it partially covers the same history (176 - 160 b.c.). Their faith in the resurrection, which they explicitly assert (v. 11), gives them the courage to undergo terrible sufferings to keep the holy Law of God, sufferings in which they are also supported by their mothers faith. [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. 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. Book of Deuteronomy. It was included in standard printed Christian Bibles in the deuterocanon section. Finally, there is the issue of its revolutionary character. The rabbinical sages of this period had learned from experience that revolt against the Gentiles (in this case the Romans) brought disaster. Corrections? The book 2 Maccabees, preserved right next to 1 Maccabees in the Septuagint, provides a striking contrast in theology, and the works are often compared. VERSE 27. More wars involving Judas and his brothers Simon and Jonathan are reported in chapters 5, 6 and 7. Snow Crash Summary. 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. [22], The narrative is primarily prose text, but is interrupted by seven poetic sections, which imitate classical Hebrew poetry. 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. Judas victory over Nicanor ensures the liberation of the Jewish people and guarantees the proper worship of the true God. 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). Look out for the similarities and differences between the two. VERSE 16. Naturally, any account of the war of liberation led by Judas Maccabeus would have this effect and would show that victory was due to Gods powerful aid (2:19-22). He claims to have used and condensed a five-volume work by someone called Jason of Cyrene (which no longer exists) and appears to have introduced theological reflections onto the events as he went. Nothing is known about the author of 1 Maccabees other than that the attention to detail and knowledge of events suggests that he was an eye witness or had access to eyewitness accounts. a place of exercise. Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honor into contempt. The Hasmoneans were not an obvious choice to be rulers; they did not descend from the priestly line of Zadok that had taken the office of High Priest for generations at the point of the Maccabean Revolt. The book also comes across as dismissive of martyrdom and passive approaches to resistance, seeing such gestures as futile and pointless. When Mattathias died (c. 166 bc), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. The name Maccabee, probably meaning hammer, is actually applied in the Books of Maccabees to only one man, Judas, third son of the priest Mattathias and first leader of the revolt against the Seleucid kings who persecuted the Jews (1Mc 2:4, 66; 2Mc 8:5, 16; 10:1, 16). Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. The author sees the revolt as divinely ordained, but downplays direct divine intervention such as miracles. First Maccabees covers the efforts of the Jewish people to regain their freedom following the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Probably written about 100 B.C.E., the book was included as scripture in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible and later included in Christian scripture until the Protestant Reformation, when the apocrypha of the Old Testament were generally rejected by Protestants. He may well have played some part in it himself in his youth. 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. And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die. Luckily, when a skateboard courier called Y.T. The works main religious theme is that the martyrs sufferings vicariously expiated the sins of the entire Jewish people. [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. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. 13-16). [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". Mattathias proclaimed a holy war; Jewish armed resistance operated from the wilderness with great success under the successive leadership of three of Mattathias sonsJudas Maccabeus, the undisputed leader of the Jews (3:1-9); Jonathan (9:28-12:53), and Simon (chap. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. But they did not belong to the family of those men through whom deliverance was given to Israel. The history presented is very accurate, comparing favorably to pagan historians such as Livy or Tacitus. Sign up for our short, weekly email about how we're inviting people to discover the Bible. Simon is succeeded by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father. VERSE 23. [44] For the author, bold military action while living is the proper response to oppression. When we first meet Hiro Protagonist, he delivers pizzas for the mob in L.A.; he's also a brilliant hacker and sword-wielding genius, but his plays-poorly-with-others personality means he needs a day job. And at the doors of the houses and in the streets they burned incense. The same fate overtakes another persecutor, Nicanor, who dies because he threatened to destroy the Temple. Did you read anything in the book that touched you, expanded your faith or made you think more deeply about your life and how you live it. (Das erste Buch der Maccaber [Kurzgefasstes exegetisches Handbuch zu (He had previously become king of Greece.) [7][4] He was likely a court historian or equivalent. The author, probably a Palestinian Jew, is unknown. Judas's brother Simon Thassi is declared High Priest by will of the Jewish people. Hardcover; 9780300159936; Published: Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022; $85.00. 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. The origin of the word maccabee is unclear; it may derive from the Hebrew word maqqabi (= hammer)a reference to Judas physical strength and exploits. 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. In the middle of the week he will cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. When Mattathias died, the revolt was led by his son Judas, or Judah Maccabee, as he is often called. VERSE 19. Ancient manuscripts of the text include the Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Venetus, as well as several scrolls. Friend and confederate. 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. It is probably a Greek translation of a Hebrew account of Israel's independence struggle between 174 and 134 bc.Similarly little is known about the author of 2 Maccabees, although it is clear that he was not the same person as the author of 1 Maccabees. Rather, the book refers to "heaven" (ourans) instead, such as Judas saying in a speech that "It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven. His purpose in writing 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. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. [44] Notably, the author makes no reference to the idea of a bodily resurrection, which the Sadducees opposed. Were there any parts of the book that you particularly liked or which inspired you? This book also tells us more about atonement beyond the grave by asserting the existence of purgatory (12:38ff). 1-2 Thessalonians. 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. He interprets the Maccabean victory not as a miraculous intervention by God, but rather as God's using the instrument of the military genius of the Maccabees to achieve his divine ends. 1 Maccabees 1:54. These heroes of the faith will not forsake the One God. The First Book of Maccabees, originally written in Hebrew during the last part of thesecond century b.c.e.,1 can be read, among other things, as the story of the 1 CarlL.W. Some Protestants include the book as biblical apocrypha, material useful for background and edification but that is not canonical. Here are 8 handy tips to get your book club up and running. The origin of 2 Maccabees is debated. In 1 Maccabees, those dissatisfied with the Hasmoneans "hated their nation"[39] as a whole; the Hasmoneans were equated with Judea itself. He also requires Jewish leaders to sacrifice to idols. If the consequences are good, they say is OK to do anything that is necessary. