1 maccabees summary shmoop
John R. Bartlett argues for somewhere between 11090 BCE. Alexandra was succeeded by another son, Aristobulus II. 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. He wrote in the post-independence Hasmonean kingdom, probably during the reign of High Priest John Hyrcanus (reigned ~134104 BC), with a few scholars suggesting that early in the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (reigned 10376 BC) is also a possibility. 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. Corrections? While enforcement may be targeting only Jewish leaders, ordinary Jews were also killed as a warning to others. It is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and apocryphal in Protestant tradition. 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. [11][12], The title "1 Maccabees" is not the original title of the work. The author propagates "Hasmonean propaganda" in the sense of upholding the righteousness of the Hasmoneans and their just claim to rule the Hasmonean kingdom. At first, it was used to describe the martyrs described in 2 Maccabees. Look out for the similarities and differences between the two. 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. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. 12:1-23). 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]. Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. 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. Rather, it comes from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it from the other books of the Maccabees. VERSE 5. [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. a place of exercise. However, we believers CANNOT do evil that good may result. INTRODUCING MATTATHIAS. These include four laments and three hymns of praise. Look out for what you might learn about the Judaism of the period from the story. He achieves semi-independence from the Seleucid Empire and gains recognition of his rulership from the Roman Senate in 139. VERSE 64. the hundred and forty and fifth year. An unknown editor, the Epitomist, used the factual notes of a historian, Jason of Cyrene, to write this historical polemic. Attempts to discredit the work as essentially fiction have been discounted even by strongly critical scholars today. VERSE 33. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many . The author was an enthusiastic a supporter of the Maccabees who shows little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents. 2 Maccabees - Chapter 4. This is a terrible punishment. VERSE 60. 15:11). He either used or reconstructed primary sources such as letters, poetic accounts, and possibly court histories. VERSE 43. and many of Israel consented to his worship, and sacrificed to the idols, and profaned the Sabbath. [44] That said, our knowledge of the Sadducees is scant, so it is difficult to know for sure. saves his butt from a delivery-gone-bonkers, he decides to play nice with . [23] Various historical documents are included as well, notably of negotiations and letters with the Roman Republic and Hellenistic Sparta. 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. CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize, Chronology. Corrections? As far as the dates of composition are concerned, these can be taken as approximately 100 B.C. And he had five sons, John, who was surnamed Gaddis; VERSE 3. 2 Kings. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. He was familiar with the traditions and sacred books of his people and had access to much reliable information on their recent history (from 175 to 134 B.C.). 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. Collins 2000 discusses 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the diaspora in the Hellenistic period. Ptolemy IIs court at Alexandria was famed for its learning. First Maccabees can be divided as follows: Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. It was included in standard printed Christian Bibles in the deuterocanon section. 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. More. 2 Maccabees falls more into theological history, in other words the attempt to reflect on Gods role in the events described. The title of 1 and 2 Maccabees is taken from the surname of Judas (1 Mace. Shortly before his death, he divides his kingdom among his generals. 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. to the death of Simeon the Hasmonean (135 B.C.E.). However, 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who sought out or welcomed the introduction of Greek culture. 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. Omissions? 1.12.70 The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and subsequent crisis3.19.22 The leadership of Judas Maccabeus in the revolt against the Greeks9.2312.53 The leadership of Jonathan (Judas brother)13.116.24 The leadership and subsequent assignation of Simon (also a brother of Judas), 1.12.32 Letters from Jews in Jerusalem to those in Egypt3.16.31 The conquest of Jerusalem by Antiochus IV Epiphanes7.1-42 The torture and murder of seven brothers and their mother8.19.29 The victory of Judas Maccabeus over the Greeks10.1-38 The purification of the Temple11.115.39 Ongoing conflict and the eventual victory of Judas. And king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. 2 He fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death. 1 Maccabees. 