We now proceed to the First Book of Maccabees, another of the deuterocanonical works acknowledged as inspired Scripture within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions (cf. CCC 120). This book provides an essential historical record of a critical era in Jewish history: the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BC. Its literary style is akin to that of the historical books such as Samuel and Kings, and it chronicles the fight for religious liberty, the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple, and the emergence of the Hasmonean dynasty amidst Hellenistic persecution.

A grasp of the historical context is indispensable for a proper understanding of 1 Maccabees. Subsequent to the conquests of Alexander the Great, his extensive empire was divided. Judea was at first governed by the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, a time generally marked by religious toleration. Around 200 BC, however, authority passed to the Seleucid dynasty of Syria. Although initially also tolerant, circumstances altered significantly during the reign of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BC).

Antiochus IV implemented a vigorous policy of Hellenization, seeking to impose Greek language, culture, customs, and, most significantly, religion throughout his diverse territories. In Judea, this policy elicited mixed reactions: some within the Jewish aristocracy adopted Hellenistic ways, whereas others offered firm resistance. Antiochus IV intensified his measures, eventually proscribing fundamental Jewish religious observances, including circumcision, Sabbath keeping, and adherence to dietary regulations. He insisted upon participation in pagan sacrificial rites and, in an act of profound sacrilege circa 167 BC, profaned the Jerusalem Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and, it is believed, offering swine there – an event commonly known as the "abomination of desolation" (see 1 Maccabees 1:54; Daniel 11:31). This persecution was the direct cause of the revolt chronicled in 1 Maccabees.

Key Figures of the Resistance

The principal figures in this resistance are members of the Hasmonean family, priests from Modein:

• Mattathias: The elderly priest who initiates the revolt. When pressed by Seleucid officials to offer pagan sacrifice, he refuses. Witnessing another Jew attempt to comply, Mattathias kills him and the king's officer, then issues the call: "Let everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!" (1 Maccabees 2:27), thereby beginning the armed struggle.
• Judas Maccabeus: A son of Mattathias, known as "Maccabeus" (thought to mean "The Hammer"). After his father's death, Judas emerges as the compelling and skilled military leader of the uprising, securing notable victories against larger Seleucid armies through astute strategy and guerilla warfare. His most significant accomplishment is the recapture of Jerusalem (excluding the Akra fortress) and the purification and rededication of the profaned Temple.
• Jonathan Apphus: Another of Mattathias's sons, who takes on the leadership role after Judas is killed in battle. Jonathan demonstrates skill in both military matters and diplomacy, successfully navigating the complex power dynamics among contenders for the Seleucid throne, and is eventually made High Priest.
• Simon Thassi: The last surviving son of Mattathias. He builds upon his brothers' achievements, ultimately attaining political independence for Judea. The people acclaim him as High Priest, military commander, and ethnarch (prince), thus establishing the Hasmonean dynasty.
• Antiochus IV Epiphanes: The Seleucid monarch whose severe persecution serves as the impetus for the conflict.

The Story of Revolt and Liberation

The progression of the revolt and subsequent liberation is meticulously recorded in 1 Maccabees:

• Oppression and Desecration (Chapter 1): This chapter establishes the context: Alexander's legacy, the ascent of Antiochus IV, the imposition of Hellenization, the commencement of persecution, and the profound sacrilege at the Jerusalem Temple.
• The Spark of Revolt (Chapter 2): Here, Mattathias’s courageous stand at Modein is detailed, along with his call to resistance and the initial organisation of a rebel group operating from the wilderness.
• Judas Maccabeus's Campaigns (Chapters 3:1 – 9:22): This section covers Mattathias's final exhortation and Judas's assumption of leadership. It narrates a sequence of remarkable military triumphs (such as at Emmaus and Beth Zur) against powerful Seleucid generals. The rebels retake the Temple Mount, purify the sanctuary, and rededicate it, establishing the annual eight-day festival of Hanukkah to commemorate this (1 Maccabees 4:36-59). The account continues with further conflicts after the death of Antiochus IV, Judas’s early diplomatic overtures to Rome, and ultimately his heroic death at the Battle of Elasa.
• Jonathan's Leadership (Chapters 9:23 – 12:53): These chapters describe Jonathan's work in rallying the rebel forces. They depict his adept combination of military action and diplomatic negotiation during Seleucid dynastic disputes, which leads to his appointment as High Priest. He renews treaties with Rome and Sparta before his treacherous capture and subsequent execution by the Seleucid usurper Trypho.
• Simon's Consolidation and Independence (Chapters 13–16): Simon assumes command, recovers Jonathan’s body, and achieves additional military victories, including the capture of key Seleucid fortresses. Significantly, around 142 BC, he obtains exemption from tribute from the Seleucid King Demetrius II, effectively establishing Judean political independence. The people formally acknowledge Simon’s authority as High Priest, commander, and ethnarch, thus founding the Hasmonean dynasty. Following a period of comparative peace and prosperity, the book ends suddenly with the treacherous murder of Simon and two of his sons at a banquet given by his own son-in-law.