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. He and his three sons begin a military campaign against them, the vicissitudes of which are described in detail. Through a series of events, Tobit goes blind and sends his son on a journey accompanied by the angel Raphael disguised as a human. Demetrius' death is reported in 1 Maccabees 10:50, and Ptolemy VI Philometor and Alexander Balas, claimant to the Seleucid throne, enter into an agreement under which Alexander marries Cleopatra Thea, Ptolemy's daughter (1 Maccabees 10:58). The original book was apparently written in Hebrew, as is indicated by a number of Hebrew idioms used by the author. 1 Maccabees 1. 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. 3He advanced to the ends of the earth, and plundered many nations. For more details about the Maccabees family and battles with the Greeks, please read 1 Maccabees. 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 general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. The time period described is from around 170 BC to 134 BC. The author is anonymous, but he probably wrote in the newly independent Hasmonean kingdom after the success of the Maccabean Revolt in the late 2nd century BC. Thus did they in their might to Israel, to those that were found month by month in the cities. And from the people were gathered together to them many, every one that had forsaken the law; and they did evil things in the land; VERSE 53. and they made israel to hide themselves in every place of refuge which they had. VERSE 57. Mattathias's son Judas Maccabeus (Judah Maccabee) takes over the revolt and the rebels as a group are called the Maccabees; the book chronicles in detail the successes and setbacks of the rebellion. Judas's Maccabee title is generally tied to the Aramaic word maqqaba ("makebet" in modern Hebrew), "hammer" or "sledgehammer", in recognition of his prowess in battle. 16:1 Then John came up from Gazara, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus had done against their people. He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. St. Augustine wrote in The City of God that they were preserved for their accounts of the martyrs. 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. If this is all new to you, don't worrywe're here to help. Traditionally the name has come to be extended to the brothers of Judas, his supporters, and even to other Jewish heroes of the period, such as the seven brothers (2Mc 7). He also forbids circumcision and possession of Jewish scriptures, imposing the death penalty for those who disobey. And they tore in pieces the books of the law which they found, and set them on fire. The following is a brief analysis of 1 Maccabees: (1) 1 Maccabees 1:1-10: An account of the rise of the Seleucid Dynasty. After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. The big question from this period is the question of self-definition. He imposes a tax and establishes a fortress for his soldiers in Jerusalem. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 1:9 And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth. The doctrine expressed in the book is the customary belief of Israel, without the new developments which appear in 2Maccabees and Daniel. Among other effects, this discouraged the Jewish rite of circumcision even further, which had already been officially forbidden; a man's state could not be concealed in the gymnasium, where men trained and socialized in the nude. He then imposes a tax and establishes a fortress in Jerusalem. Thus 1 Maccabeesas well as the other books of this genrefaced a major political obstacle to their acceptance. The kingdom began to decline under Ptolemy IV Philopator, who was a bad administrator and led a dissolute life. Read more . During the Protestant Reformation, the book (along with other books in the Catholic deuterocanon) was classed as biblical apocrypha in Protestantism, material useful for background but not canonical. 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 victory of the Jews over their Greek oppressors loomed large in the popular imagination of the Jews of Jesus day. 1 Samuel. And wherever was found with any a book of the covenant, and if any consented to the law, the kings sentence delivered him to death. 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. The vigorous reaction to this attempt established for a time the religious and political independence of the Jews. 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. He plays one faction off against the other, obtaining various benefits for the Jews in exchange for his military support. 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. It frequently imitates biblical phraseology and directly cites biblical precedents. 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 book is not part of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and is not considered canonical by Protestant denominations nor in any of the major branches of Judaism. For the full article, see, Prohibition of Jewish religious practices, Hanukkah: reconsecration of the sanctuary, https://www.britannica.com/summary/Maccabees. Ptolemy, a loyal general of Alexanders, was made satrap of Egypt in 323 when Alexander died, and in 304 he assumed the title of king, annexing Cyprus, Palestine, and the Lebanon. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. (He had previously become king of Greece.) The author propagates "Hasmonean propaganda" in the sense of upholding the righteousness of the Hasmoneans and their just claim to rule the Hasmonean kingdom. 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. Antiochus captures Egypt. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable history, but not a part of Scripture. 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. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israel's ancient . [1], The author of 1 Maccabees is anonymous and unknown. 1 Maccabees was probably written in Jerusalem, but 3 and 4 Maccabees derive from the diaspora. 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. It is not in the Codex Vaticanus. VERSE 31. The setting of the book is about a century after the conquest of Judea by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, when the country was part of the Greek . hanged their babes about their necks. Talk about how this story might have inspired the Jews of Jesus day in the light of their oppression by the Romans. 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. 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. The Book of 1 Maccabees CPDV summary. 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). 4:59). Origen of Alexandria (253),[52] Augustine of Hippo (c.397AD),[53] Pope Innocent I (405),[54][55] Synod of Hippo (393),[56] the Council of Carthage (397),[57] the Council of Carthage (419),[58] the Apostolic Canons,[59] the Council of Florence (1442)[60] and the Council of Trent (1546)[61] listed the first two books of Maccabees as canonical. 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. VERSE 2. Hellenization included the construction of gymnasia in Jerusalem. His brother Simon succeeds him in 142 B.C.E., receiving the double office of high priest and ruler of Israel (1 Maccabees 14:41). 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. 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