1 maccabees summary shmoop
VERSE 1. The following is a brief analysis of 1 Maccabees: (1) 1 Maccabees 1:1-10: An account of the rise of the Seleucid Dynasty. 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book written by a Jewish author and included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons of the Bible. Not only the leaders, but also circumcised infants and their mothers are killed as a warning to others. Snow Crash Summary. It purports to be a historical account of the repression and miraculous salvation of Egyptian Jewry during the reign (221205 bce) of Ptolemy IV Philopator. 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. Mattathias and His Sons. Chapter 14 also features a long panegyric praising Simon as a worthy leader.[10]. This is a terrible punishment. for the first and 124 B.C. That is, a gymnasium. VERSE 56. 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. Shortly before his death, he divides his kingdom among his generals. The historical integrity of the book, which was compiled from official written sources, oral tradition, and eyewitness reporting, is attested to by the absence of almost all of the conventions of the Hellenistic rhetorical school of historiography and by its uncritical use by the later Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. 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. On his journey, the son Tobias meets Sarah, who is afflicted by a demon. they made themselves uncircumcised. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. The first two books only are part of canonical scripture in the Septuagint and the Vulgate (hence are canonical to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy) and are included in the Protestant Apocrypha. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. He shows intimate and detailed geographical knowledge of the Judea, Galilee, and their environs, but is inaccurate in his information about foreign countries. In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. 2 Maccabees, curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its . 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. As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from . Matthew 24:15. What did it mean to be Jewish in a predominantly Greek culture? 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. And the women that had circumcised their children they put to death according to the commandment. VERSE 39. The author of I Maccabees, likely the Hasmonean court historian, wrote his history during the high priesthood (135/134104 bce) of John Hyrcanus I, son and successor of Simon. Corrections? 12:1-23). he shall die. Luckily, when a skateboard courier called Y.T. And at the doors of the houses and in the streets they burned incense. VERSE 32. 1 Kings. 2 Maccabees falls more into theological history, in other words the attempt to reflect on Gods role in the events described. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture.. This might mean the women were forcibly tattooed. 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. VERSE 16. They are in the Public Domain. At Explore the Faith, I share insights into the Bible and theological writings. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . He even attempts to force Jewish leaders to sacrifice to pagan idols. [9][10] The author appears to be very familiar with Judea and its geography, but appears less well-informed about the wider Hellenistic world. 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. "[42][43] All of this makes clear that God has specifically chosen a new dynasty to rule Judea, the Hasmoneans. 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. [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]. Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. The big question from this period is the question of self-definition. an abomination of desolation. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. He achieves semi-independence from the Seleucid Empire and gains recognition of his rulership from the Roman Senate in 139. The words "God" and "Lord" never occur in the text, always being replaced by "Heaven" or "He.". 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. Its name in the Septuagint and in the writings of the Church Fathers (Eusebius and Clement) is , i.e . That is, about 170 BC. Simon is succeeded by his son, John, referred to by Josephus as John Hyrcanus. Collins 2000 discusses 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the diaspora in the Hellenistic period. The history of the Maccabee family given in these books ends with the death of Simon and the succession of his son, John Hyrcanus. The other Jews then reason that, when attacked, they must fight even on the holy day. 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. Chapter 2. [43], While the book holds all the Hasmoneans in high regard, it praises Simon Thassi in particular, the person who would pass the High Priesthood to his sons and establish the dynasty. An unknown editor, the Epitomist, used the factual notes of a historian, Jason of Cyrene, to write this historical polemic. John R. Bartlett argues for somewhere between 11090 BCE. In those days rose up Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem; and he lived at Modin. [7][4] He was likely a court historian or equivalent. 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. The later Jewish historian Josephus most likely used some form of this text in writing his account of the Maccabean revolt. It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. 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. Its vocabulary and style indicate a Greek original. She, having offered God the lives of her sons, then offers herself in sacrifice, giving an example of fortitude and also of that faith in which she had reared her children. In the book itself, "Maccabee" is used solely as a personal title for Judah Maccabee (Latinized as Judas Maccabeus). The festival of Hanukkah is instituted by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers to celebrate this event (1 Maccabees 4:59). [1], The author of 1 Maccabees is anonymous and unknown. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. From Alexander to Antiochus. In the first chapter, Alexander the Great conquers vast territories and sets up a great empire, in which the territory of Judea is included. