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1st Esdras
Dating
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Setting is during the last years of Judean kingdom through the early Persian period, including accounts of King Josiah through the reforms of Ezra
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Reference point: Parallel accounts found in 2 Chronicles 35-36, Ezra, and Nehemiah 7-8
Signifcance
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Provides alternative perspective
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Preserves additional historical details
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Shows Persian period understanding
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Demonstrates Temple's importance
Discovery
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Found in Septuagint
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Preserved in Greek manuscripts
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Old Latin translations exist
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Early church fathers quote it
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Multiple manuscript traditions
Transmission
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Through Greek-speaking diaspora
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Via early church tradition
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Septuagint preservation
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Early Latin translations
Language / Translation
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Original language: Greek or Hebrew
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Main text in Greek
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Latin versions common
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Included in early Bibles
Genre
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Historical narrative
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Temple restoration account
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Wisdom tale (Three Guards)
Content
The text largely parallels canonical Ezra-Nehemiah but includes unique material, particularly the "Contest of the Three Young Men." It recounts the end of the Babylonian exile, return to Jerusalem, Temple restoration, and community reforms. Notable for its narrative flow and additional historical details
Commentary
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2nd Esdras
Dating
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Setting: Covers apocalyptic visions from Ezra's time through future Messianic age
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Reference point: Unique apocalyptic content not found in canonical books
Signifcance
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Addresses theodicy questions
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Provides post-Temple theology
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Shows apocalyptic response to crisis
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Preserves messianic expectations
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Demonstrates Torah's eternal role
Discovery
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Latin version most complete
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Oriental versions exist
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Arabic, Syriac translations
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Ethiopian version found
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Armenian manuscripts
Transmission
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Through Latin manuscripts
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Via oriental versions
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Multiple church traditions
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Widespread geographic distribution
Language / Translation
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Original language likely Hebrew
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Main text in Latin
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Multiple translations exist
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Complex transmission history
Genre
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Apocalyptic vision
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Theological dialogue
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Prophetic revelation
Content
The text presents a historical account of the Maccabean revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes' persecution of Torah observers. It chronicles how Mattathias and his sons led a resistance to preserve YHWH's commandments, culminating in the Temple's rededication (establishing Hanukkah). Through faithful prayer and adherence to Torah, they demonstrate that victory comes through obedience to YHWH rather than military might alone. The narrative concludes with Simon establishing the Hasmonean dynasty, showing how YHWH preserved His covenant people and proper Temple worship during intense persecution.
Commentary
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