Outline.
1 Maccabees opens with Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE) and concludes with the murder of Simon (134 BCE). The first c.150 years are dealt with in only nine verses ( 1:1–9 ), so that the major parts are:
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Introduction: From Alexander to the Revolt ( 1:1–64 )
- Acts of Antiochus IV ( 1:10–64 )
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The Revolt Under Mattathias ( 2:1–70 )
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The Exploits of Judas Maccabaeus ( 3:1–9:22 )
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Jonathan's exploits ( 9:23–12:53 )
- The First Years of Jonathan ( 9:23–10:17 )
- Jonathan High Priest and Ruler of Judea ( 10:18–12:53 )
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Simon's Rule ( 13:1–16:24 )
On the various proposed divisions of 1 Macc see Martola (1984) and Williams (1999 ).