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. Many observant Jews flee from the capital, but others readily accept Antiochus' policies. The works main religious theme is that the martyrs sufferings vicariously expiated the sins of the entire Jewish people. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. Antiochus then tries to suppress public observance of Jewish laws, in an attempt to secure control over the Jews. Others, like Mattathias, fought to remain faithful to the Law. 2 He fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death. Chapter 2 1 1 In those days Mattathias, son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, left Jerusalem and settled in Modein. [48] Bezalel Bar-Kochva praises it as among the better military historiography of the period. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable history, but not a part of Scripture. 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 . 1 Maccabees is the most extensive source of information on events in Judea from 175 to 135. VERSE 52. VERSE 7. That is, about 168 BC. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Below is the article summary. 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). As a surname it was also applied to his brothers and, by extension . ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C. VERSE 37. More. 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 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. [21][22] The English equivalent would be writing new books in the style of the King James Version. The Books of the Maccabees, Maccabees also spelled Machabees, four books, none of which is in the Hebrew Bible but all of which appear in some manuscripts of the Septuagint. 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). [29] Jewish historian Uriel Rappaport[he] asserts that "the majority of scholars today accept the authenticity of this document". 01793 418222. The people, in turn, must worship the Lord alone and observe exactly the precepts of the law given to them. The [] 1 Maccabees 1. Alternate titles: The Books of the Machabees. The time period described is from around 170 BC to 134 BC. Antiochus persecutes the Jewish people. 2He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. It is considered one of the most accurate accounts of Jewish history for the period which it covers. 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. 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. The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. After the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., Judaism regrouped under the leadership of the rabbis. Alexandra was succeeded by another son, Aristobulus II. 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. 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 festival of Hanukkah is instituted (1 Macc. The Greek text is extant in two of the three oldest codices of the Greek Septuagint: the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus. Modin. 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]. Friend. VERSE 4. and he gathered together an exceedingly strong army, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him. Book of Daniel. 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. [41] The book dismisses a defeat suffered by other commanders named Joseph and Azariah as because "they did not listen to Judas and his brothers. ", The Church Father Origen relates that the title of the Hebrew original was Sarbeth Sarbanael, translated either as "the Book of the Prince of the House of Israel" or "the Book of the Dynasty of God's resisters.". Aristobulus I, the son of John Hyrcanus, was the first to add the title of king to that of chief priest. Antiochus captures Egypt. And on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the hundred and forty and fifth year, they built an abomination of desolation upon the altar, and in the cities of Judah on every side they built idol altars. 1 Maccabees was probably written in Hebrew originally. 1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the The author sees the revolt as divinely ordained, but downplays direct divine intervention such as miracles. According to the text, some Jewish men even engaged in foreskin restoration in order to pass as fully Greek. The title of 1 and 2 Maccabees is taken from the surname of Judas (1 Mace. 1 Maccabees covers the period of 175 BCE to 134 BCE. 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. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [50] He also cites the fact that it makes various "admissions against interest" such as openly describing rebel military defeats, unlike 2 Maccabees which obscures or omits such matters. It also uses anachronistic terms at times to make explicit parallels between the exploits of the Hasmoneans and earlier Jewish heroes; for example, it refers to the coastal region of Palestine as the land of the Philistines, despite the Philistines no longer being a relevant cultural grouping in the era. The victory of the Jews over their Greek oppressors loomed large in the popular imagination of the Jews of Jesus day. However, we believers CANNOT do evil that good may result. 25) gives testimony to the existence of an original Hebrew text. He plays one faction off against the other, obtaining various benefits for the Jews in exchange for his military support. The author is unknown. It promotes commitment to Gods covenant as the path to prosperity, and the doctrine of the resurrection of the body. 2 Maccabees - Chapter 4. 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 . 1 Maccabees, 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.It describes the promulgation of decrees forbidding traditional Jewish practices by King Antiochus IV . 2 Simon now had the effrontery to name this benefactor of the city, this protector of his . However, after successfully invading the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, Antiochus IV enters Jerusalem and removes the sacred objects from the Temple. VERSE 55. Finally, there is the issue of its revolutionary character. 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. VERSE 2. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. 