In this class, we review 2 Maccabees - discussing both the history of the composition and authorship of the book, as well as the chapter by chapter account of the book.
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The Books of Maccabees
Session 3: The Second Book of Maccabees
Course Outline
October 14th, Session 1 - Introduction and Outline, History of the Maccabees
October 21st, Session 2 - The First Book of Maccabees
October 28th, Session 3 - The Second Book of Maccabees
November 4th, Session 4 - The Prophecy of Daniel, Maccabees and the Messiah
November 11th, Session 5 - The Third and Fourth Books of Maccabees, and others
November 18th, Session 6 - How We Got the Old Testament
November 25th, Session 7 - Saints and Theology in the Books of Maccabees
I. Introductory Notes on First and Second Maccabees, reading hints
See previous handouts
2 Maccabees is only 15 chapters, and each should take about two hours to read at a gentle pace. Note that 2 Maccabees is not a sequel to 1 Maccabees. 2 Maccabees focuses on just a few years at the very beginning of the Maccabean revolt from 180 BC to 161 BC. This book contains much more commentary on the events, and presents them for the instruction and edification of the reader.
II. Authorship and Composition
2 Maccabees begins with two letters dated from after the time in which most of the events recorded in 2 Maccabees occurred - namely, from 124 BC (first letter) and possibly around 163 BC (second letter); while the book itself covers the years 180 BC to 161 BC. These letters make up the first chapter and a half of 2 Maccabees (1:1-2:19), and are added into the book without any direct reference to the rest of 2 Maccabees - it is even possible that these letters were added later and by someone other than the author of the rest of the book (in particular, note the slight difference in details/description of the death of Antiochus IV. Both letters are a call to celebrate the feast of Hanukkah.
After these two letters, there is then a preface that runs the second half of chapter 2 - so that the actual story of 2 Maccabees does not really begin until chapter 3. In the preface (2 Macc 2:20-33), we are told that the book is an “abridged” form of a five book work written by a certain Jason of Cyrene. It is interesting to think about the way the Holy Spirit can inspire a book of the Bible, even if it is just an “abridged” version of other non-Biblical books!
Written around 100 BC, the author abridged the books of Jason of Cyrene - writing in Greek, which is also the language of the two letters at the beginning. The main focus of this author - who is not the same as that of 1 Maccabees - is the holiness of the Temple (which is also the central theme of the first two letters). He focuses on the personal witness of those who suffer for the Law and the Temple - giving a great deal more detail about these heroes of the faith. Unlike 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees is not so obviously pro-Hasmonean; nor is it against the Hasmonean Dynasty. Rather than focusing on politics and battles, 2 Maccabees emphasizes holiness in suffering and trusting in God - though there is a great praise of Judas Maccabeus.
The book covers the early portion of 1 Maccabees – with 2 Macc 3:1-10:9 corresponding to 1 Macc 1:11-6:16; and 2 Macc 10:10-15:37 to 1 Macc 6:17-7:50. Note again that 2 Maccabees only covers a small portion of the material covered by 1 Maccabees.
There are slight discrepancies between the two books of Maccabees, but nothing that should be construed as a contradiction.
Finally, this book makes significant theological points, including: praying for the dead; offering sacrifices for those who died with sin on their souls; purgatory (by extension); and the intercession of the saints. Additionally, the resurrection of the body and the value of martyrdom are key theological points present in 2 Maccabees.
IV. Reading the First Book of Maccabees, chapter by chapter
2 Maccabees is divided as follows: Introduction (1:1-2:32); Profanation and Cleansing of the Temple (3:1-10:8); Peace and Security for the Jews (10:9-15:39).
