Noah's Arkhives

  Historical Facts & Background The author of 2 Maccabees is anonymous ; he identifies himself as an “epitomist” who abridges a five-volume history by Jason of Cyrene (which is now lost). Early Jewish Writings +3 Wikipedia +3 My Jewish Learning +3 It was written in Greek , not Hebrew, for a Hellenistic Jewish audience (likely in Alexandria, Egypt) rather than in Judea. My Jewish Learning The date of composition is estimated at sometime in the 2nd century BCE , perhaps around 150–124 BCE (because one of the letters included is dated to 124 BCE) and definitely before Roman domination of Judea (63 BCE). Wikipedia +1 It covers events from about the time of the high priest Onias III and Seleucid king Seleucus IV Philopator (ca. ~180 BCE) up to the defeat of the Seleucid general Nicanor in 161 BCE. Bible Hub +1 As with many deuterocanonical works, it was preserved in the Greek Septuagint but not included in the Jewish Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). Encyclopedia Britannica +1 ...

  Historical Facts & Background Date, origin, audience 1 Maccabees was written in Hebrew, probably in Jerusalem, around 100 BCE (or somewhat after the events it describes). My Jewish Learning +2 Bible Gateway +2 Though composed in Hebrew, the original Hebrew text has not survived; what we have is a Greek translation (in the Septuagint) with Hebrew idioms. Bible Gateway +2 My Jewish Learning +2 The intended audience was Jews who had lived through or were aware of the Maccabean Revolt, or their immediate descendants—people who valued fidelity to the Jewish law, temple worship, and the priestly line. My Jewish Learning +2 USCCB +2 Historical context The Jews of Judea were under the control of the Seleucid Empire (one of the Hellenistic successor states after Alexander the Great’s empire was divided). Greek (Hellenistic) cultural influence, and political dominance, pressed strongly upon Jewish religious traditions. Wikipedia +2 Biblical Archaeology Society +2 ...

The Book of Esther: A Detailed Summary The Book of Esther is a dramatic narrative set in the Persian Empire, telling the thrilling story of a young Jewish orphan who becomes queen and, through her courage and wisdom, saves her people from a genocidal plot. Unique for not explicitly mentioning God, the book nevertheless powerfully illustrates divine providence, the resilience of the Jewish people, and the origins of the festival of Purim. 🎉 Narrative Summary The story unfolds in the Persian capital of Susa, during the reign of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I, 486-465 BCE). The book can be divided into four main parts: the rise of Esther, Haman's plot, Esther's intervention, and the deliverance and institution of Purim. Part 1: The Rise of Esther (Esther 1-2) Queen Vashti's Demise (Chapter 1): King Ahasuerus throws an extravagant banquet. When he commands his queen, Vashti, to appear before his guests to display her beauty, she refuses. Enraged and advised...

  The Book of Judith: A Detailed Summary The Book of Judith is a powerful and dramatic narrative from the Apocrypha (or Deuterocanonical books) that tells the story of a courageous and pious Jewish widow who saves her people from an overwhelming Assyrian army. Through her cunning, faith, and bravery, Judith single-handedly turns the tide of war, becoming one of the most celebrated heroines in Jewish literature. The book is a testament to the power of faith and the idea that God can deliver His people through the most unexpected means. ⚔️ Narrative Summary The story is set in a time of great peril for Israel and can be divided into three main parts: the Assyrian campaign, the siege of the Jewish town of Bethulia, and Judith's heroic intervention. Part 1: The Assyrian Campaign (Judith 1-7) Nebuchadnezzar's Wrath: The story begins with a fictionalized "Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned over the Assyrians in the great city of Nineveh." After winning a major war, he demands tha...

  The Book of Tobit: A Detailed Summary The Book of Tobit is a captivating narrative from the Apocrypha (or Deuterocanonical books), telling a story of faith, piety, divine intervention, and family devotion set amidst the Jewish diaspora. It follows the virtuous Tobit, his son Tobias, and a young woman named Sarah, whose lives are miraculously interwoven by the benevolent actions of the archangel Raphael. The book offers profound lessons on trusting God, caring for the poor, and the power of prayer. 🙏 Narrative Summary The story unfolds in the Assyrian city of Nineveh, where many Israelites were exiled after the fall of the northern kingdom. It centers on two families who are unaware of each other's existence but whose fates become intertwined through divine providence. Part 1: Tobit's Piety and Plight (Tobit 1-3) Tobit's Righteousness: The book introduces Tobit, a devout Israelite living in exile in Nineveh. Despite the dangers and persecution, he faithfully observes the...

  The Book of Nehemiah: A Detailed Summary The Book of Nehemiah is a gripping first-person account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual restoration of the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian exile. It's a powerful narrative of courageous leadership, determined effort in the face of intense opposition, and a profound commitment to both physical and spiritual renewal. Nehemiah's unwavering prayer life and reliance on God are central themes throughout the book. 🧱 Narrative Summary The book is largely structured around Nehemiah's personal memoirs and can be divided into two main sections: the rebuilding of the walls and the spiritual reforms. Part 1: Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-7) The book begins around 445 BCE , about 13 years after Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem. Nehemiah's Call (Chapter 1): Nehemiah, a high-ranking Jewish official serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, receives devastating news from...