"Maccabees IV" is a book found within the "Apocrypha." It was written by some fellow named Josephus. This book is related to the 2nd book of the previously reviewed "Machabees," in that it covers the persecution of the Jews by Antiochus and the martyrdom of a mother and her seven sons as well as the priest Eleazer, who died first.
The book itself is not preachy like most books but written more like a philosophical lecture, at least by the first of it. It's very eloquently written. By the end of it, it sounds much more passionate as it discusses the mother and what she had to go through. So if you are looking for a book of Scripture that has a different sound to it, you might try giving this one a go.
"Machabees II" was a very gory book that went over how dreadful the deaths of these children and their mother were, but "Maccabees IV" gives you an extreme amount of extra detail. As you read it, you will see in your minds eye what is happening to them. It's horrible. If you are squeamish about torture and gore, then you may not want to read it. It's rough. I mean... it's really rough. This book is as close as you can get to a horror story in Biblical texts.
Life back in those days were so severe. Horrible things could happen to you, perpetrated by your own government. Everything was so public and cruel. I get sick to my stomach just thinking bout it. But I'm no fool. I know all this can happen again.
This book is all about how religious reasoning can be the ultimate defense against the fears, emotions, and passions of the mortal man. It's all about putting aside the world because your soul is the real you. You're on for better things in the next life, so things like pain and death are really secondary.
This book is an interesting read now, but, like I was telling my dad the other day, I think it would be a good book to be read during the upcoming Tribulation. This book will assist in the concepts of martyrdom and the resistance to those who will inevitably go against Christians in the final days. They are going to need this book.
Once again, although I do recommend this book, I don't think someone who cannot stand gory and overly describes horror scenes will be able to deal with some of the long and extreme descriptions this book delivers. You need to understand that the author does not hold back. Consider it a warning before you embark.
This blog was written on June 8, 2022.
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Scary that such horrors may be just around the corner, the world being what it was and still is. Good to know, but hardly comforting in the moment, to know the spiritual man (or woman) can overcome the fear and pain of this world beyond what is naturally possible.
ReplyDeleteIt's a book about the past. It's also a book about our future.
DeleteInteresting that the book does not pull any punches. That's a good thing as the time for the kid gloves is coming to an end, the day of The Lord is a scary one. It is better to know The Truth so that we may prepare ourselves for tribulations.
ReplyDeleteIt's gonna suck. Be prepared to die a horrible death!
DeleteIt is better to suffer here than hereafter. When we die, that is when true life begins. It can be an eternity of joy or unending torment.
ReplyDeleteThe end of the story should still be a happy ending.
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