Core Themes and Messages

Several central themes are evident in the First Book of Maccabees:

• Fidelity to Torah and Covenant: The principal impetus for the revolt is the protection of Jewish religious identity, law, and observance against enforced assimilation and apostasy. Fervour for God’s law is presented as of utmost importance.
• Courage in the Face of Persecution: The book extols the exceptional courage and fortitude of Mattathias, his sons, and their adherents, who ventured to resist formidable military strength for their faith.
• Divine Assistance: While 1 Maccabees does not feature explicit miracles or angelic appearances (in contrast to 2 Maccabees), divine support is implicitly presented as the ultimate reason for the Maccabees' unlikely victories. God is understood to work through the faithful deeds and military skill of His people.
• Centrality of the Temple: The profanation of the Temple acts as a significant spur to the revolt, and its purification and rededication signify a culminating moment of renewal and divine acceptance.
• Struggle Against Idolatry: The conflict is essentially depicted as a struggle between sole allegiance to the one true God of Israel and the imposition of pagan forms of worship.

Significance within Catholic Tradition

The First Book of Maccabees holds particular importance within Catholic Tradition for several reasons:

• Canonical Value: Its presence in the Catholic canon underscores its significance for understanding the progression of salvation history in the period between the Testaments.
• Historical Context for the New Testament: The events and developments recorded in 1 Maccabees form the political and religious environment into which Jesus was born. The Hasmonean dynasty, the increased prominence (and politicisation) of the High Priesthood, Jewish desires for autonomy, and the possible origins of groups such as the Pharisees and Sadducees are rooted in this period.
• Themes of Fidelity and Liberty: The lasting themes of the defence of religious freedom, steadfastness in faith under duress, and courageous opposition to oppression retain their relevance for Christians confronting various forms of persecution or cultural challenge.
• Connection to Hanukkah: Although Hanukkah is a Jewish observance, the events it celebrates – God’s deliverance and the rededication of His Temple – resonate with universal themes of divine fidelity and the sacredness of worship.

Reading 1 Maccabees

When approaching the First Book of Maccabees, the following considerations may prove useful:

• Acknowledge the Genre: It should be read as a work of Hellenistic historical writing, which intends to offer a factual narrative (from the author’s viewpoint) infused with a distinct theological aim: to celebrate God’s deliverance accomplished through the Hasmonean family.
• Use Historical Resources: In view of the detailed descriptions of battles, political personages, and geographical locations, reference to maps and concise historical overviews of the Seleucid era can aid comprehension.
• Maintain Focus on Religious Motivation: It is important to recognise that the military and political conflicts are portrayed as arising directly from the fundamental need to defend religious observance and resist enforced paganism.
• Relationship with 2 Maccabees: One should be mindful that the Second Book of Maccabees addresses a part of the same historical period (primarily Judas's leadership) but utilises a different literary style, one that is more overtly theological and incorporates accounts of miracles, with a strong emphasis on martyrdom and the resurrection. Reading both books offers complementary insights.

In summary, the First Book of Maccabees serves as an essential historical account of a nation's struggle for religious existence. It stands as a testimony to courage originating in faith, the profound importance of allegiance to God's covenant even to the point of death, and the belief that God assists those who endeavour to maintain His Law. The events recorded therein had a decisive impact on the world of Second Temple Judaism, thereby preparing the context for the advent of Christ.