1 Maccabees: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary

A new translation and commentary on I Maccabees, written in the second century BCE, provides a fresh interpretation of the author's values and purpose, showing that it deviates from biblical and Judaic works by marginalizing God, scorn for martyrs, and ascribing to human power and valor crucial historical roles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

A fresh interpretation of the author's values and purpose is provided in this new translation and commentary on I Maccabees, written in the second century BCE. The First Maccabees, which chronicles four decades of clashes between Hellenistic Syria and Judea, from Antiochus Epiphanes' ascent to the throne in 175 BCE to the Hasmoneans' establishment of an independent Judean state, ruled by Simon and his sons, is covered.

Daniel R. Schwartz offers a new translation of the Greek text in this volume and analyzes its historical significance. The introduction surveys the work's themes, sources, and transmission, while the commentary addresses textual details and issues of historical reconstruction, often devoting special attention to the lost Hebrew original and its associations. Schwartz demonstrates that 1 Maccabees, despite its Hebraic biblical style and its survival within the Christian canon, deviates from biblical and Judaic works by marginalizing God, evincing scorn for martyrs, and ascribing to human power and valor crucial historical roles. This all fits its mandate: justification of the Hasmonean dynasty, especially the Simonides.

The First Maccabees is a valuable source for understanding the political and religious dynamics of the Hellenistic period, as well as the development of the Jewish people and their relationship with the Roman Empire. It provides a unique perspective on the conflicts between different cultures and religions and sheds light on the strategies and tactics used by both sides in these battles. The work also offers insights into the values and beliefs of the Jewish people at this time, particularly their commitment to their faith and their willingness to defend their homeland against foreign invaders.

In conclusion, this new translation and commentary on I Maccabees provides a fresh and insightful perspective on this important work of ancient literature. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students of history, religion, and literature, and will continue to be studied and debated for years to come.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300159936