Vigils Reading

A Commentary on the Second Book of Maccabees by Damasus Winzen 1

The second book of Maccabeesd, which presents itself as an abridgement of five volumes which a certain Jason of Cyrene wrote, covers nearly the same period as 1 Maccabees. As introduction the author gives two letters from the Jews in Jerusalem to the Jews in Egypt, recommending the celebration of the dedication of the temple. The main part of the book is divided into two sections,  each of which ends in the institution of the anniversary feast: the dedication of the temple and Nicanor’s day in memory of Judas’ greatest victory. Each of the two sections is again divided into two, each treating one of the kings of Syria who persecuted the Jews. 

The author of 2 Maccabees evidently stresses the practical and devotional aspects of the valiant struggle of Judas Maccabeus. Of greatest importance to him is the story of the fire, which was given from heaven to the second temple under Nehemiah to show that it equals the tabernacle as well as the temple of Solomon, both of which were dedicated through heavenly fire. The fire descending from heaven is symbolic of “the manifestations that came from heaven to them that behaved manfully on behalf of the Jews, so that, being but a few, they made themselves masters of the whole country, and recovered again the most renowned temple, and delivered the city and restored the laws that were abolished, the Lord with all clemency showing mercy to them”. This fire from heaven triumphed over bodily pains in Eleazar, “one of the leading scribes, and advanced in years,” who groaning under the stripes of the executioners prayed to God: “O Lord, you know I endure dreadful pains in my body, but in my heart I am glad to suffer this because I fear you”. The fire burned in the hearts of the seven brothers who with their mother suffered martyrdom for the law. It gave courage to Judas and his followers in face of overwhelming odds. “They trust in their arms and daring, but we trust in the almighty God, for he is able with a mere nod to strike down not only our enemies but the whole world”. 

With these words Judas characterized the spirit in which he conquered. In this spirit he prepared his soldiers for battle through prayer, fasting and reading of God’s word. In this spirit they sang hymns of thanksgiving after victory was won and shared the spoils with orphans and widows. “The help of God” and “the victory of God” were their watchwords. So “fighting with their hands, but praying to God with their hearts” they overcame the rage of the kings, their armor and their elephants, under the leadership of Judas, “who was altogether ready, in body and mind, to die for his countrymen”.