1 Maccabees
The historical account of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Greek persecution of Jewish faith (167-134 BC). Led by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, the Jews fought for religious freedom and rededicated the Temple — the origin of Hanukkah.
Author: Unknown · Written: c. 100 BC
🎯Key Themes
⭐Famous Verses
1 Maccabees 3:58-60
“Judas said: 'Arm yourselves and be brave; in the morning be ready to fight these Gentiles. It is better for us to die in battle than to witness the evils befalling our nation and our sanctuary.'”
📝Summary & Overview
Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrates the Jerusalem Temple and outlaws Jewish worship. The priest Mattathias and his five sons launch a guerrilla revolt. After Mattathias' death, Judas Maccabeus leads the army to victory, cleanses and rededicates the Temple (164 BC), and establishes the feast of Hanukkah. The book continues with his brothers Jonathan and Simon, who secure political independence. This deuterocanonical book is important for Catholic doctrine on praying for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:46).
📚Book Details
Author
Unknown
Written
c. 100 BC
Testament
Old Testament
Category
Historical
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