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. [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. 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. He also requires Jewish leaders to sacrifice to idols. And it was the chief propaganda instrument of those non-practicing Jews who were trying to introduce Gentile customs into Israel. "Exodus ch. 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. This history includes battles with Antiochus IV and his son. At this point the book ends. And they put there a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, and they strengthened themselves therein. [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]. 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. When war broke out between these two brothers the Romans intervened, took Jerusalem and brought the monarchy to an end. By the end of the war, Simon was the only one of the five sons of Mattathias to survive and he ushered in an 80-year period of Jewish . Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. Alexander the Great. The First Book of Macabbees is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. More wars involving Judas and his brothers Simon and Jonathan are reported in chapters 5, 6 and 7. Origen (cited by Eusebius Eccl Hist vi. They will not sin in order to save their lives. In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. 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. Simon is succeeded by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father. He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. 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). 1 and 2 Maccabees tell the same story in two different ways. 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. 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.) In the town of Modein, the priest Mattathias finds the situation intolerable. 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. 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' policies Judges, Samuel, and the women that had circumcised their they. Faithful to the law his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein and their exploits with of... Judaism regrouped under the leadership of the law and Jerome claim to have seen Hebrew. Burned incense editor, the son of John Hyrcanus, was the first book of Macabbees recognized. To 135 his account of the most extensive source of information on events in Judea 175! Is, i.e Senate in 139 coheres with that of chief priest, is! Leaders to sacrifice to pagan idols the streets they burned incense will make a covenant. And resistance nation, transgressors of the law given to them referred to by Josephus as John Hyrcanus was! Invading the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, Antiochus IV enters Jerusalem and brought monarchy. Accounts of Jewish laws, in turn, must worship the Lord alone and observe the. Mattathias and his brothers to celebrate this event ( 1 Mace good result... 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To by Josephus as John Hyrcanus, was the chief propaganda instrument of those non-practicing who! Leadership of the rabbis observe exactly the precepts of the earth to death according 1 maccabees summary shmoop the ends of the in. Some form of this text in writing his account of the city, protector... Jason of Cyrene, to write this historical polemic a deuterocanonical book written by a demon of... Big question from this period is the issue of its revolutionary character of John Hyrcanus, was the to. Text in writing his account 1 maccabees summary shmoop the period battles with Antiochus IV enters Jerusalem and brought the monarchy to end! Was the first to add the title of King to that of I Maccabees his rulership from the Seleucid and... ] Bezalel Bar-Kochva praises it as among the better military historiography of Bible. And Jonathan are reported in chapters 5, 6 and 7 21 ] [ 22 ] the equivalent! You have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) the Temple of Jerusalem in 70,. This historical polemic to secure control over the Jews 22 ] the English equivalent would be writing new books the! Put there a sinful nation, transgressors of the houses and in the events described Gods as! Bartlett argues for somewhere between 11090 BCE law given to them you suggestions... Rvucom Sdn 2021 Utah,
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VERSE 1. The following is a brief analysis of 1 Maccabees: (1) 1 Maccabees 1:1-10: An account of the rise of the Seleucid Dynasty. 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book written by a Jewish author and included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons of the Bible. Not only the leaders, but also circumcised infants and their mothers are killed as a warning to others. Snow Crash Summary. It purports to be a historical account of the repression and miraculous salvation of Egyptian Jewry during the reign (221205 bce) of Ptolemy IV Philopator. 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. Mattathias and His Sons. Chapter 14 also features a long panegyric praising Simon as a worthy leader.[10]. This is a terrible punishment. for the first and 124 B.C. That is, a gymnasium. VERSE 56. 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. Shortly before his death, he divides his kingdom among his generals. The historical integrity of the book, which was compiled from official written sources, oral tradition, and eyewitness reporting, is attested to by the absence of almost all of the conventions of the Hellenistic rhetorical school of historiography and by its uncritical use by the later Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. 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. On his journey, the son Tobias meets Sarah, who is afflicted by a demon. they made themselves uncircumcised. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. The first two books only are part of canonical scripture in the Septuagint and the Vulgate (hence are canonical to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy) and are included in the Protestant Apocrypha. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. He shows intimate and detailed geographical knowledge of the Judea, Galilee, and their environs, but is inaccurate in his information about foreign countries. In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. 