The First Book Of Maccabees With Introduction And Notes

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries

by Anonymous

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Genres: History, Religion, Theology, Judaism

292 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1611

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Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because a friend recommended after a discussion of Daniel 11:27-35.
“And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief…therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.”
My friend's point was that God doesn’t promise His people, even his faithful people, prosperity or deliverance from trials, but instead a little help, and purification. His he asked what would we do if we found ourselves in similar times? I was vaguely familiar with the story but decided to read it for myself. It was fascinating.
I had always looked at those verses from the, for a lack of a better way to put it, Greek point of view. I was mostly focused on how God will raise up Alexander the Great to smash the Persians, and after that the breakup of his empire, the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and God’s following judgment. I had never really stopped to consider what it meant for the Jews living through those times. This book helped me gain a different perspective on those times.
What would you do knowing that God prophesied many are going to die because they stand Him? He also doesn’t promise earthly deliverance; He promised purification. Now it’s not just your life that’s on the line. If you stand up and refuse to break God’s law, your life is forfeit, so is your wife’s, and your children’s. They will start the killing with your children and then your wife and end with you. Would you obey God or man? You aren’t standing against a local little tyrant either; you are standing against the current world superpower and your own countrymen that have declared loyalty to it. What do you do? First Maccabees chronicles the response of Mattathias’ and his son’s responses.
. It was also interesting to hear the contemporary opinions about the Roman Republic, Ptolemy, Cleopatra, Alexander, and Hellenization. I don’t believe it is inspired and so should not be part of the Canon, but as history, it is worth reading. You can see the fulfillment of prophecy, and God’s hand moving through his servants.

[Alex]

"Alexander [the Great]..fought many campaigns, captured fortresses, and put kings to death...the earth fell silent before him, and his heart became proud and arrogant...Alexander had reigned twelve years when he died. So his officers took over his kingdom, each in his own territory...causing much distress over the earth."

In this book, regarded by certain denominations as apocryphal, the Jewish people, who had long lived at the crossroads of Near Eastern civilizations, at last significantly interact with the Classical world, and the two nations whose languages, in addition to Hebrew would hang over Christ's cross, begin to play a significant role in the story of the Bible.

Palestine began to be Hellenized centuries after Democritus, Epicurus, and Euripides. There was bound to be a conflict between the strict, religious, Jewish culture, and the inflow of secularism. It was inevitable that certain Jews would feel a pull towards the worldly prestige of the new culture. “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all round us; since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us.”

As if that wasn't bad enough the temple in Jerusalem was conquered and desecrated, again. This time by the Seleuceud king Antiochus, who proceeds to try to wipe out the Jewish religion in Israel, to attempt to unite his vastly heterogeneous kingdom. The persecution offers the usual choice between the faith and the world: “Come now, be the first to obey the king's command...then you and your son shall be numbered among the King's Friends, and shall be enriched with silver and gold and many gifts”

Mattathias and his sons refuse the offer and so begin the Maccabean Wars, which would succeed, certainly not decisively, and certainly not at the end of the two books of Maccabees, that overlap in chronology rather than providing a sequential narrative.

This is a history book through and through with a lot of poignant detail. Antiochus finds that his persecution is causing significant economic damage to his kingdom. The war is vicious on both sides, and leaves the country devastated. The warfare is colored by the Seleucid use of war elephants, described in great detail. Allies become enemies and vice versa by the page. Israel uses the conflict between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies to her advantage, but nobody is a reliable ally. Israel gains her de jure independence by treaty and the finds herself still having to fight for it. The war ends in an unsteady realpolitik than in any sort of optimistic, peaceful ending.

The eighth chapter describes a treaty with Rome. Judas Maccabeus sends envoys to the city, and the book also praises the republican Roman government, mentions their wars against the Gauls, the Greeks, and even their acquisition of the distant province of Spain. There is an obvious irony in the adulation here, but its a fascinating record nonetheless.

