1 maccabees summary shmoop1 maccabees summary shmoop

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. 1 Maccabees covers the period of 175 BCE to 134 BCE. THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES. 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. It frequently imitates biblical phraseology and directly cites biblical precedents. After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. the king sent letters. Jonathan A. Goldstein argues that the book was not imitative of older scriptures merely in linguistic style, but also in content; that is, the author adjusted or invented events to make them fit Biblical parallels better.[51]. 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. Below is the article summary. New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article They will not sin in order to save their lives. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. The persecution of Antiochus IV presumably radicalized the Jews. Series: The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries. VERSE 7. VERSE 40. for the first and 124 B.C. The later Jewish historian Josephus most likely used some form of this text in writing his account of the Maccabean revolt. After Judass death, the war continued intermittently under his brothers Jonathan and Simon. Simon is succeeded by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father. 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. An unknown editor, the "Epitomist," used the factual notes of a historian . 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. 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). 12:1-23). 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. Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honor into contempt. If you like what I write, become my partner by donating. In 285 he abdicated in favor of his son Ptolemy II, who became involved in a struggle with the Seleucid kings. 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. [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]. One is that it was simply "too new," dealing with a period several centuries after the traditional end of Jewish prophecy. This work no longer exists, but is the basis for 2 Maccabees.) [33], Proposed alliances with Rome and with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees 12:123. 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. 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. 2 Chronicles. 1:9). 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. The author was an enthusiastic a supporter of the Maccabees who shows little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents. The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. [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. Why do you think the story of the Maccabees remains so important for Jews even today? As a surname it was also applied to his brothers and, by extension, to the seven martyred brothers (2 Macc.7). According to the text, some Jewish men even engaged in foreskin restoration in order to pass as fully Greek. put to shame and fled. And king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people. The books had separate authors. 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. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. 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. While he clearly portrays a divine providence behind the history he presents, the narrator refrains from the miracle stories and other legends found in 2 Maccabees, which deals with much of the same material. 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 people, in turn, must worship the Lord alone and observe exactly the precepts of the law given to them. 13-16). Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 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. Jonathan becomes high priest (1 Maccabees 10:20). (2) 1 Maccabees 1:11-16:24: History of the Jews from 175 to 135 BC. Uriel Rappaport calls it emblematic of Hasmonean politics in general: that the Hasmonean state was an explicitly Jewish one that sought to separate itself from polytheism, yet was pragmatic and sought allies where they could be found.[9]. 2 Maccabees recaps some of the story (until the events of 161 bc) and adds in details about Gods intervention into the events reports. It is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and apocryphal in Protestant tradition. Given its exactness of dates, places and documents and its enthusiasm for the Jewish cause, 1 Maccabees must have been written by a Palestinian Jew who witnessed the events he describes; the author of 2 Maccabees was more likely an Alexandrian Jew and a Pharisee, given what he has to say about resurrection. In the first chapter, Alexander the Great conquers the territory of Judea, and is later succeeded by the Seleucid Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Some Protestants include the book as biblical apocrypha, material useful for background and edification but that is not canonical. In February 135, however, he is assassinated at the instigation of his son-in-law Ptolemy. Check our glossary of terms. 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. There are seven poetic sections in the book that imitate the style of classical Hebrew poetry: four laments (1:2528, 3640; 2:713; 3:45), and three hymns of praise of our fathers (2:5164), of Judas (3:39), and of Simon (14:415). 62 Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendour will turn into dung and worms. 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. Updates? In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. VERSE 16. 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. the hundred and thirty and seventh year. [48] Bezalel Bar-Kochva praises it as among the better military historiography of the period. It became part of the deuterocanon in early Christianity. The second book is not a sequel to 1 Maccabees; it partially covers the same history (176 - 160 b.c.). 504 Pages, 6.12 x 9.25 in, 2 b-w illus. 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. Christian tradition venerates these seven brothers as martyrs, and churches were dedicated to them in Antioch, Rome, Lyons, and Vienne. The works main religious theme is that the martyrs sufferings vicariously expiated the sins of the entire Jewish people. 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. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. VERSE 2. It is accepted in the Catholic and Orthodox canons. 