1 Maccabees, a part of the Apocrypha/Deuterocanon in the King James Version of the Bible, is a historical and inspirational account of the Maccabean Revolt against the oppressive rule of Seleucid King Antiochus IV. The book follows the story of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers as they lead a successful rebellion against the Greek forces and reclaim Jerusalem, rededicating the Temple to the worship of God.

The narrative is filled with tales of bravery, faith, and divine intervention, showcasing the Maccabees as heroes of the Jewish people who stood up for their faith in the face of persecution. The authorship of the book is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 135-63 BC, making it a valuable historical document for understanding the struggles of the Jewish people during this time period.

1 Maccabees is not included in the Protestant Bible, but it is considered canonical by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. The book provides valuable insights into the history and religious beliefs of ancient Israel, making it a significant addition to the biblical canon. Overall, 1 Maccabees is a powerful and moving account of the Maccabean Revolt, demonstrating the importance of faith, courage, and perseverance in the face of oppression.

Book Description:
The First Book of the Machabees is a history of the struggle of the Jewish people for religious and political liberty under the leadership of the Machabee family, with Judas Machabeus as the central figure. After a brief introduction explaining how the Jews came to pass from the Persian domination to that of the Seleucids, it relates the causes of the rising under Mathathias and the details of the revolt up to his death ; the glorious deeds and heroic death of Judas Machabeus ; the story of the successful leadership of Jonathan , and of the wise administration of Simon . It concludes with a brief mention of the difficulties attending the accession of John Hyrcanus and with a short summary of his reign. The book thus covers the period between the years 175 and 135 B.C. . The Books of Machabees. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.)