In addition to all the history, there is a significant moral element throughout the book. Judas Maccabeus fights for the defense of his nation but above all accepts the mysterious will of God at a time when the utter destruction of Israel seemed to be a real possibility. “It is better for us to die in battle than to witness the ruin of our nation and our sanctuary. Whatever Heaven wills, he will do”

There are those who are defeated in battle due to a desire to pursue glory at the expense of good judgment. The commanders Joseph and Azaria lose “because they had not obeyed Judas and his brothers, thinking that they would do brave deeds”. Then “some priests fell in battle who had gone out rashly to fight in their desire to distinguish themselves”
In a very memorable incident which is not condemned however, Elezear manages to kill a war elephant single handedly, at the expense of his own life, in part to “win an everlasting name for himself.” The full passage however is that “he gave up his life to save his people and win an everlasting name for himself”

Mattathias at his death, inspires the persecuted Jewish people by recalling the fidelity of previous Jewish heroes to God's law and also warns not to “fear the words of a sinful man, for his glory ends in corruption and worms. Today he is exalted, and tomorrow he is not to be found...his schemes have perished”

There is no doubt that Judas Maccabeus shaped the expectations of what kind of Messiah would be sent to redeem the Jewish people, but the people focused too much on the wrong aspect, and those who killed Christ and excessively put their hopes in men like Simon Bar Cochba were focused on the same thing that inspired the apostates to Hellenism in the first place, worldly glory. Worldly glory which comes from God even as a reward, but is never the point, should not be our ultimate aim, and often becomes an idol that leads to the destruction of all the worldly treasures one was seeking in the first place. The independence, and the temple that Judas Maccabeus and his successors won back would be annihilated a few centuries later, but God and his law remain untarnished, and story of Maccabees continues to inspire those who always face the worldly opposition in following their moral obligations.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleazar, called Avaran, saw one of the beasts covered with royal armor and bigger than any of the others, and so he thought the king was on it. He gave up his life to save his people and win an everlasting name for himself. He dashed courageously up to it in the middle of the phalanx, killing men right and left, so that they parted before him. He ran under the elephant, stabbed it and killed it. The beast fell to the ground on top of him, and he died there. 6:43-45

[Henrique Bagatim Júnior]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PToXXO-...

O rei Antioco saqueia a cidade mais de Jerusalem, profana o templo, e proibi o judaísmo com o intuito de unificar a religião local. (1 Mc)
Matatitas começa uma revolta contra as heresias do estado, e nomeia Simao como chefe da familia e Judas como comandante militar (2 Mc)
Judas enfrente parte do exercito do rei, e prepara para enfrentar um exercito maior no dia seguinte (3 Mc)
Judas vence mais duas batalhas, recupera o templo e o restaura (4 Mc)
Judas partiu para ajudar outros judeus no estrangeiro, ganhando muitas batalhas, deixou Jose e Azarias no comando da cidade e esses entraram e perderam em batalhas sem necessidade (5 Mc).
O rei Antioco tentou conquista a Persia sem sucesso,foi informado que seu exercito perdeu a batalha em Jerusalém, morrendo de tristeza, nomeando o tutor Felipe pra instruir o seu filho Eupator que mudou o nome para Antioco.
Antioco V guerreio com Jesusalem, ate fazer um acordo de paz por intermedio de Lisias, ao entrar na cidade, destruiu suas defesas. (1 Mc 6)
Demetrio assume reino pela força, ve a força de Juda protegida por Judas crescendo e envia Nicanor para exterminar o povo, porem esse perde a batalha (1 Mc 7).
Elogios ao povo romano, represetantes de Israel vão a Roma faz uma pacto de aliança (1 Mc 8).
O rei manda um exercito para Israel, onde Judas enfrenta corajosamente mas sucumbe a batalha. Jonatas assume o cargo do irmao Judas, tendo outras batalhas ate que consegue um um acordo de paz.
(1 Mc 9)
O rei Alexandre, filho de Antioco V e o rei Demétrio, disputam favores a Israel para ganhar-lo como aliado, e Israel escolhe Alexandre pois Demétrio terem os traido a pouco tempo. Ocorre um batalha entre os dois reis e Demétrio é morto, na comemoração Jonatas agrada novo rei. (1 Mc 10)
Exercito de Demetrio mata Alexandre. Rei Demetrio fica encurralado e é salvo pelos judeus. Jonatas se alia a Antioco VI contra Demetrio (1 Mc 11).
Judeus enviam carta a Roma e Esparta para renovar alianças.Jonatas é enganado e capturado por Trifão, antigo mentor de Antioco (1 Mc 12).
Simao luta contra Trifao, que o encana e mata seus irmao Jonatas (1 Mc 13).
Demetrio é capturado. Simao estabelece a paz na região (1 Mc 14).
Simão reforça a aliança com Antioco VII e Roma (1 Mc 15).
Ptoloneu , filho de Abubo, engana Simao e dois de seus filhos num banquete e os mata (v 17-18). Joao é alertado e é protegido de ser morto (1 Mc 16).