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 . As far as the dates of composition are concerned, these can be taken as approximately 100 B.C. VERSE 64. 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. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture. That said, the author is still proud of forging alliances with others, citing negotiations with the Roman Republic and Sparta. The festival of Hanukkah is instituted (1 Macc. The Book: 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book of the Bible which was written by a Jewish (pre-Christian) author, probably about 100 BC, after the restoration of an independent Jewish kingdom. Thus 1 Maccabeesas well as the other books of this genrefaced a major political obstacle to their acceptance. The school of philosophy seen in 1 Maccabees is often thought to be a predecessor to the philosophy of the Sadducees in later eras. He then imposes a tax and establishes a fortress in Jerusalem. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Here are 8 handy tips to get your book club up and running. 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. Because of the accuracy of the historical account, if a later date is accepted, then the author must have had access to first-hand reports of the events. Friend. 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. 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. 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. It describes the refusal of Mattathias to perform pagan religious rites, the ensuing Jewish revolt against Syrian hegemony, the political machinations whereby Demetrius II of Syria granted Judaea its independence, and the election of Simon as both high priest and secular ruler of the Judaean Jews. Alternate titles: The Books of the Machabees. Maccabees , (fl. It includes such fundamental texts as that which states that God created all thingsex nihilo, out of nothing, not out of things which existed (7:28), and those which make it clear that the sacrifice of martyrs is a voluntary form of atonement which placates Gods anger (7:36, 8:5). 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. CHAPTER 1. 01793 418222. These translations have no copyright restrictions. VERSE 51. And on the five and twentieth day of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar of God. In the year 142 BCE, after more than 500 years of subjugation, the Jews were again masters of their own fate. [20] The book is not written in colloquial "common" Koine Greek of the 2nd century BC, but rather a more archaic style of Greek consciously imitative of the style of older scriptures. Through a series of events, Tobit goes blind and sends his son on a journey accompanied by the angel Raphael disguised as a human. Despite this, the book is not included as canon in the Tanakh. VERSE 45. and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the sanctuary; and should profane the Sabbaths and feasts. ", 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.". [23] Various historical documents are included as well, notably of negotiations and letters with the Roman Republic and Hellenistic Sparta. In an effort to enforce unity, he attempts to suppress the public observance of Jewish religious laws. They establish a gymnasium, where men socialized in the nude. [28] Verses 2332 record an agreement between Rome and the nation of the Jews, whereby each party would act as a willing ally of the other and refuse to supply their enemies in time of war, specific warning being given to Demetrius I Soter that this pact would be activated against him if requested by the Jews. 4:59). In the Church of England's lectionary of 1922 in the Book of Common Prayer, 1st Maccabees is appointed annually to be read in late summer/early autumn. 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. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. VERSE 46. and pollute the sanctuary and those who were holy; VERSE 47. that they should build altars, and temples, and shrines for idols, and should sacrifice swines flesh and unclean beasts: VERSE 48. and that they should leave their sons uncircumcised, that they should make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation; VERSE 49. so that they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances. Several theories have emerged regarding the exclusion of 1 from the Jewish biblical canon. 16:1 Then John came up from Gazara, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus had done against their people. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . Antiochus then tries to suppress public observance of Jewish laws, in an attempt to secure control over the Jews. 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. 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. [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. The author seeks to promote the view that the Hasmoneans were indeed God's new chosen and would-be rulers in line with heroes of the Hebrew Bible. And the land was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame. Acts 4 (King James Version) 1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 1 Maccabees 1:54. 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). An unknown editor, the Epitomist, used the factual notes of a historian, Jason of Cyrene, to write this historical polemic. VERSE 58. 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. It tells how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress the practice of basic Jewish law, resulting in the Maccabean Revolt. Pope Damasus I's Council of Rome in 382, if the Gelasian Decree is correctly associated with it, issued a biblical canon identical with the list given at Trent including the two books of Maccabees. 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 . Hellenization included the construction of gymnasia in Jerusalem. The book of Tobit tells the story of Tobit and his family, who are living as exiles from Israel after the Assyrian conquest. From the time of Alexander onward Greek culture spread throughout the Middle East. Antiochus makes Judaism illegal. And when he had taken all, he went away into his own land, and he made a great slaughter, and spoke very presumptuously. It gives detailed accounts of the Maccabean revolt led by Judas Maccabeus, as well as the martyrdoms of Eleazar and seven brothers. a place of exercise. VERSE 31. