1 Maccabees, THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES | USCCB After a short introduction the book describes the Jewish uprising against Antiochus, whose persecution led to the desecration of the Temple. The biblical books of 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, and 4 Maccabees describe the Maccabean revolt. The Maccabees proper were Judah Maccabee and his four brothers. It is also possible that the name Maccabee is an acronym for the Torah verse Mi kamokha ba'elim YHWH, "Who is like unto thee among the mighty, O Lord" (Exodus 15:11). For four years, until 36 B.C.E., he lived amid the Babylonian Jews, who paid him every mark of respect. And when the senate was separated, Antony and Caesar [Augustus] went out, with Herod between them; while the consul and the rest of the magistrates went before them, in order to offer sacrifices [to the Roman gods], and to lay the decree in the Capitol. The biblical apocrypha (from Ancient Greek (apkruphos) 'hidden') denotes the collection of apocryphal ancient books thought to have been written some time between 200 BC and AD 400. When did the catholic church add the apocrypha CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: The Books of Machabees - NEW ADVENT Without raising the siege Jonathan, accompanied by the elders and priests, went to the king, and pacified him with presents, so that the king not only confirmed him in his office of high priest, but gave to him the three Samaritan toparchies of Mount Ephraim, Lod, and Ramathaim-Zophim. He was appealed to by the brothers, each endeavoring by gifts and promises to win him over to his side. According to Josephus, the besiegers kept the enormous price of one thousand drachmas they had asked for the lamb. Why at some point were they considered part of the Bible then a man-made council decided they didnt belong? 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). In vain did the Babylonian Jews warn him. Jason abolished the traditional theocracy and "received from Antiochus permission to convert Jerusalem into a Greek polis called Antioch". [24], According to 1 Maccabees, Antiochus banned many traditional Jewish and Samaritan[15] religious practices: he made possession of the Torah a capital offense and burned the copies he could find;[25][26] sabbaths and feasts were banned; circumcision was outlawed, and mothers who circumcised their babies were killed along with their families;[27] and traditional Jewish ritual sacrifice was forbidden. When is Hanukkah 2023? The first book portrays the effort by the Jews to regain their cultural and religious independence from Antiochus IV Epiphanes after his desecration of the Jewish temple. Simon led the people in peace and prosperity, until in February 135 B.C.E., he was assassinated at the instigation of his son-in-law Ptolemy, son of Abubus (also spelt Abobus or Abobi), who had been named governor of the region by the Seleucids. Furthermore, he made a bid for the loyalty of Jonathan, permitting him to recruit an army and to reclaim the hostages kept in the City of Acre. His actions caused a riot in the Temple and led to a brief civil war that ended with a bloody repression of the Pharisees, although at his deathbed the king called for a reconciliation between the two parties. -It wasn't until 930 CE that the first complete Hebrew Bible, called the Aleppo Codex, utilizing masoretic symbols and ordering . Jonathan made treaties with various foreign states, causing further dissent between those who merely desired religious freedom and those who sought greater power. 215164BCE) became ruler of the Seleucid Empire in 175BCE, Onias III held the office of High Priest in Jerusalem. : Antony, then resolved to get [Herod] made king of the Jews [and] told [the Senate] that it was for their advantage in the Parthian war that Herod should be king; so they all gave their votes for it. Students of Jewish history and Jewish literature recognize the value of these documents that took such pains to record details, events and personalities of a major period in Jewish history. 