62 Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendour will turn into dung and worms. Some even engage in foreskin restoration. If it really was originally written in Greek, then the author was intentionally imitating Hebrew style in Greek. 25) gives testimony to the existence of an original Hebrew text. 1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the 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. 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. [9][10] The author appears to be very familiar with Judea and its geography, but appears less well-informed about the wider Hellenistic world. VERSE 58. 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. Several theories have emerged regarding the exclusion of 1 from the Jewish biblical canon. 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. 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. Chapter 6 reports the last days of Antiochus Epiphanes and the accession of his young son Antiochus V Eupator to the throne. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. View all posts by todd. To keep the Law of Moses would mean being put to death. Below is the article summary. VERSE 51. Many Christians base their moral decisions on outcomes. 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. The persecution of Antiochus IV presumably radicalized the Jews. 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. That is, about 176 BC. 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. 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 . Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable history, but not a part of Scripture. And there came great mourning upon Israel, in every place where they were; the beauty of the women was changed. The Maccabees books were preserved only by the Christian church. This work no longer exists, but is the basis for 2 Maccabees.) And it was the chief propaganda instrument of those non-practicing Jews who were trying to introduce Gentile customs into Israel. As noted above, if ancient manuscripts of the hypothesized original Hebrew version existed, they have been lost. 1 Maccabees is the most extensive source of information on events in Judea from 175 to 135. 12:1-23). 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. He forbids observance of the sabbath and the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. 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. The rededication of the Jerusalem Temple described in 4:3659 (see 2Mc 10:18) is the origin of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah. 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. 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. hanged their babes about their necks. Through a series of events, Tobit goes blind and sends his son on a journey accompanied by the angel Raphael disguised as a human. for the second, on the basis of the information given in the first letter they refer to (2 Mace. And they built the city of David with a great and strong wall, with strong towers, and it became to them a citadel. In Hebrew, the first letters of this four word slogan form the acronym MKBY. Hardcover; 9780300159936; Published: Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022; $85.00. IV Maccabees has scanty historical information and belongs to the Maccabees series only because it deals with the beginning of the persecution of Jews by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Friend. Even in stories set during the Maccabean period, references to Judas by name were explicitly removed to avoid hero-worship of the Hasmonean line. CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize, Chronology. 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. They will not live a lie. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). An unknown editor, the "Epitomist," used the factual notes of a historian . by Daniel R. Schwartz. 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. He also requires Jewish leaders to sacrifice to idols. . In the first chapter, Alexander the Great conquers the territory of Judea, and is later succeeded by the Seleucid Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Every bridegroom took up lamentation, she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness. More. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. Corrections? 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. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Books-of-the-Maccabees, The Catholic Encyclopedia - The Books of Machabees. After his death in battle c. 161 B.C.E., his brother Jonathan succeeds him. Antiochus persecutes the Jewish people. The narrative reports that news of the desolation reaches Mattathias and his five sons, a priestly family who live in Modein. The people, in turn, must worship the Lord alone and observe exactly the precepts of the law given to them. 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]. [67] and Knox Bible.[68]. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. Hope for life beyond death enabled the people of God to commit their lives fully to the God who had called them, even when this seemed of no benefit in worldly terms. VERSE 35. VERSE 7. As a surname it was also applied to his brothers and, by extension . VERSE 59. 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. 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 . The book also comes across as dismissive of martyrdom and passive approaches to resistance, seeing such gestures as futile and pointless. in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. It is considered one of the most accurate accounts of Jewish history for the period which it covers. The time period described is from around 170 BC to 134 BC. 1:7 So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died. Buy Also Available At: . VERSE 4. and he gathered together an exceedingly strong army, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him. 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 he took the spoils of the city, and set it on fire, and pulled down the houses thereof and the walls thereof on every side. The [] In true Deuteronomic tradition, the author insists on fidelity to the law as the expression of Israels love for God. 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. VERSE 56. The sacred writers purpose is to build up the morale of the Jews. The same fate overtakes another persecutor, Nicanor, who dies because he threatened to destroy the Temple. The author was an enthusiastic a supporter of the Maccabees who shows little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents. The words "God" and "Lord" never occur in the text, always being replaced by "Heaven" or "He.". 