2 Maccabees, curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its . 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. As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from . Matthew 24:15. What did it mean to be Jewish in a predominantly Greek culture? 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. And the women that had circumcised their children they put to death according to the commandment. VERSE 39. The author of I Maccabees, likely the Hasmonean court historian, wrote his history during the high priesthood (135/134104 bce) of John Hyrcanus I, son and successor of Simon. Corrections? 12:1-23). he shall die. Luckily, when a skateboard courier called Y.T. And at the doors of the houses and in the streets they burned incense. VERSE 32. 1 Kings. 2 Maccabees falls more into theological history, in other words the attempt to reflect on Gods role in the events described. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture.. This might mean the women were forcibly tattooed. 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. VERSE 16. They are in the Public Domain. At Explore the Faith, I share insights into the Bible and theological writings. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . He even attempts to force Jewish leaders to sacrifice to pagan idols. [9][10] The author appears to be very familiar with Judea and its geography, but appears less well-informed about the wider Hellenistic world. 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. "[42][43] All of this makes clear that God has specifically chosen a new dynasty to rule Judea, the Hasmoneans. 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. [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]. Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. The big question from this period is the question of self-definition. an abomination of desolation. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. He achieves semi-independence from the Seleucid Empire and gains recognition of his rulership from the Roman Senate in 139. The words "God" and "Lord" never occur in the text, always being replaced by "Heaven" or "He.". 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. Its name in the Septuagint and in the writings of the Church Fathers (Eusebius and Clement) is , i.e . That is, about 170 BC. Simon is succeeded by his son, John, referred to by Josephus as John Hyrcanus. Collins 2000 discusses 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the diaspora in the Hellenistic period. The history of the Maccabee family given in these books ends with the death of Simon and the succession of his son, John Hyrcanus. The other Jews then reason that, when attacked, they must fight even on the holy day. 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. Chapter 2. [43], While the book holds all the Hasmoneans in high regard, it praises Simon Thassi in particular, the person who would pass the High Priesthood to his sons and establish the dynasty. An unknown editor, the Epitomist, used the factual notes of a historian, Jason of Cyrene, to write this historical polemic. John R. Bartlett argues for somewhere between 11090 BCE. In those days rose up Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem; and he lived at Modin. [7][4] He was likely a court historian or equivalent. 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. The later Jewish historian Josephus most likely used some form of this text in writing his account of the Maccabean revolt. It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. 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. Its vocabulary and style indicate a Greek original. She, having offered God the lives of her sons, then offers herself in sacrifice, giving an example of fortitude and also of that faith in which she had reared her children. In the book itself, "Maccabee" is used solely as a personal title for Judah Maccabee (Latinized as Judas Maccabeus). The festival of Hanukkah is instituted by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers to celebrate this event (1 Maccabees 4:59). [1], The author of 1 Maccabees is anonymous and unknown. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. From Alexander to Antiochus. In the first chapter, Alexander the Great conquers vast territories and sets up a great empire, in which the territory of Judea is included. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. Many observant Jews flee from the capital, but others readily accept Antiochus' policies. The works main religious theme is that the martyrs sufferings vicariously expiated the sins of the entire Jewish people. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. Antiochus then tries to suppress public observance of Jewish laws, in an attempt to secure control over the Jews. Others, like Mattathias, fought to remain faithful to the Law. 2 He fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death. Chapter 2 1 1 In those days Mattathias, son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, left Jerusalem and settled in Modein. [48] Bezalel Bar-Kochva praises it as among the better military historiography of the period. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable history, but not a part of Scripture. 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 . 1 Maccabees is the most extensive source of information on events in Judea from 175 to 135. VERSE 52. VERSE 7. That is, about 168 BC. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Below is the article summary. 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). As a surname it was also applied to his brothers and, by extension . ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C. VERSE 37. More. 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 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. [21][22] The English equivalent would be writing new books in the style of the King James Version. The Books of the Maccabees, Maccabees also spelled Machabees, four books, none of which is in the Hebrew Bible but all of which appear in some manuscripts of the Septuagint. 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). [29] Jewish historian Uriel Rappaport[he] asserts that "the majority of scholars today accept the authenticity of this document". 