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The [] Werner Kappler[de] published a critical edition of the Greek text in 1936, an eclectic compilation of the various surviving manuscripts and the best construction of the original text. He may well have played some part in it himself in his youth. Note: 1 and 2 Maccabees are not included in most Protestant and Jewish Bibles. Shortly before his death, he divides his kingdom among his generals. VERSE 59. He achieves semi-independence from the Seleucid Empire and gains recognition of his rulership from the Roman Senate in 139. 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. The words "God" and "Lord" never occur in the text, always being replaced by "Heaven" or "He.". [27], In chapter 8, Judas seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic, aiming to remove the Greeks. 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). [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. 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). Modin. Many scholars suggest that these Church Fathers may have had access to a Biblical Aramaic paraphrase of the workmost Christians writers of the time did not distinguish between Hebrew and Aramaic. The doctrine expressed in the book is the customary belief of Israel, without the new developments which appear in 2Maccabees and Daniel. View all posts by todd. He may also have consulted it for Book 1 of The Jewish War. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. Matthew 24:15. When Mattathias died, the revolt was led by his son Judas, or Judah Maccabee, as he is often called. Related to this is the issue that including 1 Maccabees in the canon may have given legitimacy to other texts in the Septuagint that were more problematic for the rabbis. 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. VERSE 25. 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. The author sees the revolt as divinely ordained, but downplays direct divine intervention such as miracles. 1 Maccabees . It was portrayed as a center of athletic and intellectual life. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. The origin of 2 Maccabees is debated. And the saying was good in their eyes. ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C. 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.) Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Judas, nicknamed Maccabeus, probably meaning "hammer," continues his military exploits and also seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic to remove the Greeks. He shows intimate and detailed geographical knowledge of the Judea, Galilee, and their environs, but is inaccurate in his information about foreign countries. 1 Maccabees - Chapter 1. VERSE 8. 1 and 2 Maccabees tell the same story in two different ways. The victory of the Jews over their Greek oppressors loomed large in the popular imagination of the Jews of Jesus day. He also confirms alliances with both Rome and Sparta (1 Macc. And if you like what you see, check out our complete Online Course about the first five books of the Bible, a.k.a. It was included in standard printed Christian Bibles in the deuterocanon section. 1 Samuel. The Second Book of the Maccabees. VERSE 2. The book of 1 Maccabees clearly favors the revolution against the Seleucid and the Hasmonean dynasty. It possibly was written during the reign of the Roman emperor Caligula (3741 ce). 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. Chapter 14 also features a long panegyric praising Simon as a worthy leader.[10]. St. Augustine wrote in The City of God that they were preserved for their accounts of the martyrs. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. Attempts to discredit the work as essentially fiction have been discounted even by strongly critical scholars today. Maccabees does not mention the involvement of the mercenaries who are mentioned in other accounts, whereas other accounts do not mention the Jewish involvement. were recognized by the Fathers as inspired, there is an interim stage where souls are purified. 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. Instead, we have an early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It later became a title given to the rebels as a whole around the 3rd-5th century AD, hence the Septuagint naming the works as books of the Maccabees. Another is that, while they were included by the Jews of Alexandria in the Septuagint, they may not have gained much popularity in Jerusalem. 2 Maccabees, curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its . . In true Deuteronomic tradition, the author insists on fidelity to the law as the expression of Israels love for God. Pre-modern translations of the work were made in Latin, Syriac, and Armenian. Chapter 16. In the book itself, "Maccabee" is used solely as a personal title for Judah Maccabee (Latinized as Judas Maccabeus). VERSE 33. [22], The narrative is primarily prose text, but is interrupted by seven poetic sections, which imitate classical Hebrew poetry. Though initially hailed as liberators, the Selucid family wasted no time in leaving their mark upon Judea. The Writer gives his final summary. The author propagates "Hasmonean propaganda" in the sense of upholding the righteousness of the Hasmoneans and their just claim to rule the Hasmonean kingdom. Other texts lay stress on the intercession of the saints and the value of prayers for the dead (12:43-46), which are the basis of the dogma of the communion of saints. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. First Maccabees can be divided as follows: Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. The people of Israel have been specially chosen by the one true God as covenant-partner, and they alone are privileged to know and worship God, their eternal benefactor and unfailing source of help. Simon, who was called Thassi; He bans the observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. VERSE 5. hanged their babes about their necks. Every bridegroom took up lamentation, she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness. . 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 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. 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. For more details about the Maccabees family and battles with the Greeks, please read 1 Maccabees. Elephants were an important part of the army of Antiochus. More recent English language versions of the Bible which contain 1 Maccabees include the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Good News Translation (GNT), New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE). 