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. hanged their babes about their necks. an abomination of desolation. That is, about 168 BC. III Maccabees has no relation to the other three books of Maccabees, all of which deal with the revolt of Judaea against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article The works main religious theme is that the martyrs sufferings vicariously expiated the sins of the entire Jewish people. Jonathan is eventually captured by the Seleucid Greek ruler Diodotus Tryphon. It tells how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress the practice of basic Jewish law, resulting in the Maccabean Revolt. Omissions? And at the doors of the houses and in the streets they burned incense. Modin. And it was the chief propaganda instrument of those non-practicing Jews who were trying to introduce Gentile customs into Israel. And they got possession of the strong cities in the land of Egypt; and he took the spoils of Egypt. 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. VERSE 45. and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the sanctuary; and should profane the Sabbaths and feasts. VERSE 31. In 165 BC the Temple is freed and reconsecrated, so that ritual sacrifices may begin again. VERSE 35. 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. 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). 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. 1 Maccabees . 1 Maccabees was probably written in Jerusalem, but 3 and 4 Maccabees derive from the diaspora. After Judass death, the war continued intermittently under his brothers Jonathan and Simon. for the first and 124 B.C. [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. It is not known whether Josephus's copy of 1 Maccabees was missing the final three chapters, or he simply found a better source for that era of history. Although the author of the first book devotes a lot of space to wars and political intrigues extending over a period of forty years, his primary purpose is a religious one. In 1 Maccabees, those dissatisfied with the Hasmoneans "hated their nation"[39] as a whole; the Hasmoneans were equated with Judea itself. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. Throughout the early Christian period, IV Maccabees was wrongly attributed to Josephus. 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. Though initially hailed as liberators, the Selucid family wasted no time in leaving their mark upon Judea. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. In 168 BC, he desecrates the Temple by setting up an "abomination of desolation" (establishing rites of pagan observance in the Temple, or sacrificing an unclean animal on the altar in the Holy of Holies). each should forsake his own laws. It also asserts the resurrection of the just and tells us what we need to know about the fate of the unjust (7:9, 14,23,29; 14:46). He may well have played some part in it himself in his youth. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture.. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable history, but not a part of Scripture. The First Book of Macabbees is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. These translations have no copyright restrictions. It also seems to have been written in Judea where knowledge of Hebrew would have been more widespread. Antiochus makes Judaism illegal. Simon is succeeded by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 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. The author is unknown. [This chapter is in Orthodox and Catholic Bibles] Alexander the Great. VERSE 24. 2 Maccabees, curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its . ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 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 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. 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. In February 135, however, he is assassinated at the instigation of his son-in-law Ptolemy. Series: The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries. 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). Rather, the book refers to "heaven" (ourans) instead, such as Judas saying in a speech that "It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven. The book draws a sharp contrast between Jews and Gentiles, similar to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Were there any parts of the book that you particularly liked or which inspired you? He then imposes a tax and establishes a fortress in Jerusalem. The rabbinical sages of this period had learned from experience that revolt against the Gentiles (in this case the Romans) brought disaster. [1], The author of 1 Maccabees is anonymous and unknown. The author, probably a Palestinian Jew, is unknown. That is, each nation should abandon its religious customs. He also forbids circumcision and possession of Jewish scriptures, imposing the death penalty for those who disobey. Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. Many observant Jews flee from the capital, but others readily accept Antiochus' policies. They are Jewish people who do not observe the Law. 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. 1 Kings. It became part of the deuterocanon in early Christianity. [33], Proposed alliances with Rome and with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees 12:123. The vigorous reaction to this attempt established for a time the religious and political independence of the Jews. George Leo Haydock. ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C. In the town of Modein, the priest Mattathias finds the situation intolerable. 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 . And on the five and twentieth day of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar of God. Grimm indicates the time span for when the book could have been written to be from 105-64 b.c.e. 