In 165 BC the Temple is freed and reconsecrated, so that ritual sacrifices may begin again. 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. Jonathan's capture in 143 BC, having been double-crossed by Diodotus Tryphon, is recorded in 1 Maccabees 12:48. Not only the leaders, but also circumcised infants and their mothers are killed as a warning to others. 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. [13] The word "Maccabees" in plural, however, does not appear to have been used until centuries after the Maccabean Revolt. Aristobulus I, the son of John Hyrcanus, was the first to add the title of king to that of chief priest. 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. Hellenization included the construction of gymnasia in Jerusalem. The victors had apparitions from heaven. [33], Proposed alliances with Rome and with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees 12:123. 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. Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. Rather, it comes from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it from the other books of the Maccabees. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Proverbs 16:18. As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from . Prefixed to the book are two "festive" letters (1.1 - 10a and1.10b - 2.19), sent from the Jews in Jerusalem to the Jews in Egypt. His son, Ptolemy III Euergetes, extended his empire into Persia. 1 and 2 Maccabees tell the same story in two different ways. 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). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. 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. [19], The book was probably originally written in Hebrew. 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. Simon is succeeded by his son, John, referred to by Josephus as John Hyrcanus. Book of Daniel. These include four laments and three hymns of praise. He plays one faction off against the other, obtaining various benefits for the Jews in exchange for his military support. [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. 504 Pages, 6.12 x 9.25 in, 2 b-w illus. Gentile forces still hold a fortress in Jerusalem, however, as well as many towns in Judea and Galilee. [49]He argues that the author was likely an eyewitness to at least some of the battles described given his great accuracy and plausibility in describing terrain and troop movements, and was able to obtain firsthand accounts from others in interviews. The original book was apparently written in Hebrew, as is indicated by a number of Hebrew idioms used by the author. 1 Maccabees is the most extensive source of information on events in Judea from 175 to 135. the hundred and forty and fifth year. Christian tradition venerates these seven brothers as martyrs, and churches were dedicated to them in Antioch, Rome, Lyons, and Vienne. The Maccabees books were preserved only by the Christian church. And his servants bare rule, each one in his place. When war broke out between these two brothers the Romans intervened, took Jerusalem and brought the monarchy to an end. The same fate overtakes another persecutor, Nicanor, who dies because he threatened to destroy the Temple. The Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes eventually comes to rule over Syria. Some even engage in foreskin restoration. 1 a After Alexander the Macedonian, Philip's son, who came from the land of Kittim, * had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and Medes, he became king in his place, having first ruled in Greece. And they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled the sanctuary. And if you like what you see, check out our complete Online Course about the first five books of the Bible, a.k.a. 25) gives testimony to the existence of an original Hebrew text. 1 Maccabees. He and his three sons begin a military campaign against them, the vicissitudes of which are described in detail. 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. And the land was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame. 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. 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. Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honor into contempt. 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. VERSE 59. Friend. It tells how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress the practice of basic Jewish law, resulting in the Maccabean Revolt. VERSE 40. 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. This is alluded to in two other passages: Daniel 9:27. And the women that had circumcised their children they put to death according to the commandment. And they put there a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, and they strengthened themselves therein. 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. the hundred and thirty and seventh year. These two books tell you a lot about Jewish self-definition in the second and first century bc. VERSE 64. Collins 2000 discusses 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the diaspora in the Hellenistic period. And he took the silver and the gold and the precious vessels; and he took the hidden treasures which he found. 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. The Maccabees formed the Hasmonean dynasty. He reports the calamities the Jewish people experience on account of their sins, while also stressing the role played by God in his providence, who watches over them as he promised he would (cf. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. 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. [7][4] He was likely a court historian or equivalent. In either case, only the Greek text has survived, and this only through its inclusion in the Christian canon. an abomination of desolation. And on the five and twentieth day of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar of God. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . 2 Maccabees - Chapter 4. After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. Friend and confederate. 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. 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 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. That is, about 170 BC. This text explicitly states that there is an interim stage where souls are purified and that they can be helped by suffrages offered by the living. the king sent letters. And they led captive the women and the children, and the cattle they took in possession. Below is the article summary. Simon, who was called Thassi; Though initially hailed as liberators, the Selucid family wasted no time in leaving their mark upon Judea. And they tore in pieces the books of the law which they found, and set them on fire. VERSE 19. [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. Buy Also Available At: . VERSE 22. and the table of the show bread, and the cups to pour withal, and the bowls, and the golden censers, and the veil, and the crowns, and the adorning of gold which was on the face of the temple, and he scaled it all off. St. Augustine wrote in The City of God that they were preserved for their accounts of the martyrs. 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. 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 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. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here: The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia: Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed. Its name in the Septuagint and in the writings of the Church Fathers (Eusebius and Clement) is , i.e . This history includes battles with Antiochus IV and his son. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. The sacred writers purpose is to build up the morale of the Jews. he shall die. 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 . 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. [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]. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Its vocabulary and style indicate a Greek original. He also confirms alliances with both Rome and Sparta (1 Macc. VERSE 7. And at the doors of the houses and in the streets they burned incense. That is, each nation should abandon its religious customs. VERSE 4. and he gathered together an exceedingly strong army, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him. Snow Crash Summary. 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. [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". The time period described is from around 170 BC to 134 BC. First Maccabees was written about 100 B.C., in Hebrew, but the original has not come down to us. 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. The army of Judas at Bethsura consists of 10,000 according to 1 Macc 4:29, but of 80,000 according to 2 Macc 11:2. VERSE 45. and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the sanctuary; and should profane the Sabbaths and feasts. [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". The First Book of Macabbees is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Antiochus captures Egypt. In true Deuteronomic tradition, the author insists on fidelity to the law as the expression of Israels love for God. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. 2 Maccabees falls more into theological history, in other words the attempt to reflect on Gods role in the events described. [44] For the author, bold military action while living is the proper response to oppression. Chapter 14 also features a long panegyric praising Simon as a worthy leader.[10]. [63], The Jewish historian Josephus of the 1st century AD almost certainly read 1 Maccabees. VERSE 9. Alexander the Great. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. The Greeks recognize him as high priest, but like Judas, he finds himself caught between competing Greek kings who are engaged in their own civil war for control of the Seleucid Empire. It tells how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress the practice of basic Jewish religious law, resulting in the Hasmonean revolt against Seleucid rule. hanged their babes about their necks. Do a bit of research on Hanukkah and talk what you have learnt about this very important Jewish festival. 1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the Finally, he desecrates the Temple by setting up an "abomination of desolation" there, apparently either a pagan idol or a bust of himself. to the death of Simeon the Hasmonean (135 B.C.E.). Both books, which Protestants regard as apocryphal, were recognized by the Fathers as inspired [and canonical at the Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397, 419)] and were later [again] defined as canonical by the Council of Trent (1546). Flavius Josephus, the first century Jewish historian, carries the story forward; only he gives the surname Hasmoneus, which applies to the successors of the early Maccabees up to Aristobulus II. There is one complete loss of a thousand Jews (men, women, and children) to Antiochus when the Jewish defenders refuse to fight on the Sabbath. 1 Maccabees . Chapter 2. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Unlike most of the Books of the Maccabees, 1 Maccabees was written in Hebrew and translated into Greek as part of the . The persecution of Antiochus IV presumably radicalized the Jews. 16:1 Then John came up from Gazara, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus had done against their people. VERSE 31. Another is that, while they were included by the Jews of Alexandria in the Septuagint, they may not have gained much popularity in Jerusalem. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many . the Torah. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 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. He forbids observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. 