1 maccabees summary shmoop

[26] Mattathias calls upon people loyal to the traditions of Israel to oppose the invaders and the Jewish Hellenizers, and his sons begin a military campaign against them. For the full article, see, Prohibition of Jewish religious practices, Hanukkah: reconsecration of the sanctuary, https://www.britannica.com/summary/Maccabees. 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). 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 . 1 The Simon mentioned above as the informer against the funds and against his country began slandering Onias, insinuating that the latter had been responsible for the assault on Heliodorus and himself had contrived this misfortune. 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 books had separate authors. 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. the king sent letters. It was portrayed as a center of athletic and intellectual life. 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. 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. VERSE 41. 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. VERSE 60. 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. His purpose in writing is to record the deliverance of Israel that God worked through the family of Mattathias (5:62)especially through his three sons, Judas, Jonathan, and Simon, and his grandson, John Hyrcanus. However, after successfully invading the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, Antiochus IV enters Jerusalem and removes the sacred objects from the Temple. And they did all put diadems upon themselves after that he was dead, and so did their sons after them many years: and they multiplied evils in the earth. two main dynasties established themselves in the territories of his huge empirethe Ptolemies, who controlled Egypt and also Palestine up to 200 B.C. It possibly was written during the reign of the Roman emperor Caligula (3741 ce). [44] That said, our knowledge of the Sadducees is scant, so it is difficult to know for sure. Do a bit of research on Hanukkah and talk what you have learnt about this very important Jewish festival. [35] Simon fortifies Jerusalem (1 Maccabees 13:10) and secures the reoccupation of Joppa (1 Maccabees 13:11), leading the people in peace and prosperity until he is murdered by agents of Ptolemy, son of Abubus, who had been named governor of the region by the Macedonian Greeks. 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. The book draws a sharp contrast between Jews and Gentiles, similar to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These heroes of the faith will walk with the One God and keep the Covenant. Registered charity 232759. Journey through the Bible, one book at a time, with the 2nd edition of our Books of the Bible journal. [19], The book was probably originally written in Hebrew. It describes the promulgation of decrees forbidding traditional Jewish practices by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the formation of a rebellion against him by Mattathias of the Hasmonean family and his five sons. 1 Maccabees. Talk about how this story might have inspired the Jews of Jesus day in the light of their oppression by the Romans. He plays one faction off against the other, obtaining various benefits for the Jews in exchange for his military support. From Alexander to Antiochus. They establish a gymnasium, where men socialized in the nude. 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. And they got possession of the strong cities in the land of Egypt; and he took the spoils of Egypt. 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. Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG. Book of Daniel. Finally, after Matthathias dies, his son Judas succeeds in liberating the Temple precincts and reconsecrating the Temple itself in 165 B.C.E. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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. It became part of the deuterocanon in early Christianity. VERSE 32. If you like what I write, become my partner by donating. The period of peace and prosperity is celebrated in a biblical-style poetic passage, the "Eulogy of Simon",[36] which Rappaport considers to be "one of the most important poetic passages in 1 Maccabees".[37]. The book of 1 Maccabees clearly favors the revolution against the Seleucid and the Hasmonean dynasty. 2 Maccabees, curiously, says nothing about thisdespite its . Rather, it comes from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it from the other books of the Maccabees. 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 . The book is held as canonical scripture today in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches (except for the Orthodox Tewahedo). 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. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. 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. 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 . 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. This work no longer exists, but is the basis for 2 Maccabees.) He forbids observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them; and she became a habitation of strangers, and she became strange to those who were born in her, and her children forsook her. Even in stories set during the Maccabean period, references to Judas by name were explicitly removed to avoid hero-worship of the Hasmonean line. 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. [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 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. Attempts to discredit the work as essentially fiction have been discounted even by strongly critical scholars today. [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]. First Maccabees or 1 Maccabees is most famous as the source of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The kingdom began to decline under Ptolemy IV Philopator, who was a bad administrator and led a dissolute life. by Daniel R. Schwartz. He extensively uses the first thirteen chapters of it in Books 12 and 13 of his work Jewish Antiquities, paraphrasing it directly in parts, although supplementing it with other Greek histories such as Nicolaus of Damascus. 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. ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C. The rededication of the Jerusalem Temple described in 4:3659 (see 2Mc 10:18) is the origin of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah. he spoke words in subtlety. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. These translations have no copyright restrictions. The original book was apparently written in Hebrew, as is indicated by a number of Hebrew idioms used by the author. 2 Samuel. 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. A supporter of the Hasmonean dynasty. One is that it was simply "too new," dealing with a period several centuries after the traditional end of Jewish prophecy. ", 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.". It is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and apocryphal in Protestant tradition. [20], During the Crusades, Pope Urban II and other church leaders used 1 Maccabees 2 to justify the concept of holy war against the Muslim kingdoms controlling the holy city of Jerusalem. 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. CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize, Chronology. VERSE 7. Alternate titles: The Books of the Machabees. Judas's brother Simon Thassi is declared High Priest by will of the Jewish people. The history of the Maccabee family given in these books ends with the death of Simon and the succession of his son, John Hyrcanus. At this point the book ends. First Maccabees can be divided as follows: Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. And from the people were gathered together to them many, every one that had forsaken the law; and they did evil things in the land; VERSE 53. and they made israel to hide themselves in every place of refuge which they had. That is, he spoke deceitfully. the hundred and forty and third year. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. For Jews, a highlight of 1 Maccabees is its description of the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem and the institution of Hanukkah. they chose to die. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It is accepted in the Catholic and Orthodox canons. He shows intimate and detailed geographical knowledge of the Judea, Galilee, and their environs, but is inaccurate in his information about foreign countries. 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. 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. As the Bible says, "On the eighth day, God created Shmoop and saw that it was good." Or something like that. VERSE 27. When Mattathias died (c. 166 bc), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. 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. Simon is succeeded by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father. Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. VERSE 56. Its vocabulary and style indicate a Greek original. Finally, there is the issue of its revolutionary character. [13] The word "Maccabees" in plural, however, does not appear to have been used until centuries after the Maccabean Revolt. VERSE 34. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. 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. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 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. Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. 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. They are in the Public Domain. the hundred and thirty and seventh year. 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. It is considered one of the most accurate accounts of Jewish history for the period which it covers. . Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. They are Jewish people who do not observe the Law. While Judas is eventually killed in battle, the Maccabees eventually achieve autonomy and then independence for Judea under the leadership of the Hasmonean family. 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. 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. This book also tells us more about atonement beyond the grave by asserting the existence of purgatory (12:38ff). 1:7 So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died. 1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeateda King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. [21][22] The English equivalent would be writing new books in the style of the King James Version. Simon, who was called Thassi; came there forth out of Israel. 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. 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). 1 Samuel. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. 4:59). 1 Maccabees is a historical book, concerned to relay the events of the period as closely as possible. 1 Maccabees A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. 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]. Is most famous as the source of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C the desolation Mattathias... 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