1 and 2 Maccabees Apocrypha Books 

Create Date: 21-Apr-2020

 

Last updated: 21-Apr-2020

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There are two books that are included in the Roman Catholic and some Orthodox Church Faiths as worthy inspired reading, but they are not considered canonical.  The two books named 1 and 2 Maccabees are part of the Apocrypha books.  These are not included in the Jewish or Christian Faith as books of the Tanach or Bible.

The books are relevant:

  1. For historical purposes,
  2. Are identified as historical writing by secular historians, as dealing with of the times of the Jews during the period written about in the Book of Daniel.
  3. It is a basis of understanding in the religious holiday of Judaism called Hanukah.

Some points about the books:

  1. They are not recognized by Judaism as Godly and Inspired.
  2. The Maccabee family were a priestly family that led a revolt, in approximately 134 BC against Antiochus IV Epiphanes that was started with the first Abomination of Desolation Event against God.
  3. First Maccabees Book is believed to be written originally in Hebrew in 2nd Century BC, which makes it very relevant for historical purposes.  This is also true of Second Maccabees.
  4. Second Maccabees Book is believed to be written in Greek and contains another version of the first seven chapters of 1 Maccabees.
  5. Both books give a historical summary of the revolt and conquering of Epiphanes by the son of Mattahias, named Judas who was given the name of "Maccabeus", the Hammer, because of his ability to pound enemies to the ground.
  6. The army under Maccaeus became known as the Maccabees.
  7. The Maccabees led a revolt and victory against Epiphanes with an army of 10,000 against an army of 50,000.
  8. After the victory, Maccabeus went to Jerusalem and had the Temple cleansed and rededicated to God.  This event is celebrated today as Hanukah.

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