Chapter 1. A first letter sent by the Jews of Jerusalem to the Jews in Egypt, written in 124 BC. The second letter sent by Jews in Jerusalem and other leaders including Judas Maccabeus to Aristobolus (a Jewish philosopher in Alexandria) and to other Jews in Egypt, written in about 163 BC. These letters are included as an explanation of what the book is about, the importance of this history, and the importance of the dedication of the Temple. The first letter is rather short (only 9 verses), but the second is longer (1:10 to 2:18; 45 verses). The second letter tells of other events from the Old Testament which show the sacredness and importance of the Temple.
Chapter 2. After the second letter, there is a preface written by the author of 2 Maccabees. He speaks of how he abridged the larger writings of Jason of Cyrene (nothing else in known about him), and the hard work and effort he put into writing this book - this gives an opportunity to reflect on the inspiration of Scripture.
Chapter 3. The wicked Heliodorus came to profane the Temple, but divine intervention stopped him. Appearance of horse and rider (3:25) and of angelic young men (3:26); but the high priest Onias III intercedes for him and saves his life before God. But Heliodorus returns to the Seleucids, chastened and declaring the power of God.
Chapter 4. Jason usurps the high priesthood, and then Menelaus takes it. The Hellenization of Jerusalem, building of a gymnasium, neglect of the sacrifices according to the Law. Onias III is betrayed and killed (perhaps this is prophesied by Daniel in 9:26-27).
Chapter 5. This chapter opens with an apparition of golden-clad horsemen who charge through the air over Jerusalem and make a show of war - and this went on for almost forty days! “Therefore all men prayed that the apparition might prove to have been a good omen.” (5:4) Antiochus Epiphanes attacks Judea, killing many even of women and children (some 80,000 slain in three days, 40,000 in fighting; and another 80,000 sold into slavery). He then plundered the Temple, and profaned it. Notice the commentary of 2 Maccabees, that God permitted this (5:17-20).
Judas Maccabeus begins the revolt (5:27).
Chapter 6. The idol of Zeus is set in the Temple, the following of the Law is forbidden. Women suffer who circumcised their babies.
Encouragement not to despair at hearing of the tortures (6:12-17).
The story of Eleazar.
Chapter 7. The martyrdom of the seven brothers and their mother, told in graphic detail. Expressions of hope in the resurrection.
Chapter 8. Judas’ armed resistance, he defeats Nicanor’s army. Nicanor’s defeat is proclaimed as proof that God is with the Jews.
Chapter 9. Death of Antiochus Epiphanes, who is struck down by the Lord (9:5-10 and 9:28-29). In his final agonies, Antiochus admits the righteousness of the Jews and the power of the Lord.
Chapter 10. The purification of the Temple and the eight day feast of its dedication. Beginning at 10:9, we move to the final portion of the book which deals with the peace enjoyed by the Jews. Victories in battle are recorded.
Chapter 11. Divine assistance as they battle against Lysias, “a horseman appeared at their head, clothed in white and brandishing weapons of gold.” (11:8)
Chapter 12. The just punishment for the cities of Joppa and Jamnia who betrayed the Jews. Battle of the Maccabees against Timothy and then against Gorgias, with the famous episode of Jewish soldiers who wore the pagan amulets (luck charms) being killed in battle and of Judas making an offering of silver that sacrifices be offered to gain them remission of this sin (12:39-45). This gives strong evidence of purgatory.
Chapter 13. The ignominious death of Menelaus, the treacherous. The Jews continue to have successes.
Chapter 14. Demetrius I becomes king, and Alcimus (the former high priest) plots against Judas Maccabeus and becomes high priest again. The account of the death of Razis calls into question whether suicide is ever permitted (14:37-46) - for Razis is presented as righteous and willing to die rather than offend against the Law, but he does kill himself.
Chapter 15. Judas’ dream and the supernatural assistance of Onias (who had died) as well as the prayers of Jeremiah (15:12-16), which shows the intercession of the saints. The death and beheading of Nicanor.
The conclusion (15:37-39) includes an interesting commentary on writing styles and the author’s hope that he has written well - very unusual wording for a book of the Bible.