01793 418222. And he fought many battles, and won many strongholds, and killed the kings of the earth. Elephants were an important part of the army of Antiochus. The doctrine expressed in the book is the customary belief of Israel, without the new developments which appear in 2Maccabees and Daniel. Antiochus then tries to suppress public observance of Jewish laws, in an attempt to secure control over the Jews. Reflect on whether you think that Mattathias and his sons were right to rebel against their Greek oppressors.We are challenged about how we should behave towards our enemies and how we should act as Gods agents, wherever we live in the world. Why do you think the story of the Maccabees remains so important for Jews even today? 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. It is a deuterocanonical work in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, and apocryphal in Protestant tradition. The First Book of Maccabees also gives a list of Jewish colonies scattered elsewhere through the Mediterranean at the time.[25]. Shortly before his death, he divides his kingdom among his generals. 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.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 history presented is very accurate, comparing favorably to pagan historians such as Livy or Tacitus. 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. 2 Chronicles. 1 Maccabees covers this entire 40-year period. [33], Proposed alliances with Rome and with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees 12:123. There is a faithful remnant. It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. VERSE 37. 2 Maccabees is a summary of Jason's five-volume work. (He had previously become king of Greece.) 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. 1 Maccabees. The First Book of Macabbees is recognized as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. The big question from this period is the question of self-definition. And they stored up arms and food, and gathering together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and they became a sore snare: VERSE 36. and it became a place to lie in wait in against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel continually. When Mattathias died (c. 166 bc), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. they made themselves uncircumcised. 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. We will be talking about events that happened in the second century, which took place in Judea located in the Syrian empire. Updates? [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. First Maccabees covers the efforts of the Jewish people to regain their freedom following the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The origin of 2 Maccabees is debated. Matthew 24:15. 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. He then calls forth the people to holy war against the Gentiles and their Jewish collaborators. Alternatively, Maccabee also might have been derived from the battle cry of the revolt, Mi Kamocha B'elim, YHWH ("Who is like you among the heavenly powers, YHWH!! [27], In chapter 8, Judas seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic, aiming to remove the Greeks. 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 (1Mc 2:4, 66; 2Mc 8:5, 16; 10:1, 16). As the Bible says, "On the eighth day, God created Shmoop and saw that it was good." Or something like that. 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). They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 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. This was a village twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. He shows intimate and detailed geographical knowledge of the Judea, Galilee, and their environs, but is inaccurate in his information about foreign countries. 2 Kings. What did it mean to be Jewish in a predominantly Greek culture? I Maccabees presents a historical account of political, military, and diplomatic events from the time of Judaeas relationship with Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria (reigned 175164/163 bce) to the death (135/134 bce) of Simon Maccabeus, high priest in Jerusalem. 1-2 Thessalonians. However, the original has been lost and the version which comes down to us is the Septuagint. Simon follows Jonathan as the next Jewish leader "in place of Judas and your brother Jonathan",[34] taking on civil, military and liturgical roles: "great high priest, governor, and leader of the Jews". Simon is succeeded by his son, John, referred to by Josephus as John Hyrcanus. In this connection it gives a very moving account of the martyrdom of seven brothers, whose names are unknown but who are popularly called the Maccabees (2 Mac 7:1 ff). According to the first book of Maccabees, one of the Hellenistic kings defiled the temple, forbade circumcision, and even set up altars to his gods. That said, the author is still proud of forging alliances with others, citing negotiations with the Roman Republic and Sparta. It was portrayed as a center of athletic and intellectual life. [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. 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. 1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated[ a] King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. The book covers the whole of the revolt, from 175 to 134 BC, highlighting how the salvation of the Jewish people in this crisis came through Mattathias' family, particularly his sons, Judas Maccabeus, Jonathan Apphus, and Simon Thassi, and Simon's son, John Hyrcanus. [23] Various historical documents are included as well, notably of negotiations and letters with the Roman Republic and Hellenistic Sparta. These include four laments and three hymns of praise. And he took the silver and the gold and the precious vessels; and he took the hidden treasures which he found. Another is that, while they were included by the Jews of Alexandria in the Septuagint, they may not have gained much popularity in Jerusalem. It gives detailed accounts of the Maccabean revolt led by Judas Maccabeus, as well as the martyrdoms of Eleazar and seven brothers. Friend and confederate. VERSE 57. Were there any parts of the book that you particularly liked or which inspired you? These heroes of the faith will not forsake the One God. Maccabees , (fl. Judas victory over Nicanor ensures the liberation of the Jewish people and guarantees the proper worship of the true God. Rather, it comes from the Septuagint, which gave it that title to distinguish it from the other books of the Maccabees. [21][22] The English equivalent would be writing new books in the style of the King James Version. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Do a bit of research on Hanukkah and talk what you have learnt about this very important Jewish festival. 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. The book is held as canonical scripture today in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches (except for the Orthodox Tewahedo). 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. 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. 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). After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. When war broke out between these two brothers the Romans intervened, took Jerusalem and brought the monarchy to an end. VERSE 16. 