This section covers in more detail the glorious exploits and victories of Judas Maccebeus. Less ground, in other words, than 1 Maccabees. But the emphasis here is different, in that the author repeatedly attributes to Judas, and to the Jewish people generally, a strong sense of trust in God, as well as deep humility regarding their reliance on Him. These strong themes running through this book make it more interesting and impactful, at least for me.
I am also moved by the sections that reference the resurrection of the dead, and the concept that we the living can pray for the dead and thereby somehow affect their ultimate state and destiny. This is reminiscent of the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory, which I must confess baffles me. But that discussion is for another time.
On to Job......
No comments:
Post a Comment