[Ethan Highfill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should give the caveat that I didn’t read the entire commentary. This read was mostly reference for a class I taught at my church.

That being said, I thought this was a helpful recourse. I wouldn’t recommend it as your only commentary if you’re preaching through the book or something like that, but it was good at navigating some of the more difficult parts of Samuel. I’m sure some of the research is a little dated as well, but as an entry point into some source/text critical issues it was good.

[Michael Joosten · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, how do you rate the Word of God? Consider the rating here specifically of the presentation and scholarship of Jonathan Goldstein.

Because of its status outside the Jewish and Protestant canons, 1 Maccabees is one of the books of the [Catholic] Bible I don't know as well. Given the stereotypical weakness of Catholics when it comes to Biblical study, the deutero-canon never featured as something I encountered much, and I can see, upon getting a deep-dive into it, why 1 Maccabees might have had less attention than 2 Maccabees.

Since this is a rating of the Anchor Bible's framework and commentary, let me say that it is to be expected that the content is dry and thorough, and it does not disappoint on either note. The possibility exists, of course, that Goldstein is occasionally wrong in his conjecture--and I, a layman in the matter, would never know--but the odds are also very good that I won't remember any of those details in six months, whereas my greatly-enhanced knowledge of the late Seleucid dynastic wars and the growth of Hasmonean Judaea as an independent power will probably forever owe this work a debt of gratitude.

But if I **were** to try and rate the Word of God... let's just say that the intrigues of the Hasmoneans amidst the rival branches of the Seleucid lines, with Rome and Sparta lurking on one horizon, while the incestual Ptolemies and the rising Parthians are upon the others--this is history easily as dramatic and convoluted as any Game of Thrones.

[Delanie Dooms · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Maccabees is about the Maccabean revolt and war. It is an apocryphal book of the Bible, known to us only through a (probable) Greek translation found in the Septuagint.

It is full of battles.

The author seems to suggest through the text that fighting for the good is necessary. We see very early on a group of around 1,000 Jews massacred on the Sabbath day, simply because they had to honor the Sabbath. Mattathias and his sons, the Israelites in rebellion, agree that they will not share this fate; they must fight, even on the Sabbath. This theme arcs over most of Judas Maccabaeus' reign, where we see him constantly in battle with his enemies.

The God of the Jews is very important to the work. The divine, seen as the divine, is never really shown; he does not perform miracles, and the action of the plot is usually effected through divinely-inspired actions. This, I feel, is especially understood early on, when priests are seen killed by the enemy for puffing their chests above the might of the main family; there is only one family which can lead the Jews to salvation.

The story contains many elements that are, more-or-less, ingrained in human culture. We see, for example, Judas kill an enemy leader quite early in the work, and the sword which this leader owned is said to be used by Judas ever afterwards as his own. A myth well-worth knowing, and familiar to all, one imagines. The Jews in the work are profoundly inspired by their religious convictions, re-organizing the alter on Mount Zion because of it's impurity, remaking the materials for religious practice there, and fortifying the whole of it.

