The Holy Bible: Douay-Rheims — 2 Machabees

Annotated History & Bibliography

Read 2 Maccabees 1:1

Overview

2 Maccabees (DRB: 2 Machabees) presents a theologically shaped history that highlights martyrdom and resurrection hope and strongly defends the sanctity of the Temple. The extant work is a Greek epitome of a five-volume history by Jason of Cyrene [1] [2] [3].

Canon & Theology

In Catholic reception, the book is notable for explicit testimony to prayer for the dead and for its robust articulation of resurrection hope [4] [5].

Key Themes

Martyrdom fidelity; intercession of the righteous; God’s justice and vindication in Israel’s worship and life [1] [6].

Annotated Bibliography

  1. USCCB, “2 Maccabees 7 — Martyrdom of a Mother and Her Seven Sons.” Key witness to resurrection hope. bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/7 ↩︎ ↩︎
  2. USCCB, “2 Maccabees 3 — God Protects the Temple.” Heliodorus episode underscoring Temple sanctity. bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/3 ↩︎
  3. Jewish Encyclopedia, “Jason of Cyrene.” Notes that both Jason’s work and 2 Maccabees are in Greek; the latter is not a translation. jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8528-jason-of-cyrene ↩︎
  4. USCCB, “2 Maccabees 12 — Notes (vv.42–45).” Earliest statement about the efficacy of prayers and offerings for the dead. bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/12 ↩︎
  5. USCCB, “Understanding the Bible.” Lists the seven deuterocanonical books received in Catholic Bibles. usccb.org/bible/understanding-the-bible ↩︎
  6. USCCB, “2 Maccabees 15.” Onias and Jeremiah intercede for the people (vv. 12–16). bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/15 ↩︎