The Five Books of Maccabees in English

With Notes and Illustrations

Henry Cotton

• Publisher: Left Of Brain Onboarding Pty Ltd
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781396320224
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Jewish Theology

There are two books of Maccabees in the Catholic Bible, and none in the Protestant Bible. There were (and still are) speculations and arguments, about why these books existed in one version of the Bible and not in the other, but none of them went to the core of the matter until Henry Cotton.

As shown in this book, there are not two but five books of Maccabees. Five books so rich in the history, politics and religion of the Jewish people that leaving them out of any version of the Bible equals the drastic erasing of the history of an entire nation of people.

Henry Cotton corrects this error by researching and collecting the writings of ancient Jewish authors. The work of these authors tells of the persecution of the Jews under the Seleucid dynasty, details the true beginning of Hannukah and provides authentic information for the period known as the "400 Years of Silence."

Proving to be much more than religious text, Cottons unveils the fascinating history of the Jewish people, one neglected in the Protestant Bible and barely explored in the catholic one. Presenting it in a manner that lets you explore history in the most engaging way.

Chapter I.

Ptolemy defeats Antiochus. He visits Jerusalem; and attempts to enter the Temple.

(1) NOW⁴ when Philopator⁵ learned from those who returned, that Antiochus⁶ had taken ^{[B.C. 217.]} away the places⁷ which had been under his dominion, he gave orders to all his forces, both foot and horse, to march: (2) and taking with him his sister Arsinoe, he proceeded as far as the parts about Raphia⁸, where Antiochus and his army had pitched their camp.

(3) But one Theodotus⁹, intending to complete a treacherous design which he had, took the best of the arms which Ptolemy had formerly intrusted to him, and approached by night to Ptolemy’s tent, as intending himself alone to kill him, and thereby to put an end to the war. (4) But Dositheus, called the son of Drimylus, by birth a Jew, but one who afterwards forsook his religion and estranged himself from the ordinances of his forefathers, taking Ptolemy out of the way, caused a certain obscure person¹⁰ to lodge there in his stead; who accordingly received that punishment which was intended for the other.

(5) Now when a sharp battle took place, and success seemed rather to favour Antiochus¹¹, Arsinoe¹² went frequently up and down among the troops; and exhorted them with lamentation and tears, having her hair in disorder, to fight manfully for themselves and for their children and wives; promising to give to every one, if they conquered, two minæ¹³ of gold as a reward. (6) By which means it came to pass that their enemies were destroyed¹⁴ in the battle¹⁵, and many of them were taken prisoners also. (7) Ptolemy therefore, having overcome ^{[B.C. 216.]} this treachery, determined to go and encourage the neighbouring cities¹⁶; by doing which, and by making presents to their temples, he made his subjects to be full of courage.

(8) But when the Jews had sent to him some of their council¹⁷ and elders, to salute him and to bring with them presents, and to congratulate with him on past events; it came to pass that he felt a stronger desire to take a journey to them with all speed. (9) Now when he was come to Jerusalem, he offered ^{[B.C. 214.]} a sacrifice to the Most High God, and returned thanks, and did what was then proper in that place¹⁸. (10) Moreover, when he was on the spot, he was astonished at the diligence and decency there observed. And wondering at the good order about the holy place, he took a design to manage matters so, that he might enter into the temple itself¹⁹. (11) ^{[B.C. 214-212.]} But when they said that this could not be done, because it was not lawful for even persons of their own nation to enter into that place; no, not for all the priests themselves, but only for the superior of them all, the high priest, and even for him but once in a year:—he would by no means be dissuaded. (12) And when the law²⁰ to this effect was read in his presence, he would by no means cease offering himself: but said that he must go in; and “even if they are deprived of that honour, I must not be so deprived.” (13) He asked also this question—why none of those who attended any other temples hindered him from entering into them? (14) And when a certain person inadvertently said, that this was an unlucky fiction²¹ of his: he answered, (15) “Now that this has been done, from whatever cause it may, why shall I not enter at all events, whether you will or no?”

(16) Then the priests fell down in their holy garments, and prayed the Most High God to assist them in the present distress, and to avert the violence of him who was making this wicked attempt upon them: and they filled the temple with cries and tears. (17) And they which were left in the city were troubled, and came running, as thinking the affair to be something new and wholly unexpected. (18) The virgins also, who were shut up²² in private chambers, together with their mothers, rushed out; and sprinkling ashes and dust upon their heads, filled the streets with groans and lamentations. (19) And those who lately were adorned in wedding garments, leaving their marriage-chambers²³, and that decent modesty which belonged to them, ran about the city together in disorder. (20) And as for the young children, both their mothers and nurses who had charge of them, left these, one in one place, one in another; some in their houses, others in the streets, without any regard: and went in troops together to the most high temple. (21) And various was the prayer of the whole company on account of this his unhallowed attempt. (22) Together with these were the bolder citizens, who would not bear his persevering in the business, and his resolution to effect his purpose. (23) And crying out, that they must arm themselves for this onset, and courageously die for the Law of their fathers, they occasioned no small stir²⁴ in the place: and having with difficulty been dissuaded by the seniors²⁵ and elders, at last these also retired to the same station of prayer.

(24) As for the multitude, they continued as before, in the same manner, praying. (25) While the elders who were about the king tried in many ways to divert his proud mind from his intended purpose. (26) But he, in a haughty manner, and disdaining²⁶ all their persuasions, began now to make an advance; as thinking to accomplish his declared design. (27) Which, when his attendants perceived, even they turned to join with our people in calling upon Him who has all power, to give help in the present distress, and not to overlook this lawless and proud behaviour.

