1 Maccabees

Explore 1 Maccabees 16 as John defeats Cendebaeus, Simon dies through treachery, and Hasmonean leadership passes to a surviving son.

1 Maccabees 15 examines Antiochus VII’s broken promises, Rome’s diplomatic support, Simon’s defense of Judea, and renewed Seleucid military aggression.

1 Maccabees 14 commentary explores Simon’s peaceful rule, renewed foreign alliances, public recognition of his leadership, and the establishment of Hasmonean authority.

1 Maccabees 13 recounts Simon’s leadership, Jonathan’s death, freedom from Seleucid tribute, and the recovery of Jerusalem’s citadel.

Explore 1 Maccabees 12 as Jonathan renews foreign alliances, strengthens Judea’s defenses, and falls into Tryphon’s treacherous trap at Ptolemais.

Explore 1 Maccabees 11 through Jonathan’s shifting alliances, Seleucid rivalries, broken royal promises, territorial gains, and military victory near Hazor.

1 Maccabees 10 traces Jonathan’s appointment as high priest, competing Seleucid alliances, royal promises, and victory over Apollonius near Azotus.

1 Maccabees 9 commentary explores Judas’s death, Jonathan’s rise to leadership, renewed persecution, family tragedy, and the struggle for peace in Judea.

1 Maccabees 8 follows Judas’s embassy to Rome, the republic’s celebrated victories, and a treaty promising assistance against Seleucid oppression.

Explore 1 Maccabees 7 as Judas confronts Alcimus and Nicanor, exposing political betrayal, defending the temple, and securing a remarkable victory.

Explore 1 Maccabees 6 through Antiochus’s death, Eleazar’s sacrifice, the Seleucid siege of Jerusalem, and the fragile peace that followed.

1 Maccabees 5 follows Judas’s campaigns to rescue threatened Jewish families, confront violent reprisals, and expose the dangers of reckless ambition.

1 Maccabees 4 commentary explores Judas’s military victories, the cleansing of Jerusalem’s temple, and the restoration of worship commemorated by Hanukkah.

Explore 1 Maccabees 3 as Judas Maccabeus defeats Seleucid forces, prepares for a greater invasion, and leads Israel in prayer and resistance.

Explore 1 Maccabees 2 and the revolt of Mattathias, including resistance to persecution, Sabbath warfare, covenant zeal, and his final instructions.

Explore 1 Maccabees 1 through Alexander’s empire, Antiochus IV’s persecution, the desecration of Jerusalem’s temple, and Israel’s costly resistance.