Introduction

The First Document about the Maccabees tells how a Jewish family leads resistance to foreign rule and attempts to destroy their way of life. After briefly describing Alexandros’ (Alexander’s) conquests and the division of his empire, it turns to King Antiokos (Antiochus), who plunders the temple in Yerushalem (Jerusalem) and forbids the people to follow God’s instructions. The priest Matityah (Mattathias) refuses to submit and calls others to join him.

Most of the account follows three of Matityah’s sons. Yehudah (Judas), called Makabi (Maccabaeus), leads the early battles and the cleansing and rededication of the temple. After his death, Yonatan (Jonathan) takes over, using both military resistance and negotiations with rival kings. Shim’on (Simon) then leads the people into a period of independence and greater security.

This account pays close attention to battles, agreements, letters, and changes of leadership. Its central concerns are faithfulness to God’s instructions, freedom to worship at the temple, and the survival of the Jewish people. The victories are costly, and the closing account of betrayal shows that the family’s achievements haven’t removed every danger.

The First Document about the Maccabees is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Romaios Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.

Makabi (from which the term Maccabee is derived) is an acronym formed from the first letters of Exodus 15:11: “Mi kamokha ba’elim YHWH” — “Who is like you among the gods, Yahweh?”

This is still an early look into the unpolished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.