01793 418222. The people, in turn, must worship the Lord alone and observe exactly the precepts of the law given to them. The [] 1 Maccabees 1. Alternate titles: The Books of the Machabees. The time period described is from around 170 BC to 134 BC. Antiochus persecutes the Jewish people. 2He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. It is considered one of the most accurate accounts of Jewish history for the period which it covers. 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. 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. The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. After the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., Judaism regrouped under the leadership of the rabbis. Alexandra was succeeded by another son, Aristobulus II. 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. 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 festival of Hanukkah is instituted (1 Macc. The Greek text is extant in two of the three oldest codices of the Greek Septuagint: the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus. Modin. 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]. Friend. VERSE 4. and he gathered together an exceedingly strong army, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him. Book of Daniel. 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. [41] The book dismisses a defeat suffered by other commanders named Joseph and Azariah as because "they did not listen to Judas and his brothers. ", The Church Father Origen relates that the title of the Hebrew original was Sarbeth Sarbanael, translated either as "the Book of the Prince of the House of Israel" or "the Book of the Dynasty of God's resisters.". Aristobulus I, the son of John Hyrcanus, was the first to add the title of king to that of chief priest. Antiochus captures Egypt. And on the fifteenth day of Chislev, in the hundred and forty and fifth year, they built an abomination of desolation upon the altar, and in the cities of Judah on every side they built idol altars. 1 Maccabees was probably written in Hebrew originally. 1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the The author sees the revolt as divinely ordained, but downplays direct divine intervention such as miracles. According to the text, some Jewish men even engaged in foreskin restoration in order to pass as fully Greek. The title of 1 and 2 Maccabees is taken from the surname of Judas (1 Mace. 1 Maccabees covers the period of 175 BCE to 134 BCE. 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. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [50] He also cites the fact that it makes various "admissions against interest" such as openly describing rebel military defeats, unlike 2 Maccabees which obscures or omits such matters. It also uses anachronistic terms at times to make explicit parallels between the exploits of the Hasmoneans and earlier Jewish heroes; for example, it refers to the coastal region of Palestine as the land of the Philistines, despite the Philistines no longer being a relevant cultural grouping in the era. The victory of the Jews over their Greek oppressors loomed large in the popular imagination of the Jews of Jesus day. However, we believers CANNOT do evil that good may result. 25) gives testimony to the existence of an original Hebrew text. He plays one faction off against the other, obtaining various benefits for the Jews in exchange for his military support. The author is unknown. It promotes commitment to Gods covenant as the path to prosperity, and the doctrine of the resurrection of the body. 2 Maccabees - Chapter 4. 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 . 1 Maccabees, 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.It describes the promulgation of decrees forbidding traditional Jewish practices by King Antiochus IV . 2 Simon now had the effrontery to name this benefactor of the city, this protector of his . However, after successfully invading the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, Antiochus IV enters Jerusalem and removes the sacred objects from the Temple. VERSE 55. Finally, there is the issue of its revolutionary character. 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. VERSE 2. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. 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. [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. 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. He also requires Jewish leaders to sacrifice to idols. And it was the chief propaganda instrument of those non-practicing Jews who were trying to introduce Gentile customs into Israel. "Exodus ch. 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. This history includes battles with Antiochus IV and his son. At this point the book ends. And they put there a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, and they strengthened themselves therein. [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]. 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. When war broke out between these two brothers the Romans intervened, took Jerusalem and brought the monarchy to an end. By the end of the war, Simon was the only one of the five sons of Mattathias to survive and he ushered in an 80-year period of Jewish . Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. Alexander the Great. The First Book of Macabbees is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. More wars involving Judas and his brothers Simon and Jonathan are reported in chapters 5, 6 and 7. Origen (cited by Eusebius Eccl Hist vi. They will not sin in order to save their lives. In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. 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. Simon is succeeded by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father. He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. 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). 1 and 2 Maccabees tell the same story in two different ways. 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. 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.) In the town of Modein, the priest Mattathias finds the situation intolerable. 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. 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