Apocrypha & Pseudepigrapha

1,329 texts · Page 134 of 148

The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: ancient Jewish texts composed during the Second Temple period that, while not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible, preserve invaluable traditions about angels, the afterlife, and the end of days.

Nehemiah in Battle

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 1:40

The scene is set: the people have just finished pouring out their hearts in prayer, their voices rising in heartfelt supplication. And then, the priests begin to sing. Imagine the ...

TemplePrayerSacrifice

Nehemiah in Exile

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:1

Our story begins after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, a key figure in rebuilding Jerusalem, calls a certain location Hefter, declaring it holy. But here's the twist: the text imme...

Prophecy

Faith of Jeremiah

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:5

The story centers around the prophet Jeremiah, a towering figure in Jewish tradition, known for his prophecies and lamentations. The text tells us that Jeremiah, deeply concerned a...

Noah & FloodMosesTorahProphecy

The Ark of the Covenant and Jeremiah

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:8

Second Maccabees gives us a tantalizing glimpse into just such a mystery, a legend swirling around the prophet Jeremiah. Now, we all know Jeremiah. The weeping prophet, the one who...

MosesSolomonProphecyMiracles

Wisdom of Jeremiah and Solomon

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:12

Specifically, the fire of divine approval. The Second Book of Maccabees, a historical and religious text not included in the Hebrew Bible but important for understanding the Second...

MosesSolomonTempleProphecy

Hanukkah and the King

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:17

It’s a whirlwind of battles, faith, and political intrigue, all centered around the Maccabean revolt. But tucked away in the midst of all that action, there's a quiet moment that s...

King DavidHolidays

Judah and Joseph of Maccabeus

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:20

It’s a longing, a hope so fervent it practically vibrates off the page. This ancient text, not included in the Hebrew Bible but found in the Septuagint and other Christian Bibles, ...

JosephTorahTempleHoly Land

Second Temple and the Messiah

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:25

What exactly did these Maccabees see that gave them such unwavering faith? The text speaks of "heavenly signs" seen by those "strong and zealous" for Israel. We're not given specif...

MessiahHoly Land

Maccabean Martyrdom and Cyrenean

Apocrypha The Book of Maccabees II 2:29

That feeling is exactly what the author of 2 Maccabees understood. He recognized that the existing accounts of the Maccabean revolt – that pivotal moment in Jewish history – were, ...

Prophecy