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. Sign up to take a journey through Hanukkah and go deeper into the Festival of Lights. Catholic Bibles contain 46 books in the Old Testament, including seven (Tobit, Judith, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch) which were part of an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. However, the Septuagint became the official version of the Bible for the nascent Christian Church. It has also been suggested that the exclusion of the Books of the Maccabees can be traced to the political rivalry that existed during the late Second Temple Period between the Sadducees and the Pharisees. But when Pompey came to Syria (63 B.C.E.) in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. * Our prayer was heard: in the victory of the Maccabees. Jewish Life and Thought Among Greeks and Romans: Primary Readings, Jews in the Mediterranean diaspora: from Alexander to Trajan (323BCE 117CE) John M Barclay University of California press pg 247, "Calendarium Romanum" (Libreria Editrice Vatican, 1969), p. 132, Jesus visiting the temple during Hanukkah, "What does "Maccabee" mean? Why Are There 7 Extra Books In the Catholic Bible? Background In the 2nd century BCE, Judea lay between the Ptolemaic Kingdom (based in Egypt) and the Seleucid empire (based in Syria ), monarchies which had formed following the death of Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE). by his minister Heliodorus, the same person who had been sent to confiscate the goods of the temple. In 140BCE, he was recognised by an assembly of the priests, leaders and elders as high priest, military commander and ruler of Israel. Pronounced: KHAH-nuh-kah, also ha-new-KAH, an eight-day festival commemorating the Maccabees victory over the Greeks and subsequent rededication of the temple. [7] Demetrius was greatly incensed; he appeared with an army at Ptolemais and ordered Jonathan to come before him. The Maccabees (Hebrew: or , Makabim) were Jewish rebels who fought against the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Hellenistic Seleucid dynasty, who was succeeded by his infant son, Antiochus V Eupator. Simon assumed the leadership (142 B.C.E.). Independent Hasmonean rule lasted until 63BCE, when the Roman general Pompeius intervened in the Hasmonean civil war, making it a client kingdom of Rome. Demetrius II Nicator remained sole ruler of the Seleucid Empire and became the second husband of Cleopatra Thea. Although these texts were written long after these periods, many scholars have said that they are a fairly reliable account of history during the Second Temple era. When, in 50 B.C.E., it appeared as though Julius Caesar was interested in using Aristobulus and his family as his clients to take control of Judea against Hyrcanus and Antipater, who were beholden to Pompey, supporters of Pompey had Aristobulus poisoned in Rome, and executed Alexander in Antioch. The books that he did remove are called Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and Baruch.) According to one tradition, their individual names are Habim, Antonin, Guriah, Eleazar, Eusebon, Hadim (Halim), Marcellus, their mother Solomonia, and their teacher Eleazar.[38]. But he also wants to show that Gods purpose in permitting persecution is to discipline the Jews in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterwards when our sins have reached their height (6:12-17). He and his five sons fled to the wilderness of Judea. The timely aid from Antipater and Hyrcanus led the triumphant Caesar to ignore the claims of Aristobulus's younger son, Antigonus the Hasmonean, and to confirm Hyrcanus and Antipater in their authority, despite their previous allegiance to Pompey. At this point the book ends. 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. The kingdom began to decline under Ptolemy IV Philopator, who was a bad administrator and led a dissolute life. The Maccabean story is preserved in the books of the First and Second Maccabees, which describe in detail the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the lighting of the menorah. Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.E. The New Testament mentions Jesus visiting the temple during Hanukkah (John 10:22-23). were recognized by the Fathers as inspired, there is an interim stage where souls are purified. (The books of I & II Maccabees belong to the historical set, being written between 150 - 100 BC.) 10 Common Catholic Church "Facts" Protestants Constantly Get - MSN His timely help and his influence over the Egyptian Jews recommended him to Caesar's favor, and secured for him an extension of his authority in Palestine, and for Hyrcanus the confirmation of his ethnarchy. According to rabbinic tradition, the victorious Maccabees could only find a small jug of oil that had remained uncontaminated by virtue of a seal, and although it only contained enough oil to sustain the Menorah for one day, it miraculously lasted for eight days, by which time further oil could be procured.