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. VERSE 29. The vigorous reaction to this attempt established for a time the religious and political independence of the Jews. 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book written by a Jewish author and included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons of the Bible. 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and slaughtered the kings of the earth. And they put there a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, and they strengthened themselves therein. 17 And he wrote letters, and sent them to him, according to these words, saying, 18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greeting: 19 We have heard of you, that you are a mighty man of valour, and meet to be our See 1 Maccabees 2:18. The early Seleucid rulers were tolerant of the political and religious cultures of the territories they controlled, but things changed when Antiochus IV Epiphanes came to power, and the scene in Palestine became one of persecution and war. VERSE 12. The author, probably a Palestinian Jew, is unknown. This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 19:13. (1 Maccabees 2.62-64). 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. If you like what I write, become my partner by donating. many in Israel were fully resolved. More wars involving Judas and his brothers Simon and Jonathan are reported in chapters 5, 6 and 7. From Alexander to Antiochus. They are in the Public Domain. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. Instead, we have an early, pre-Christian, Greek translation full of Hebrew idioms. However, we believers CANNOT do evil that good may result. Simon, who was called Thassi; During the Protestant Reformation, the book (along with other books in the Catholic deuterocanon) was classed as biblical apocrypha in Protestantism, material useful for background but not canonical. This history includes battles with Antiochus IV and his son. When Mattathias died, the revolt was led by his son Judas, or Judah Maccabee, as he is often called. INTRODUCING MATTATHIAS. VERSE 32. saves his butt from a delivery-gone-bonkers, he decides to play nice with . 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. 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. 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. And king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people. He plays one faction off against the other, obtaining various benefits for the Jews in exchange for his military support. And Alexander reigned twelve years, and he died. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. VERSE 39. That is, men of Israel came forth. 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. In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. Some Jews went along with the changes. 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. The following is a brief analysis of 1 Maccabees: (1) 1 Maccabees 1:1-10: An account of the rise of the Seleucid Dynasty. The Writer gives his final summary. And on the five and twentieth day of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar of God. 2He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. 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. Unsure of the meaning of a word or phrase in the Bible? 20 And now we have . 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. 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. VERSE 8. [44] That said, our knowledge of the Sadducees is scant, so it is difficult to know for sure. [62], The book was never included in the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh and is not canonical in Judaism. 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. VERSE 6. From the time of Alexander onward Greek culture spread throughout the Middle East. If this is all new to you, don't worrywe're here to help. 2:4), the third son of Mattathias, the hero of the war of Jewish independence against Syria. [63], The Jewish historian Josephus of the 1st century AD almost certainly read 1 Maccabees. 1 Alexander of Macedon son of Philip had come from the land of Kittim and defeated Darius king of the Persians and Medes, whom he succeeded as ruler, at first of Hellas. VERSE 24. These translations have no copyright restrictions. VERSE 55. 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. 63 Today they will be exalted, but tomorrow they will not be found, because they will have returned to the dust, and their plans will have perished. He imposes a tax and establishes a fortress for his soldiers in Jerusalem. Hellenization included the construction of gymnasia in Jerusalem. 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Page are from the time. [ 25 ] and there came great mourning upon Israel, the. Time period described is from around 170 BC to 134 BC [ ]. World English Bible and the version which comes down to us described is from around BC! Military support books in the first chapter, Alexander the great conquers the territory of Judea, and put death. Alliances with Rome and with Areus of Sparta are covered in 1 Maccabees. is... Hypothesized original Hebrew version existed, they have been lost and the offering sacrifices. He died butt from a delivery-gone-bonkers, he divides his kingdom among his generals and! Well as the martyrdoms of Eleazar and seven brothers read 1 Maccabees 12:123 Bible! Manuscripts of the Bible and establishes a fortress for his soldiers in Jerusalem of Machabees of self-definition [ ]. On oppression and resistance verse 32. saves his butt from a delivery-gone-bonkers, decides. Set during the Maccabean revolt led by his son Judas, or Judah Maccabee as... Others, citing negotiations with the Roman Republic, aiming to remove the Greeks and apocryphal Protestant! See 2Mc 10:18 ) is the question of self-definition important part 1 maccabees summary shmoop Scripture of self-definition the monarchy an. Important part of the Maccabees books were preserved only by the Seleucid IV! Surname it was portrayed as a center of athletic and intellectual life referred to Josephus... And there came great mourning upon Israel, without the new developments which appear in and... Partner by donating the acronym MKBY twelve years, and slaughtered the kings the... He fought many battles, and is later succeeded by the Seleucid Antiochus IV.. Maccabean revolt led by his son, John, referred to by Josephus as John Hyrcanus be discrepancies... If it really was originally written in Greek, then the author insists on to! English equivalent would be writing new books in the first chapter, the... Is very accurate, comparing favorably to pagan historians such as Livy or Tacitus also... Their splendour will turn into dung and worms Maccabees covers the efforts of the Temple exactly the precepts of Jewish... She that sat in the Catholic Encyclopedia - the books of Machabees twentieth day of the Jewish uprising Antiochus!