This is a much shorter historical document than 1 Maccabees, and by most accounts a less reliable one. It was likely authored in the late second century BC. It covers details not found in 1 Maccabees and contradicts some details provided in 1 Maccabees. It only covers material up through Judas Maccabee and his exploits – roughly chapter 7 of 1 Maccabees, so may have been composed earlier than 1 Maccabees. The author of this document himself describes his work as a compilation of a much larger work by a relatively unknown 2nd century BCE Jewish historian by the name of Jason of Cyrene. The original 5-volume work has been lost to history and would otherwise be unknown save for the reference in 2 Maccabees 2:23.
Whoever (whether one author or several) composed 2 Maccabees, their language and style differs markedly from 1 Maccabees. The author freely offers judgmental statements regarding the events he is relating, and overall works to include a far more theological tone to his writing. There is a far more supernatural tone to this book, with several angelic visitations and visions reported. It seems to me a level of creative license has been employed to render the events more exciting and personal to the reader.
On a problematic note, chapter 14 describes in honorable terms death by suicide, something forbidden to God’s people (Exodus 20:13). There is also a passage in chapter 12 promoting prayers for the dead as atonement for likely idolatry on the part of the deceased. On the positive side, throughout there is a strong emphasis on the resurrection of the dead as a theological reality to be anticipated.
The usefulness of this book seems to lie in careful parsing and evaluation of the historical data presented. I don’t have a problem with the supernatural elements in this book but also find them far less than compelling, feeling more like an afterthought than a relating of actual events.
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