First and Second Maccabees

Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, PhD, (1940-2014), was professor of New Testament at Boston College and the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Massachusetts. He wrote numerous scholarly works, including What Are We Hoping For? New Testament Images, The Gospel of Mark, Jesus Ben Sira of Jerusalem: A Biblical Guide to Living Wisely, and The Letter to the Hebrews, all published by Liturgical Press. He served as editor of New Testament Abstracts from 1972 until his death.

• CONTENTSAbbreviations    4THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEESIntroduction    5Text and Commentary    9Part One: Crisis and Response (1:1–2:70)    9Part Two: Judas (3:1–9:22)    22Part Three: Jonathan (9:23–12:53)    56Part Four: Simon and John Hyrcanus (13:1–16:24)    79THE SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEESIntroduction    95Text and Commentary    97Part One: Two Letters and a Preface (1:1–2:32)    97Part Two: Heliodorus (3:1-40)    106Part Three: Antiochus IV (4:1–10:9)    110Part Four: Nicanor (10:10–15:39)    134Chronological Tables    155Review Aids and Discussion Topics    156Index of Citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church    160Map    161

With 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