Bible Seminar | Hortensius F. C. Mandaru

 

Historical Background and Identity Crisis

War is synonymous with destruction and loss of life. However, there is often a narrative that glorifies those who die on the battlefield, considering it a noble death in defense of the truth. How, then, can one be said to have died in defense of the truth? One source of stories that illustrates this concept in depth is the Book of 1-2 Maccabees.

 

The Book of Maccabees is a collection of Deuterocanonical books, not just a historical account. More than that, it tells an epic story of heroic resistance, war, and sacrifice for the faith. These texts were written at a crucial time, the post-exilic period in Babylon, when the Israelites were desperately trying to re-establish their identity in the midst of foreign hegemony and oppression.

 

In this period, the Israelites were under the rule of the Seleucid Dynasty led by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The king was known for his repressive and aggressive policies in imposing the practice of Hellenization, a process in which Greek culture, language, and religion were forcibly propagated. This created an existential threat to the nation of Israel. The traditions and Torah laws that were the foundation of their identity began to erode, triggering a crisis that threatened their national, cultural and religious unity and identity.

 

This oppression was not just a matter of politics, but also a direct attack on faith. The temple was desecrated, religious practices were banned, and the people were forced to worship Greek gods. This crisis was the turning point that triggered the great resistance of the Israelites. The story of this struggle, recorded in the book of Maccabees, depicts a nation that refused to give up and fought tooth and nail to defend their faith and sacred traditions.

 

Historical Context and the Concept of Martyrdom,

The identity crisis that the Israelites experienced during the oppression, not only fueled physical resistance, but also strengthened community bonds. In this precarious situation, many Jews chose to die rather than betray the teachings of the Torah. This struggle and sacrifice later gave birth to a new group that upheld the teachings of the Torah radically. They are known as "Qadosh" in Hebrew, which means "holy man" or "one set apart for God". This designation not only indicates dedication, but also recognizes their extraordinary loyalty to God's commands, even to the point of sacrificing their lives.

 

This concept of "Qadosh" then evolved over time. In Greek and Latin, they were called "Martyr", which literally means witness. The term later entered into Arabic as "Syuhada" and was eventually absorbed into Indonesian as "martyrdom". This designation indicates that their sacrifice is the highest form of testimony showing a tangible proof of unshakable faith. This concept became the strong theological foundation behind the resistance in the book of Maccabees.

 

Two Viewpoints of Struggle: 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees

The book of Maccabees is divided into two volumes that present different but complementary perspectives on the struggles of the Israelites.

 

1 Maccabees: Epic History and Divine War

The book of 1 Maccabees focuses on the historical narrative of the Maccabean dynasty led by the priest Matatias and his five sons. The story of their struggle as a holy war. Matatias began the armed resistance by refusing the king's command to worship the Greek gods. After his death, the resistance was continued by his son, Judas Maccabees, who proved himself to be a brilliant military leader.

 

The main goal of this war was to reclaim the political and religious independence of the Jewish people, as well as legitimize the rule of the Maccabean dynasty. The victories they achieved were not regarded as mere strategic successes, but rather as clear evidence of divine intervention. God is depicted as fighting alongside the Israelites, actively supporting His people on the battlefield. Every victory was a manifestation of His presence, confirming that their resistance was part of the divine will.

 

2 Maccabees: Shahid's Death as a Form of Sin Atonement

In contrast to 1 Maccabees which focuses on military history, the Book of 2 Maccabees emphasizes the aspect of struggle. War is not only seen from the perspective of military victory, but also from the perspective of suffering, testimony, and redemption. The main focus of the book is the heroic testimony of the martyrs.

 

The most famous story is that of a mother and her seven children who were brutally tortured and killed for refusing to eat pork, a violation of the law. Their deaths were not considered in vain, but rather as a ransom for the sins of the entire people of Israel. The book of 2 Maccabees introduces the concept of resurrection more explicitly. The martyrs believed that although their bodies were destroyed, God would raise them back to life. This belief became a powerful source of hope, giving them strength to face cruel torment.

 

The war in the Book of Maccabees had a clear theological purpose, which was to purify the temple that had been desecrated by King Antiochus. Judas Maccabees not only fought as a military leader, but also as the "hand of God" fighting to protect the sanctity of the place of worship. This struggle culminated in the celebration of Hanukkah, which to this day commemorates the cleansing of the Temple.

 

Implications and Relevance of the Book of Maccabees

The stories in the Book of Maccabees provide valuable lessons that go beyond their historical context. It teaches that obedience to God is of utmost importance, even over life. The martyr is willing to die rather than break the law, demonstrating that spiritual integrity cannot be exchanged for the comforts of life.

 

Through the stories of martyrdom, the Book of Maccabees teaches that suffering and sacrifice can serve a greater purpose, such as penance. This gives deep meaning to suffering, transforming it from a tragedy to part of the divine plan. The concept of resurrection introduced in 2 Maccabees becomes a powerful source of hope. This message affirms that there is life after death and that the faithful will receive their reward from God.

 

Understanding the book of Maccabees emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Bible as a whole and it doesn't hurt that we also read the Deuterocanonical books as additional references. Studying these passages provides a fuller and richer picture of the history, theology, and evolution of the faith, helping the faithful to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of their beliefs.

 

Overall, the book of Maccabees is a legacy that shows that identity and faith are not something that can be compromised. It is a timeless reminder of the power of faith, courage, and hope in the midst of darkness, as well as the sacrifices required to defend sacred values.