3 Maccabees facts for kids
The book called 3 Maccabees is a special part of the Bible for many Orthodox Christians. Even though it has "Maccabees" in its name, this book is not about the famous Maccabee family or their fight for freedom. Instead, it tells a different story from an earlier time. It describes how Jews faced tough times under a king named Ptolemy IV Philopator in ancient Egypt. This happened long before the Maccabees lived, between 222 and 205 BC.
Contents
The Book of 3 Maccabees
What is the Book of 3 Maccabees About?
This book shares a story of persecution that Jewish people faced in ancient Egypt. It tells how King Ptolemy IV Philopator tried to force the Jewish people to give up their faith. He wanted them to worship his gods instead. The book describes the challenges and dangers they faced.
Who Was Ptolemy IV Philopator?
Ptolemy IV Philopator was a king of ancient Egypt. He ruled from 222 BC to 205 BC. He was part of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a family of kings who ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great. The book of 3 Maccabees shows him as a ruler who was not kind to the Jewish people.
Why is it Called 3 Maccabees?
The name "3 Maccabees" can be a bit confusing. It is not directly connected to the Maccabean Revolt or the heroes in 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees. The name likely comes from how similar its stories are to those in 2 Maccabees. In 2 Maccabees, there are stories of brave people who died for their faith. These include Eleazar and the seven brothers and their mother. The book of 3 Maccabees also tells about people who were willing to suffer for their beliefs. This similarity probably led to its name. The High Priest Shimon is also mentioned in the book.
Images for kids
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Ptolemy IV Philopator is struck by paralysis after coming too close to the sanctuary; Dutch engraving c. 1700
See also
In Spanish: III Macabeos para niños
