This book recounts many of the same events as 1 Maccabees narrates, but the perspective is different. In 2 Maccabees, there is much greater emphasis on God's intervention than on man's works (see 3:24-30; 10:29-30; 11:8; 15:12-16). Prayer is seen as the major weapon in warfare and not as a supplement to physical force. Because of the resurrection of the dead, the martyrs have a greater victory than the military men. This book is invaluable in helping us understand and practice what Paul taught about spiritual warfare in the New Testament (Eph 6:10-20; 2 Cor 10:4-6).

Key word    SPIRITUAL WARFARE
 
Key verse    "People rushed out of their houses in crowds to make public supplication, because the Place was in danger of being profaned. Women, girded with sackcloth below their breasts, filled the streets; maidens secluded indoors ran together, some to the gates, some to the walls, others peered through the windows, all of them with hands raised toward heaven, making supplication." —3:18-20
 
Command verse    "They were invulnerable for the very reason that they followed the laws laid down by Him." —8:36
 
Promise verse    "It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the God-given hope of being restored to life by Him." —7:14
 
Difficult verse    "When he was completely maimed but still breathing, the king ordered them to carry him to the fire and fry him." —7:5
 
Surprise verse    "He tore out his entrails and flung them with both hands into the crowd, calling upon the Lord of life and of spirit to give these back to him again. Such was the manner of his death." —14:46
 
Prayer: Jesus, I give my life to You. In the name of Jesus, I bring down the strongholds of the evil one (2 Cor 10:4).