This is perhaps one of the most useful apocryphal writings I’ve read thus far. It provides practical, detailed historical information for changes in the Holy Land in the centuries between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus. It is not considered canonical for several reasons, the most obvious one being the Jewish people did not consider it canonical. It was authored sometime after 134 BC and written in Greek rather than Hebrew, which many consider reason to rule it out of canonical status as an Old Testament book. The apostles and Jesus do not refer to this book either. St. Jerome and others assert Flavius Josephus as the author but there is considerable skepticism of this claim.
As a historian, the overall arch of these events has been known to me for years, but it was wonderful to finally read the actual material itself. It goes into great detail, outlining multiple battles with multiple different powers and personalities. It is bound together by the figure of Mattathias and his sons – John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar (to a lesser extent) and Jonathan. We are witness to the initial interactions between God’s people and the Roman Empire – a relationship that would prove fateful for the next several hundred years. We hear about the institution of what we know today as Hanukkah as well as several other festivals that don’t appear to be observed any longer.
This is definitely a worthwhile read as a historical document. Certainly it has value as such whether or not it is considered canonical, and I have no difficulty seeing how this could be a valued part of Hebrew history without being given canonical status in the Old Testament. Theologically it demonstrates powerful faith in God against overwhelming odds, and details in very straightforward, non-theological terms how God miraculously enabled his people to triumph against far more numerous and powerful enemies.
Living Apologetics 
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