[30]. No books were omitted from the King James Bible . His sister, Mariamne was married to Herod, but fell victim to his notorious jealousy. From this point onwards, Antiochus pursued a zealous Hellenizing policy in the Seleucid satrapies of Coele Syria and Phoenicia. As Ethnarch and High Priest of Jerusalem, Hyrcanus annexed Trans-Jordan, Samaria, Galilee, Idumea (also known as Edom), and forced Idumeans to convert to Judaism: Hyrcanus subdued all the Idumeans; and permitted them to stay in that country, if they would circumcise their genitals, and make use of the laws of the Jews; and they were so desirous of living in the country of their forefathers, that they submitted to the use of circumcision, (25) and of the rest of the Jewish ways of living; at which time therefore this befell them, that they were hereafter no other than Jews.[13]. 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). Pronunced: TORE-uh, Origin: Hebrew, the Five Books of Moses. The Pharisees favored separation. What are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.org (161/160 B.C.E.). Herod was designated "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate in 40 B.C.E. This volume in the popular Ignatius Catholic Study Bible series leads readers through a penetrating study of the books of First and Second Maccabees using the text itself and the Church's own guidelines for understanding the Bible.. In face of this new enemy, Demetrius not only promised to withdraw the garrison from the City of Acre, but also called Jonathan his ally and requested him to send troops. Menelaus was arrested for Onias' murder, and was arraigned before Antiochus, but he bribed his way out of trouble. During the siege, which lasted several months, the adherents of Hyrcanus were guilty of two acts which greatly incensed the majority of the Jews: they stoned the pious Onias (see Honi ha-Magel), and, instead of a lamb which the besieged had bought of the besiegers for the purpose of the paschal sacrifice, sent a pig. Jonathan and Simeon led a force of 10,000 men against Apollonius' forces in Jaffa, which was unprepared for the rapid attack and opened the gates in surrender to the Jewish forces. Sep 19, 2022 Reading Time: 3 min The Books of Maccabees were written in the 2nd century BCE, during the time of the Hasmonean dynasty. Trypho, avoiding an engagement, demanded one hundred talents and Jonathan's two sons as hostages, in return for which he promised to liberate Jonathan. An effort to legitimize the Hasmonean dynasty. 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. Ptolemy IIs court at Alexandria was famed for its learning. The story of the Maccabees can be found in the Hebrew Bible in the deuterocanonical books of 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees. However, Pompey's pawns soon had occasion to turn to the other side: At the beginning of the civil war between [Caesar] and Pompey, Hyrcanus, at the instance of Antipater, prepared to support the man to whom he owed his position; but when Pompey was murdered, Antipater led the Jewish forces to the help of Caesar, who was hard pressed at Alexandria. Ironically, the Books of Maccabees survived because they became part of the Christian canon, for otherwise they most certainly would have been lost during the centuries. [10][22] What began as a civil war took on the character of an invasion when the Hellenistic kingdom of Syria sided with the Hellenizing Jews against the traditionalists. In true Deuteronomic tradition, the author insists on fidelity to the law as the expression of Israels love for God. As far as the dates of composition are concerned, these can be taken as approximately 100 B.C. A large Seleucid army was sent to quash the revolt, but returned to Syria on the death of Antiochus IV. The governor of Coele-Syria, Apollonius Taos, used the opportunity to challenge Jonathan to battle, saying that the Jews might for once leave the mountains and venture out into the plain. He and his forces then vacated Israel. 25-27). 22 He took also the table for the bread of the Presence, the cups for . ), Ptolemy VI of Egypt (reigned 163 B.C.E. "Jewish Paideia: Greek Education in the Letter of Aristeas and 2 Maccabees. Herod soon returned, however, and the honors to Antipater's family continued. They tell the story of the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire. In 145 B.C.E., the Battle of Antioch resulted in the final defeat of Alexander Balas by the forces of his father-in-law Ptolemy VI. Today these seven books are variously referred to as the apocryphal or deuterocanonical books and are usually placed between the Old and New Testaments. Jonathan contacted the rival general with offers of a peace treaty and exchange of prisoners of war. 51-66; Josephus, "Ant." Explore Hanukkahs history, global traditions, food and more withMy Jewish Learnings All About Hanukkah