Description
Book SynopsisVolume 12
Trade ReviewWith First and Second Maccabees, Daniel Harrington, S.J., provides a lucid, concise guide that illumines two very challenging deuterocanonical texts. First and Second Maccabees are important witnesses in our reconstruction of the Second Temple period and its various actors. Harrington sets the stage for both compositions by addressing the Maccabean revolt, underscoring its importance in a time of great crisis. His attention to explaining the historical context and potentially obscure aspects of the texts will be helpful to readers. Especially laudable is the clarity Harrington brings to the geographical and biographical references that one encounters throughout the narratives. The 'Review Aids and Discussion Topics' are beneficial for contemporary audiences in engaging these texts as resources for faith. In sum, this commentary is highly recommended.Kelley Coblentz Bautch, Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies, St. Edward's Universi
This remarkably clear and concise commentary on 1 and 2 Maccabees doubles as an excellent brief introduction to the history of the Maccabean period. Harrington distinguishes between the historically accurate and the legendary or ideological aspects of each book, representing the current scholarly consensus on the books� historicity. He carefully explains any deviations from the Septuagint text in his translation, by referring to the probable Hebrew original in the case of 1 Maccabees. The book contains thoughtful reflections on the different theological and literary purposes of 1 and 2 Maccabees, and on the historical reasons for the short-lived success of the Maccabees. This commentary is an invaluable resource for students of Second Temple period Judaism.Karina Martin Hogan, Associate Professor of Theology, Fordham University
Harrington expertly examines these deuterocanonical books, providing the necessary historical information that will open the meaning of the text to those less acquainted with these particular stories. This is a first-rate commentary.
The Bible Today
Table of ContentsCONTENTS Abbreviations� � 4
THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES
Introduction� � 5
Text and Commentary� � 9
� � �Part One: Crisis and Response (1:1–2:70)� � 9
� � �Part Two: Judas (3:1–9:22)� � 22
� � �Part Three: Jonathan (9:23–12:53)� � 56
� � �Part Four: Simon and John Hyrcanus (13:1–16:24)� � 79
THE SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEES
Introduction� � 95
Text and Commentary� � 97
� � �Part One: Two Letters and a Preface (1:1–2:32)� � 97
� � �Part Two: Heliodorus (3:1-40)� � 106
� � �Part Three: Antiochus IV (4:1–10:9)� � 110
� � �Part Four: Nicanor (10:10–15:39)� � 134
Chronological Tables� � 155
Review Aids and Discussion Topics� � 156
Index of Citations from the
Catechism of the Catholic Church� � 160
Map� � 161
