New Collegeville Bible Commentary First and Second Maccabees New Collegeville Bible Commentary Volume 12

Harrington expertly examines these deuterocanonical books, providing the necessary historical information that will open the meaning of the text to those less acquainted with these particular stories. This is a first-rate commentary.

With First and Second Maccabees, Daniel Harrington, S.J., provides a lucid, concise guide that illumines two very challenging deuterocanonical texts. First and Second Maccabees are important witnesses in our reconstruction of the Second Temple period and its various actors. Harrington sets the stage for both compositions by addressing the Maccabean revolt, underscoring its importance in a time of great crisis. His attention to explaining the historical context and potentially obscure aspects of the texts will be helpful to readers. Especially laudable is the clarity Harrington brings to the geographical and biographical references that one encounters throughout the narratives. The 'Review Aids and Discussion Topics' are beneficial for contemporary audiences in engaging these texts as resources for faith.

This remarkably clear and concise commentary on 1 and 2 Maccabees doubles as an excellent brief introduction to the history of the Maccabean period. Harrington distinguishes between the historically accurate and the legendary or ideological aspects of each book, representing the current scholarly consensus on the books' historicity. He carefully explains any deviations from the Septuagint text in his translation, by referring to the probable Hebrew original in the case of 1 Maccabees. The book contains thoughtful reflections on the different theological and literary purposes of 1 and 2 Maccabees, and on the historical reasons for the short-lived success of the Maccabees. This commentary is an invaluable resource for students of Second Temple period Judaism.