email series. while Catholic Bibles have 46. [28], In the narrative of I Maccabees, after Antiochus issued his decrees forbidding Jewish religious practice, a rural Jewish priest from Modiin, Mattathias the Hasmonean, sparked the revolt against the Seleucid Empire by refusing to worship the Greek gods. The books outline the history of the Maccabees, Jewish leaders who led a rebellion of the Jews against the Seleucid Dynasty from 175 BC to 134 BC. The Parthians split their army, and under Pacorus conquered the Levant from the Phoenician coast through Palestine: Antigonus roused the Parthians to invade Syria and Palestine, [and] the Jews eagerly rose in support of the scion of the Maccabean house, and drove out the hated Idumeans with their puppet Jewish king. After the Parthians' defeat, Herod was victorious over his rival in 37 B.C.E. Next, Bacchides was sent with Alcimus and an army of twenty thousand infantry and two thousand cavalry, and met Judah at The Battle of Elasa (Laisa), where this time it was the Hasmonean commander who was killed. 2 He undertook many campaigns, gained possession of many fortresses, and put the local kings to death. Be that as it may, some of the debates surrounding these discussionswhenever and wherever they may have taken placedo appear in rabbinic literature, although we have no complete surviving record of these debates. Maccabees | Encyclopedia.com The people of Azotus complained to King Ptolemy VI, who had come to make war upon his son-in-law, but Jonathan met Ptolemy at Jaffa in peace and accompanied him as far as the River Eleutherus. Naturally, any account of the war of liberation led by Judas Maccabeus would have this effect and would show that victory was due to Gods powerful aid (2:19-22). [15], Now Antiochus was not satisfied either with his unexpected taking the city (Jerusalem), or with its pillage, or with the great slaughter he had made there; but being overcome with his violent passions, and remembering what he had suffered during the siege, he compelled the Jews to dissolve the laws of their country, and to keep their infants uncircumcised, and to sacrifice swine's flesh upon the altar; against which they all opposed themselves, and the most approved among them were put to death. It is difficult to state at what time the Pharisees, as a party, arose. Judea at that time had been affected by the Hellenization initiated by Alexander the Great. The term Maccabees as used to describe the Judean's army is taken from its actual use as Judah's surname. Hereupon they were reconciled to each other in the temple, and embraced one another in a very kind manner, while the people stood round about them; they also changed their houses, while Aristobulus went to the royal palace, and Hyrcanus retired to the house of Aristobulus (Aristobulus ruled from 67-63 B.C.E.). It's worth quoting three that describe the nature of . The Hasmonean dynasty ended in 37BCE when the Idumean Herod the Great became king of Israel,[12] designated "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate,[16][34] effectively transforming the Hasmonean Kingdom into the Herodian Kingdom a client kingdom of Rome. It was said that an idol of Olympian Zeus was placed on the altar of the Temple and that Israelites set up altars to Greek gods and sacrificed "unclean" animals on them. 2 He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and slaughtered the kings of the earth. The Romans would certainly not look kindly upon the popularization of such a text, since it might very well reintroduce the concept of revolt to a population desperately trying to survive the devastating outcome of its own failed attempts. A member of this school is Josephus, whose accounts are in many cases our sole source of information about the Hasmoneans. Diodotus Tryphon went with an army to Judea and invited Jonathan to Scythopolis for a friendly conference, and persuaded him to dismiss his army of 40,000 men, promising to give him Ptolemais and other fortresses. He desired that his wife succeed him as head of the government, with his eldest of five sons, Aristobulus I, becoming only the high-priest. and inaugurated the Roman period of Jewish history. You might be interested: What bible is the catholic bible. First Maccabees gives a detailed account of the struggle in Palestine over a period of fifty years, from the time Antiochus IV Epiphanes came to the throne up to the death of Simon, the last of the Maccabee brothers (134 B.C.). to 63 B.C.E. In 285 he abdicated in favor of his son Ptolemy II, who became involved in a struggle with the Seleucid kings. The second book overlaps with the first, starting earlier.