One rather strange thing I noted was that the Jewish war and the heathen war were similar. Both steal from each other's city, and both enslave the women and children who belong to the opposing group.

[Paht (Pat) Satji · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that definitely provided a lot of context (175 BC - 37 BC). It took me a while to read this as I felt that I had to pay extra attention in "filling in the gaps" between the Book of Malachi, and the New Testament.

1 Maccabees is a historical account of the Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire (remnant state following the division of the Macedonian Empire). I learnt a lot:

- The 'Macabbees' were a group of Jewish rebels, who founded the Hasmonean dynasty (hasidim in Hebrew meaning 'pious ones') and sought to restore Jewish religion and traditions, and remove Greek cultural influence and rule.
- Named after Judas 'Maccabeas' (maqqaba in Aramaic meaning 'hammer').
- The Book was originally written in Hebrew but only survived in its Greek translation.

There are also themes of praise for faithful leaders, but also of 'Divine assistance'. That God will assist those who are righteous in their deeds, works and human efforts.

I didnt expect such a complicated family feud amongst the Seleucidians (with two lines of rulers making political alliances to internally overthrow each other). We also gain insight to international relations between the Jews and Egypt, Syria, Persia, Media, Rome and even Sparta.

Complex to read, but an inspiring account of five righteous brothers. I loved it when Judas Maccabeus states: "It is not the size of the army that victory depends on, but the strength that comes from heaven".

[Sean Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of a series where I am reading the Bible in chronological order. I am not doing this for reasons of faith, as I am agnostic, but because of my interest in mythology, ancient literature, and history. I chose the NRSV because I used to be Catholic and still have sympathies there. More importantly, this version seeks a balance between an accurate translation and the literary qualities of the King James Bible. So it seems you get the best of two worlds.

First and Second Maccabees are among the most historical books and important for that reason alone. That said each is different. The first book has a more coherent narrative overall and flows well. Its trouble is that it does get monotonous after awhile and the second book, while flawed, does have its moments. The two though are really about average.

[Jaime K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wavered between 3 and 4 stars. I got a lot of good information from the book and wrote notes in my Bible, but I felt drained by the end. There were times when there are 2-3 pages of exposition on why the claims made in the given section are legitimate...even though I thought that is what the introduction and appendices were for.

The introduction is insanely long, and feels almost unnecessary at times since aspects of the books of first and second Macabees could’ve been described in their appropriate places/chapters. However, it is quite interesting to see how much weaves together among multiple books, texts, and historians; and why these two books were likely considered as part of the Roman and Orthodox Catholic canons.

The intro also provides good context as to why I & II Macabees are contradictory at times.
Given the length of the introduction, the number and length of the appendices feels a little too much. A lot also feels repetitive. However, it’s quite interesting to see why certain aspects, including the Epistles and Josephus’ explanations are what they are.

My biggest gripe is that the author’s writing is clunky at times, and there are random and unnecessary commas thrown around (or a lack of them) that broke my already struggling stride.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Very important piece of Jewish history that I did not know very well. I particularly found it interesting (and I'm sure Jews 200 years later did too) that the Romans were considered friends to the Jews at that time - mostly owing of course to common enemies, but still.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't remember much about this one - a lot of battles led by another, less frowned upon Judas.

[Moses Ibhas]

👍🏾

[Steve Gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of battles, lots of kings. Much scholarly apparatus

[Emma Macchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oct 24, 2022: Maccabees is the Braveheart of the Old Testament. I love reading through and the descriptive scenes. It's action-packed. It's raw. It's patriotic. Love it.

Dec 10, 2021: First Maccabees is a story of courage, of valiant men, and of great leaders. It's been a while since we had a story of epic battles in the Old Testament. I need to remind myself that the Maccabean revolt is relatively recent too—not the time of Abraham but the time of Alexander the Great and the beginnings of the Roman Empire. I'd love to see this as an epic blockbuster movie, but done properly.