The Books of Maccabees
 
Rev Dr Philip Thayil V C
 

The content of the book of Maccabees is the history of the brave resistance offered by the Jewish people against the Selucian rulers, particularly Antiochus Epiphanus IV, who tried to impose Greek culture and systems of thought on the Jews. It was Maccabees, the son of the priest Mattathias and known as Judas, who took up the leadership for the resistance. All those who joined him against the Selucian authorities were known as Maccabees. As it is a book that describes the revolt of the Maccabees it is known as the book of Maccabees. The events between BC 175 and BC 134 are recorded in it. It was written in the beginning of the first century BC in Hebrew but only the Greek translation is available now.
 
 
I Maccabees.

The first book of Maccabees deals with the providence of God that the Jewish people experienced during the Hellenistic reign. The Maccabees were the means of salvation God had decreed to save his people from their strong gentile oppressors. Mattathias, who was on fire with the love of the law, inaugurated the compaign. His son Judas became the saviour of the Jews. The contents of the book comprise the activities, victories and defeats of Mattathias’ sons, Judas, Jonathan and Simon. The activities of Judas, however, are highlighted. The first book of Maccabees can be divided in the following manner:

1. Introduction: a short account of the beginnings of the Greek region (1: 1-9)

2. The atrocities that led to the fight against Antiochus Epiphanus, the king of Selucia, the revolution under the leadership of Mattathias and his sons(1:10-2:70).

3. The political and military intervention of Judas after the death of Mattathias, his father (3:1-9:22)

4. The campaigns of Jonathan (9:23-12:53).

5. The campaigns of Simon (13:1-16:17).

The book closes with a short reference to the reign of John, son of Simon (16:18-24)
 
 
II Maccabees.

II Maccabees is not the continuation of I Maccabees. Rather, it deals with the events of fifteen years of the period mentioned in Book I. This book is the synopsis of the book comprising five volumes written by Jason of Cyria (2 Macc. 2:23). It is the basic theme of the holiness of the temple that unites the accounts in the book. Judas Maccabees is presented here as the liberator of the holy place and of the people of God. The book reminds us that God will work out his righteousness. God punishes the Jews who sympathised with Hellenism and the priests who gave them leadership. This was not for their destruction but to discipline them. God shows mercy to them through the prayer and obedience of Judas (8:1-5). The theological doctrines contained in the book are the supreme sovereignty of God, the holiness of the temple, the resurrection of the dead and the sacrifices and offerings for the dead. The thoughts of the resurrection give the impetus to the believer to die bravely for his faith.

II Maccabees can be divided in this manner:

1. The two letters sent by the Jews of Judea to the brethren in Egypt (1:1-2:18).

2. The compiler’s preface (2:19-32)

3. God’s protection of Jerusalem and the temple (3:1-40).

4. God punishes Jerusalem. Antiochus Epiphanus defiles the temple, loots it and unleashes a cruel religious persecution (4:1-7:42).

5. God liberates the Jews under the leadership of Judas Maccabees. The rededication of the temple and death of Antiochus Epiphanus (8:1-10:9).

6. The triumph of Judas and followers(10:10-13:26).

7. During the reign of Demetrius I, Judas defeats Nicanor (14:1-15:36).


With a short conclusion the book comes to a close.

This book inspires the readers to be steadfast in their faith and, trusting in God, to fight against evil.