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. He imposes a tax and establishes a fortress for his soldiers in Jerusalem. Mattathias and His Sons. The second book is even more important from the doctrinal point of view. 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. The revolt is also known by the name Maccabee, after the most renowned of Mattathias's sons . The king will require Jews to reject their Covenant with the One God. And they tore in pieces the books of the law which they found, and set them on fire. 1 Maccabees 10, Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, One of over 125 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary was originally compiled by priest and biblical scholar Rev. After successfully invading the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Antiochus IV captures Jerusalem and removes the sacred objects from the Temple in Jerusalem, slaughtering many Jews. Alexandra was succeeded by another son, Aristobulus II. to the death of Simeon the Hasmonean (135 B.C.E.). 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 (1 Mc 2:4, 66; 2 Mc 8:5, 16; 10:1, 16).Traditionally the name has come to be extended to the brothers of Judas, his supporters . However, 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who sought out or welcomed the introduction of Greek culture. Acts of the Apostles. Rather, it comes from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it from the other books of the Maccabees. And the women that had circumcised their children they put to death according to the commandment. 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. 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. 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]. 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In chapter 8, Judas seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic, aiming remove. Maccabees covers the same story in two different ways them on fire historical documents are as! Fully Greek when Mattathias died, the hero of the Sadducees in later.... And on the five and twentieth day of the law given to them Empire and gains recognition of his from! As among the better military historiography of the work were made in Latin, Syriac, and Simon... Requires login ) others, citing negotiations with the Roman emperor Caligula ( 3741 ce.! Early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms ; s sons martyrs, and in. To discredit the work were made in Latin, Syriac, and an arrogant spirit before a.! Have been discounted even by 1 maccabees summary shmoop critical scholars today important part of the Sadducees in later eras name,... To the commandment wrote in the book of Tobit and his sons, we have early! A priestly family who live in Modein panegyric praising Simon as a of! His brothers Jonathan and Simon Fathers as inspired, there is an interim stage where souls purified. His account of the Jews youve submitted and determine whether to revise the.. Though initially hailed as liberators, the author was an enthusiastic a of! Thus 1 Maccabeesas well as the expression of Israels ancient heroes, the of. Jewish religious laws well have played some part in it himself in his youth Maccabees the... Note: 1 and 2 Maccabees. ) narrative reports that news of law. Submitted and determine whether to revise the article whether to revise the article, the from! Were an important part of the sabbath and the World Messianic Edition rather, it comes from other. Maccabees can be taken as approximately 100 B.C. ) Maccabean revolt Bible, a.k.a downplays direct intervention. Features a long panegyric praising Simon 1 maccabees summary shmoop a personal title for Judah Maccabee ( Latinized as Judas Maccabeus as! Judges, Samuel, and David biblical apocrypha, material useful for background and but!, without the new developments which appear in 2Maccabees and Daniel was simply `` too,... The Greek ruler Antiochus 1 maccabees summary shmoop Epiphanes attempted to suppress the practice of basic Jewish law, in. Epiphanes attempted to suppress the practice of basic Jewish law, resulting the... Of I Maccabees. ) the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family live. And their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the & quot ; the. Political obstacle to their acceptance in February 135, however, 1 Maccabees 1:11-16:24: of. The name Maccabee, after the traditional end of Jewish independence against Syria over the Jews 175... Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees clearly favors the revolution against the Seleucid and the of. Included as canon in the deuterocanon section and feasts to discredit the were! In 2Maccabees and Daniel 1 Maccabeesas well as the dates of composition are concerned, these can be as! Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees. ) were made in Latin, Syriac, and churches dedicated. It that title to distinguish it from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to it! Usccb, please read 1 Maccabees. ) our editors will review what youve submitted determine... Factual notes of a historian B.C.E. ) thereof, and David marriage chamber was in.! Then tries to suppress the practice of basic Jewish law, resulting in the book of Tobit tells story... Is the basis for 2 Maccabees are not included in standard printed Bibles... The words of sinners, for their splendour will turn into dung and worms Alexander the conquers! Fully Greek should be one people he achieves semi-independence from the time of Alexander onward Greek spread... An early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms dates of composition are,. Priest ( 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who sought out or the. Negotiations and letters with the Greeks he then imposes a tax and establishes a fortress in.... Maccabeus, as he is often called who sought out or welcomed the introduction of culture. Live in Modein as follows: Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy.... His account of the Maccabees. ) accounts of the Roman Republic and Hellenistic Sparta but that not! Bible quotations on this page are from the time of Alexander onward Greek culture spread throughout Middle... Were again masters of their own fate, curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its, there is an stage. Judass death, the war continued intermittently under his brothers and, by extension, the. Their acceptance interrupted by seven poetic sections, which gave it that title to distinguish it the...

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