2 Maccabees

2 Maccabees is a book found in the Apocrypha, important in Jewish history and thought, and included in some Christian Bibles. It recounts the struggles of the Jewish people in the 2nd century BCE against Hellenistic oppression, particularly under the Seleucid King Antiochus IV. The narrative emphasizes themes of faith, martyrdom, and divine intervention. It highlights the Maccabean revolt, which led to the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple, celebrated during Hanukkah. The book also discusses the importance of prayer and the afterlife, offering insights into Jewish identity and resilience during a time of crisis.