(28) Now from the reiterated and vehement cry of the multitude united together there was an inconceivable sort of noise²⁷: (29) for one might suppose that not the men alone, but the very walls and the ground echoed again; as if the whole multitude at that time chose to die rather than that place should be profaned.

 

Chapter II.

The prayer of Simon. Ptolemy is baffled. His cruel edicts.

(1) ²⁸THEREUPON the high priest Simon²⁹, bowing ^{[B.C. 211.]} his knees before the holy place, and spreading out his hands in reverent form, made the following prayer: (2) “O Lord, Lord, king of heaven, and ruler of all creation, Holy in the holies³⁰, the only Governor, the Almighty;—give ear unto us who are afflicted by this wicked and profane man, puffed up with insolence and strength. (3) For thou, who hast created all things, and rulest all things, thou art the righteous Governor, and judgest those who do any thing in insolence and pride. (4) Thou didst destroy them who in former times worked wickedness, among whom were the giants³¹, trusting in their strength and courage, by bringing upon them an immense mass of water. (5) Thou didst burn up with fire and brimstone the Sodomites, workers of wickedness, who were infamous for their iniquities; and madest them an example³² to those who should come afterward. (6) Thou shewedst thy dominion by trying the vaunting bold Pharaoh, (who had enslaved thy people the holy Israel,) with many and various kinds of punishment, whereby thou madest known thy great strength. (7) And when he pursued them with his chariots and the multitude of his troops, thou didst drown him in the depth of the sea: and didst carry through unhurt those who trusted on thee, the Lord of the whole creation. (8) Who also, after they had experienced the works of thy hands, praised thee³³, the Almighty. (9) Thou, O King, when thou hadst created the boundless and immeasurable earth, didst chuse this city, and sanctify this place for thy name³⁴, who standest in need of nothing³⁵: and hast glorified it by thy magnificent presence, and compacted it for the glory of thy great and honourable name. (10) And out of love to the house of Israel, thou promisedst³⁶ truly that if we should fall off from thee, and distress³⁷ should overtake us, and we should come to this place and pray; thou wouldest hear our supplication. (11) And indeed thou art faithful and true.

(12) “And since, when our fathers were often in affliction, thou hast afforded them assistance in their low estate, and hast delivered them out of great dangers:— (13) Lo n...

Table of contents

• PREFACE.
• INTRODUCTION.
• The Prayer of Eleazar, Occurring in Book I. Chapter VI.
• The Genealogy of the Maccabæan Family
• The Genealogy of Herod the Great
• Chronology, According to Blair’s Tables.
• THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES
• Chapter I.
• Chapter II.
• Chapter III.
• Chapter IV.
• Chapter V.
• Chapter VI.
• Chapter VII.
• THE SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEES
• Chapter I.
• Chapter II.
• Chapter III.
• Chapter IV.
• Chapter V.
• Chapter VI.
• Chapter VII.
• Chapter VIII.
• Chapter IX.
• Chapter X.
• Chapter XI.
• Chapter XII.
• Chapter XIII.
• Chapter XIV.
• Chapter XV.
• Chapter XVI.
• THE THIRD BOOK OF MACCABEES
• Chapter I.
• Chapter II.
• Chapter III.
• Chapter IV.
• Chapter V.
• Chapter VI.
• Chapter VII.
• Chapter VIII.
• Chapter IX.
• Chapter X.
• Chapter XI.
• Chapter XII.
• Chapter XIII.
• Chapter XIV.
• Chapter XV.
• THE FOURTH BOOK OF MACCABEES
• Chapter I.
• Chapter II.
• Chapter III.
• Chapter IV.
• Chapter V.
• Chapter VI.
• Chapter VII.
• Chapter VIII.
• Chapter IX.
• Chapter X.
• Chapter XI.
• Chapter XII.
• Chapter XIII.
• Chapter XIV.
• Chapter XV.
• Chapter XVI.
• Chapter XVII.
• Chapter XVIII.
• THE FIFTH BOOK OF MACCABEES
• Chapter I.
• Chapter II.
• Chapter III.
• Chapter IV.
• Chapter V.
• Chapter VI.
• Chapter VII.
• Chapter VIII.
• Chapter IX.
• Chapter X.
• Chapter XI.
• Chapter XII.
• Chapter XIII.
• Chapter XIV.
• Chapter XV.
• Chapter XVI.
• Chapter XVII.
• Chapter XVIII.
• Chapter XIX.
• Chapter XX.
• Chapter XXI.
• Chapter XXII.
• Chapter XXIII.
• Chapter XXIV.
• Chapter XXV.
• Chapter XXVI.
• Chapter XXVII.
• Chapter XXVIII.
• Chapter XXIX.
• Chapter XXX.
• Chapter XXXI.
• Chapter XXXII.
• Chapter XXXIII.
• Chapter XXXIV.
• Chapter XXXV.
• Chapter XXXVI.
• Chapter XXXVII.
• Chapter XXXVIII.
• Chapter XXXIX.
• Chapter XL.
• Chapter XLI.
• Chapter XLII.
• Chapter XLIII.
• Chapter XLIV.
• Chapter XLV.
• Chapter XLVI.
• Chapter XLVII.
• Chapter XLVIII.
• Chapter XLIX.
• Chapter L.
• Chapter LI.
• Chapter LII.
• Chapter LIII.
• Chapter LIV.
• Chapter LV.
• Chapter LVI.
• Chapter LVII.
• Chapter LVIII.
• Chapter LIX.