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The First Book of Maccabees

First Maccabees recounts the revolt led by the priest Mattathias and his sons, especially Judas Maccabeus, against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had outlawed Jewish worship and desecrated the Temple. Written in the late 2nd century BC, it reads as historical narrative much like Joshua, chronicling battles and leadership through crisis. Begin at I Maccabees chapter 1 to follow the revolt from its start.

First Book of Maccabees: Read Online Free
Chapter 1 I Maccabees 1 Chapter 2 I Maccabees 2 Chapter 3 I Maccabees 3 Chapter 4 I Maccabees 4 Chapter 5 I Maccabees 5 Chapter 6 I Maccabees 6 Chapter 7 I Maccabees 7 Chapter 8 I Maccabees 8 Chapter 9 I Maccabees 9 Chapter 10 I Maccabees 10 Chapter 11 I Maccabees 11 Chapter 12 I Maccabees 12 Chapter 13 I Maccabees 13 Chapter 14 I Maccabees 14 Chapter 15 I Maccabees 15 Chapter 16 I Maccabees 16

About I Maccabees

First Maccabees is one of the Deuterocanonical books accepted by the Catholic Church as part of the Old Testament canon. Written in the late 2nd century BC, it gives a historical account of the Maccabean revolt, in which the priest Mattathias and his sons - especially Judas Maccabeus - led Jewish resistance against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had outlawed Jewish religious practice and desecrated the Temple. The book culminates in the Temple's rededication, the origin of the feast of Hanukkah, and the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. Read First Maccabees online here, verse by verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Book of 1 Maccabees cover?
First Maccabees gives a historical account of the Maccabean revolt, in which the priest Mattathias and his sons -- especially Judas Maccabeus -- led Jewish resistance against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who had outlawed Jewish religious practice and desecrated the Jerusalem Temple. It was written in the late 2nd century BC.
How does 1 Maccabees connect to the origin of Hanukkah?
The book culminates in the recovery and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple after its desecration, an event that became the historical basis for the Jewish feast of Hanukkah. It also traces the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty that followed the revolt.
Is 1 Maccabees part of the Bible?
First Maccabees is a Deuterocanonical book accepted by the Catholic Church as part of the Old Testament, though it is not included in the Hebrew Bible or most Protestant Bibles. It can be read in the Douay-Rheims translation as I Maccabees in DRC.
Is 1 Maccabees considered a reliable historical source?
Even outside its status as scripture, 1 Maccabees is widely regarded by historians as one of the more historically reliable books of its kind, offering a relatively sober, detailed account of the revolt compared to more theologically embellished ancient narratives. It remains a key source for understanding this period of Jewish history.
How does 1 Maccabees fit alongside other Old Testament history books?
Like Joshua and Judges, 1 Maccabees narrates Israel's struggle to secure and defend its land and worship, though it does so centuries later, during the Hellenistic period rather than the era of conquest and settlement. It shows the same recurring biblical pattern of resistance against oppression followed by restoration.

Today's Verse

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after him.

Mark 1:20 | ASV

Verse Of The Day

The narrative culminates in the Temple's rededication — the historical origin of the feast of Hanukkah — and the rise of the Hasmonean dynasty, a shift in leadership not unlike Israel's earlier transition to kingship in 1 Samuel.

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