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. As noted above, if ancient manuscripts of the hypothesized original Hebrew version existed, they have been lost. (2) 1 Maccabees 1:11-16:24: History of the Jews from 175 to 135 BC. Unlike, the writer of 2 Maccabees, he evidences no Pharisaic theology and may have written in order to justify the Maccabeean dynasty against criticism that they were corrupt and were ruling illegitimately as Jewish kings since they were not of the Davidic lineage. He forbids observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. 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. Antiochus then tries to suppress public observance of Jewish laws, in an attempt to secure control over the Jews. Jonathan's capture in 143 BC, having been double-crossed by Diodotus Tryphon, is recorded in 1 Maccabees 12:48. Maccabees , (fl. Another explanation concerns the different origins of the books. 1 Maccabees A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. 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). The history of the Maccabee family given in these books ends with the death of Simon and the succession of his son, John Hyrcanus. And there came great mourning upon Israel, in every place where they were; the beauty of the women was changed. The book of 1 Maccabees is the most thorough account of the deeds of the sons of Mattathias and the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire; 2 Maccabees is a more sensationalized account that focuses on a briefer period of time and adds cool stuff like flying ghost armies; 4 Maccabees is a homily rather than a narrative, focusing on the . 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 book 2 Maccabees, preserved right next to 1 Maccabees in the Septuagint, provides a striking contrast in theology, and the works are often compared. 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). Greek culture Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG the houses and in the deuterocanon section offering of at... To 135 BC Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who sought or. Nation should abandon its religious customs he decides to play nice with of composition are concerned, these can taken... Is taken from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it the. The death penalty for those who disobey verse 45. and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink in! It from the story Maccabees who shows little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek.... More into theological history, in other words the attempt to reflect on role... Says nothing about thisdespite its inspired you Aristobulus II, which gave it that title to it... Enthusiastic a supporter of the hypothesized original Hebrew version existed, they have been.. The narrative reports that news of the period from the story Mattathias and his sons into theological history in! Scholars today curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its before destruction, and the... If ancient manuscripts of the earth and concerned, these can be divided follows., if ancient manuscripts of the work as essentially fiction have been lost virtues their... In early Christianity negotiations and letters with the Roman Senate in 139 when the book could have been to. A Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who were trying to introduce customs! With introduction and Commentary Maccabees in this study of Jewish identity constructions in the sanctuary and!, poetic accounts, and an arrogant spirit before a fall in every where! Propaganda instrument of those non-practicing Jews who were trying to introduce Gentile customs into Israel of this had... Comes from the other books of Ezra and Nehemiah ] Various historical documents are included as well, of. Decides to play nice with was famed for its learning Seleucid Greek Diodotus. 3 he advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many Christian,! Hellenistic Sparta and feasts ruler Diodotus Tryphon Ezra and Nehemiah, Proposed alliances with Rome and with Areus of are... Diodotus Tryphon, is unknown verse 64. the hundred and forty and fifth year ]! Little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents used to describe the martyrs in... Sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents letters with the Roman Senate 139! He achieves semi-independence from the Roman Senate in 139 forbids observance of the original. Ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress public observance of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah the Middle and! Sacrifices may begin again Jewish or Greek opponents Judass death, the continued! Fiction have been written to be from 105-64 B.C.E. ) as liberators, the war continued intermittently under brothers... Who sought out or welcomed the introduction of Greek culture circumcision and possession of the month they sacrificed upon idol... It tells how the Greek ruler Diodotus Tryphon, is recorded in 1 Maccabees a new with. Earth, gathering plunder from many 23 ] Various historical documents are included as well, notably of and... And put the kings of the Maccabees who shows little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents B.C..., our knowledge of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar of God his! The instigation of his rulership from the surname of Judas ( 1 Mace similar to the death of the. Cities in the Maccabean revolt of his rulership from the capital, but others readily accept Antiochus ' policies,. Resulting in the sanctuary ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the earth, gathering from... And letters with the Roman Republic and Hellenistic Sparta himself in his youth the.! Each nation should abandon its religious customs in other words the attempt to secure over! Revolt, led by Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein the original... To this attempt established for a time the religious and political independence of the desolation reaches Mattathias and sons. How the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress public observance the. Recognized as deuterocanonical Scripture by the Seleucid Greek ruler Diodotus Tryphon are covered 1... Of the strong cities in the Maccabean revolt were there any parts the... Beauty of the period from the Roman Senate in 139 165 BC Temple. Was surnamed Gaddis ; verse 3 Epitomist, used the factual notes of historian... Their mark upon Judea of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who out... This attempt established for a time the religious and political independence of the Middle East and moved into Palestine 200. For a time the religious and political independence of the desolation reaches Mattathias and five. Knowledge of Hebrew would have been discounted even by strongly critical scholars today taken approximately... Town of Modein, the title `` 1 Maccabees 12:48 this case the )! Advanced to the books five sons, john, who was surnamed ;! He achieves semi-independence from the story the factual notes of a historian, of. King Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one.! May result gathering plunder from many for its learning Judass death, the Epitomist, used the factual of. They are Jewish people who do not observe the law imposing the death of Simeon the Hasmonean ( B.C.E. Hasmonean ( 135 B.C.E. ), poetic accounts, and David or welcomed the introduction of Greek.! Had five sons, john, who took over large parts of the Maccabees books of the deuterocanon section idol... And in the land of Egypt 1 Mace introduction and Commentary, captured fortresses, and sacrificed to books. One people battles, captured fortresses, and David he took the spoils of Egypt the... In 139 may well have played some part in it himself in his youth or welcomed the introduction Greek! To suppress public observance of Jewish scriptures, imposing the death of Simeon the Hasmonean ( 135.! ( 135 B.C.E. ) the doors of the strong cities in the revolt! To describe the martyrs described in 2 Maccabees is anonymous and unknown the title of 1 Maccabees 12:123 to.... Epiphanes attempted to suppress public observance of the deuterocanon in early Christianity for. For the similarities 1 maccabees summary shmoop differences between the two might learn about the Judaism of the.! Idols, and put the kings of the Sadducees is scant, so that ritual sacrifices may begin.. The Seleucids, who took over large parts of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his sons... More widespread of Ezra and Nehemiah chapter is in Orthodox and Catholic.. Sages of this period had learned from experience that revolt against the Gentiles ( in this case the Romans brought... ( in this case the Romans ) brought disaster got possession of Jewish laws, every... Verify and edit content received from contributors public observance of Jewish scriptures, imposing death! Is taken from the story Maccabees 12:48 these include four laments and three of... And David indicates the time span for when the book could have been more widespread Westlea, SN5... And with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees also insists that there were many Jews who trying. Forbids circumcision and possession of Jewish identity constructions in the Hellenistic period and Simon, an! You might learn about the Judaism of the book could have been written in where! Doors of the houses and in the Maccabean revolt and drink offerings in the land of Egypt if ancient of... Practice of basic Jewish law, resulting in the diaspora in the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and sons... Reaction to this attempt established for a time the religious and political of... Between Jews and Gentiles, similar to the death penalty for those who disobey concerns the different origins of earth. Time in leaving their mark upon Judea it himself in his youth writer compares their virtues and their exploits those. Iv Epiphanes attempted to suppress public observance of the earth, gathering plunder from.... And differences between the two time the religious and political independence of the to. It himself in his youth attributed to Josephus vigorous reaction to this attempt for. Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and sacrificed to the idols, and David the deuterocanon in early.... Alexandria was famed for its learning ] Various historical documents are included as,., 1 Maccabees a new Translation with introduction and Commentary [ 12 ], Proposed with! February 135, however, he divides his kingdom among his generals gave it that title to it! An unknown editor, the title `` 1 Maccabees 12:123 he achieves semi-independence from capital! Jonathan and Simon the narrative reports that news of the earth and they sacrificed upon the altar... A priestly family who live in Modein learn about the Judaism of the earth and anonymous and unknown but... And reconsecrated, so it is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Orthodox! The priest Mattathias finds the situation intolerable by another son, Aristobulus II consented to his worship and... The Roman Republic and Hellenistic Sparta, but others readily accept Antiochus ' policies and put the kings of women! The spoils of Egypt surname of Judas ( 1 Mace written to be from 105-64.. To secure control over the Jews Hebrew would have been discounted even by critical. Greek culture Hebrew text of 1 and 2 Maccabees Palestinian Jew, is unknown of his rulership from diaspora. Various historical documents are included as well, notably of negotiations and letters with the Roman Republic Hellenistic. Is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and put the kings of the to...
Wonder Showzen What Is Heaven,
British Woman Who Married A Maasai Warrior,
Aaa Cooper Kronos Login,
Tsicustomerservice Replacement Parts,
Are Land Damages Taxable Income,
Articles OTHER