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1 MACCABEES
Dating
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Written around 100 BCE
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Describes events from 175-134 BCE
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Written shortly after the death of John Hyrcanus I (134-104 BCE)
Signifcance
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Precise historical source for the Maccabean period
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Important information about Temple and priesthood
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Shows the importance of Torah faithfulness during persecution
Discovery
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Part of the Septuagint (LXX)
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Oldest manuscripts from 4th century CE
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Main codices: Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Venetus
Transmission
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Mainly transmitted through the Septuagint
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Complete manuscripts from 4th century CE
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Fragmentary findings in Qumran
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Quotations in Josephus and early Church Fathers
Language / Translation
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Original language: Hebrew (not preserved)
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Early translation into Greek (main transmission)
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Ancient versions: Latin (Vulgate), Syriac (Peshitta)
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Modern translations in all major languages
Genre
Historical Chronicle
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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2 MACCABEES
Dating
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Written around 124-63 BCE
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Covers events from 180-161 BCE
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Abridges an earlier work by Jason of Cyrene
Signifcance
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Emphasizes divine intervention and miracles
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Contains important martyrdom accounts
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Details Temple practices and purification
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Shows YHWH's supernatural protection of His people
Discovery
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Part of the Septuagint (LXX)
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Earliest complete manuscripts from 4th century CE
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Found in major codices alongside 1 Maccabees
Transmission
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Preserved through Greek manuscripts
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No known Hebrew or Aramaic versions
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Used extensively by early historians
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Quoted in early religious writings
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Accepted in Eastern and Western traditions
Language / Translation
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Original language: Greek
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More refined Greek style than 1 Maccabees
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Ancient versions: Latin (Vulgate), Syriac
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Available in modern translations
Genre
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Theological History
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Hellenistic historiography
Content
The text presents a theological interpretation of events from the High Priest Onias III through Judah Maccabee's victories. Unlike its predecessor, it emphasizes divine intervention and miraculous occurrences over military exploits. The narrative focuses heavily on Temple-centered worship and martyrdom stories, particularly the account of the seven brothers and their mother who choose death over violating Torah. Written originally in Greek, it demonstrates YHWH's active role in preserving His people through supernatural means, teaching that faithfulness to His commands brings divine protection even in death.
Commentary
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3 MACCABEES
Dating
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Written between 100-1 BCE
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Describes events from Ptolemaic period (217 BCE)
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Set before the actual Maccabean revolt
Signifcance
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Shows faithfulness under persecution
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Demonstrates YHWH's miraculous deliverance
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Details Egyptian diaspora experiences
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Emphasizes prayer and divine intervention
Discovery
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Found in major Septuagint manuscripts
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Not included in the Vulgate
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Preserved primarily in Greek tradition
Transmission
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Limited manuscript tradition
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Mainly through Greek Orthodox sources
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Not in Latin church tradition
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Preserved in Alexandrian texts
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Less widely circulated than 1-2 Maccabees
Language / Translation
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Original language: Greek
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Sophisticated literary style
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Limited ancient translations
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Less widely translated in modern versions
Genre
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Historical Novel
Content
The text narrates events from Ptolemaic Egypt, where persecuted Torah observers face execution by elephant in Alexandria. Unlike other Maccabean books, it predates the actual revolt and focuses on YHWH's miraculous intervention through prayer. The story climaxes when rampaging elephants turn against the persecutors instead of the faithful, leading to the king's repentance and the people's deliverance. Through dramatic scenes of divine rescue, it illustrates how steadfast commitment to YHWH's commands, even facing death, results in supernatural protection and vindication of His covenant people.
Commentary
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4 MACCABEES
Dating
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Written between 20-54 CE
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After destruction of Second Temple
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Late Hellenistic/Early Roman period
Signifcance
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Blends Torah wisdom with Greek philosophy
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Explores concept of "righteous reason"
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Uses martyrdom stories as moral examples
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Shows triumph of faith over torture
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Examines control of passions through Torah
Discovery
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Found in Septuagint manuscripts
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Preserved in Christian codices
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Several Greek manuscripts survive
Transmission
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Through Greek Orthodox tradition
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Not in Latin manuscripts
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Found in some biblical codices
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Preserved by Eastern churches
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Limited circulation in West
Language / Translation
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Original language: Greek
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Philosophical Greek style
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Ancient versions: Syriac, Armenian
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Limited modern translations
Genre
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Historical Novel
Content
The text presents a philosophical discussion on the supremacy of Torah-guided reason over emotions, using the martyrdom accounts from 2 Maccabees as its foundation. It explores how faithful adherence to YHWH's commands enables mastery over physical suffering. Through detailed accounts of the mother and her seven sons who choose torture over eating unclean food, it demonstrates how Torah-observant wisdom conquers both physical pain and emotional distress, proving that faithfulness to YHWH's law transcends bodily limitations.
Commentary
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