The Books of the Apocrypha (External Books) (The First Book of Maccabees as an Example) (Descriptive Study)

Abstract

This topic deals with the dispute related to the problem of the authorship and sanctity of the hidden books, or the so-called Apocrypha. This dispute falls within the context of the existing dispute between Jews and Christianity. Disagreements may extend within each religion regarding the sanctity of these books, to the point that some religions consider them an integral part of their legislation. While other religions considered it baseless and its sanctity could not be recognized. The books of the Apocrypha include First Esdras, Second Esdras, the Book of Baruch, the Book of the Wisdom of Solomon, the Book of Tobit, Judith, First Maccabees, Second Maccabees, the Book of Joshua the son of Sirach, the continuation of the Book of Esther, the story of Susanna, the story of Baal and the dragon, the prayer of Manasseh, and the Song of the Young Men. All three.

As a result of these discrepancies, this topic constitutes an issue of great importance. Therefore, this research seeks, by following the descriptive analytical approach, to clarify some of these questions related to the aforementioned dispute, and despite the skepticism surrounding this topic, which has led to a lack of reliable references, the research may contain a comprehensive explanation of the subject of the books, the history of each book, and the source of its authorship. The researcher also seeks to clarify the concept of these travels and attempt to prove their authenticity or incorrectness by relying on a group of sources and references.