2 Simon now had the effrontery to name this benefactor of the city, this protector of his . In 285 he abdicated in favor of his son Ptolemy II, who became involved in a struggle with the Seleucid kings. The two Books of Maccabees contain independent accounts of events (in part identical) that accompanied the attempted suppression of Judaism in Palestine in the second century B.C. When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand). VERSE 29. And king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. It was portrayed as a center of athletic and intellectual life. THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES. As far as the dates of composition are concerned, these can be taken as approximately 100 B.C. they made themselves uncircumcised. by Daniel R. Schwartz. Others, like Mattathias, fought to remain faithful to the Law. 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). 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. Book of Deuteronomy. He imposes a tax and establishes a fortress for his soldiers in Jerusalem. In an effort to enforce unity, he attempts to suppress the public observance of Jewish religious laws. And Alexander reigned twelve years, and he died. Why do you think the story of the Maccabees remains so important for Jews even today? The following is a brief analysis of 1 Maccabees: (1) 1 Maccabees 1:1-10: An account of the rise of the Seleucid Dynasty. 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. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. The book is held as canonical scripture today in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches (except for the Orthodox Tewahedo). We will be talking about events that happened in the second century, which took place in Judea located in the Syrian empire. 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. The author is unknown. Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. [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. As noted above, if ancient manuscripts of the hypothesized original Hebrew version existed, they have been lost. Several theories have emerged regarding the exclusion of 1 from the Jewish biblical canon. First Maccabees gives a detailed account of the struggle in Palestine over a period of fifty years, from the time Antiochus IV Epiphanes came to the throne up to the death of Simon, the last of the Maccabee brothers (134 B.C.). At Explore the Faith, I share insights into the Bible and theological writings. A Greek version of the text was printed for the first time in 15141517 in the Complutensian Polyglot Bible. For the full article, see, Prohibition of Jewish religious practices, Hanukkah: reconsecration of the sanctuary, https://www.britannica.com/summary/Maccabees. The other Jews then reason that, when attacked, they must fight even on the holy day. These include four laments and three hymns of praise. 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. When Mattathias died, the revolt was led by his son Judas, or Judah Maccabee, as he is often called. The name Maccabee probably means "hammer" and was the nickname given in the book to the first leader of the revolt, Judas, third son of Mattathias. Ps 119:89-90). 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Judas's brother Simon Thassi is declared High Priest by will of the Jewish people. 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. were recognized by the Fathers as inspired, there is an interim stage where souls are purified. In Hebrew, the first letters of this four word slogan form the acronym MKBY. 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. 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book written by a Jewish author and included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons of the Bible. 1 Samuel. According to the text, some Jewish men even engaged in foreskin restoration in order to pass as fully Greek. VERSE 24. 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. 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 First Book of Maccabees also gives a list of Jewish colonies scattered elsewhere through the Mediterranean at the time.[25]. The rabbinical sages of this period had learned from experience that revolt against the Gentiles (in this case the Romans) brought disaster. To keep the Law of Moses would mean being put to death. 12:1-23). And when he had taken all, he went away into his own land, and he made a great slaughter, and spoke very presumptuously. Jonathan becomes high priest (1 Maccabees 10:20). 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. [9][10] The author appears to be very familiar with Judea and its geography, but appears less well-informed about the wider Hellenistic world. I Maccabees is the only contemporary source for the civil wars in Judaea, and the only surviving one for Judaean-Syrian relations after the reign of Antiochus IV. Hardcover; 9780300159936; Published: Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022; $85.00. two main dynasties established themselves in the territories of his huge empirethe Ptolemies, who controlled Egypt and also Palestine up to 200 B.C. VERSE 51. Elephants were an important part of the army of Antiochus. VERSE 33. VERSE 8. "[42][43] All of this makes clear that God has specifically chosen a new dynasty to rule Judea, the Hasmoneans. 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. Updates? He relented after angels intervened on behalf of the Jews. 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). Were there any parts of the book that you disliked or which troubled you? 62 Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendour will turn into dung and worms. What did it mean to be Jewish in a predominantly Greek culture? 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. In 1 Maccabees, those dissatisfied with the Hasmoneans "hated their nation"[39] as a whole; the Hasmoneans were equated with Judea itself. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture.. 64 My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honour. 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. 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