The early Seleucid rulers were tolerant of the political and religious cultures of the territories they controlled, but things changed when Antiochus IV Epiphanes came to power, and the scene in Palestine became one of persecution and war. Many observant Jews flee from the capital, but others readily accept Antiochus' policies. In the Church of England's lectionary of 1922 in the Book of Common Prayer, 1st Maccabees is appointed annually to be read in late summer/early autumn. Werner Kappler[de] published a critical edition of the Greek text in 1936, an eclectic compilation of the various surviving manuscripts and the best construction of the original text. Matthew 24:15. [19], The book was probably originally written in Hebrew. [11][12], The title "1 Maccabees" is not the original title of the work. INTRODUCING MATTATHIAS. In true Deuteronomic tradition, the author insists on fidelity to the law as the expression of Israels love for God. He reports the calamities the Jewish people experience on account of their sins, while also stressing the role played by God in his providence, who watches over them as he promised he would (cf. And king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people. And he called his servants, which were honorable, which had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided to them his kingdom, while he was yet alive. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israels ancient heroes, the Judges, Samuel, and David. The history of the Maccabee family given in these books ends with the death of Simon and the succession of his son, John Hyrcanus. When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand). The book 2 Maccabees, preserved right next to 1 Maccabees in the Septuagint, provides a striking contrast in theology, and the works are often compared. In February 135, however, he is assassinated at the instigation of his son-in-law Ptolemy. They are Jewish people who do not observe the Law. However, after successfully invading the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, Antiochus IV enters Jerusalem and removes the sacred objects from the Temple. It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. 2 Maccabees falls more into theological history, in other words the attempt to reflect on Gods role in the events described. First Maccabees can be divided as follows: Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. Friend and confederate. [note 2] All agree that the book was written before 63 BC, as the author shows great admiration toward Rome and does not know of the Roman general Pompey conquering Jerusalem and reducing the Hasmonean kingdom to a client state of the Roman Republic in that year. . Judas's Maccabee title is generally tied to the Aramaic word maqqaba ("makebet" in modern Hebrew), "hammer" or "sledgehammer", in recognition of his prowess in battle. Jonathan becomes high priest (1 Maccabees 10:20). As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from the control of the Greek empire and rededicated (an act that is still commemorated yearly in the festival of Hanukkah). Jonathan's capture in 143 BC, having been double-crossed by Diodotus Tryphon, is recorded in 1 Maccabees 12:48. VERSE 1. VERSE 23. There are seven poetic sections in the book that imitate the style of classical Hebrew poetry: four laments (1:2528, 3640; 2:713; 3:45), and three hymns of praise of our fathers (2:5164), of Judas (3:39), and of Simon (14:415). 4:59). It also uses anachronistic terms at times to make explicit parallels between the exploits of the Hasmoneans and earlier Jewish heroes; for example, it refers to the coastal region of Palestine as the land of the Philistines, despite the Philistines no longer being a relevant cultural grouping in the era. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Alexandra was succeeded by another son, Aristobulus II. Talk about how this story might have inspired the Jews of Jesus day in the light of their oppression by the Romans. The Books of the Maccabees, Maccabees also spelled Machabees, four books, none of which is in the Hebrew Bible but all of which appear in some manuscripts of the Septuagint. They establish a gymnasium, where men socialized in the nude. [32] Ultimately the relationship between Jonathan and Demetrius breaks down: Maccabees' opinion is that Demetrius "broke his word about all that he had promised; he became estranged from Jonathan and did not repay the favors that Jonathan had done him, but treated him very harshly". 2He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. The book draws a sharp contrast between Jews and Gentiles, similar to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Check our glossary of terms. Hellenization included the construction of gymnasia in Jerusalem. Christian tradition venerates these seven brothers as martyrs, and churches were dedicated to them in Antioch, Rome, Lyons, and Vienne. The second book is even more important from the doctrinal point of view. The name Maccabee probably means "hammer" and was the nickname given in the book to the first leader of the revolt, Judas, third son of Mattathias. [26] Mattathias calls upon people loyal to the traditions of Israel to oppose the invaders and the Jewish Hellenizers, and his sons begin a military campaign against them. The author seeks to promote the view that the Hasmoneans were indeed God's new chosen and would-be rulers in line with heroes of the Hebrew Bible. It is probably a Greek translation of a Hebrew account of Israel's independence struggle between 174 and 134 bc.Similarly little is known about the author of 2 Maccabees, although it is clear that he was not the same person as the author of 1 Maccabees. VERSE 58. This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 19:13. At Explore the Faith, I share insights into the Bible and theological writings. And if you like what you see, check out our complete Online Course about the first five books of the Bible, a.k.a. [38] Various passages call back to Biblical passages such as Joshua's conquests or the battle of David and Goliath and equate the Hasmoneans' deeds with the earlier stories. As a surname it was also applied to his brothers and, by extension . [29] Jewish historian Uriel Rappaport[he] asserts that "the majority of scholars today accept the authenticity of this document". Acts of the Apostles. 1.12.70 The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and subsequent crisis3.19.22 The leadership of Judas Maccabeus in the revolt against the Greeks9.2312.53 The leadership of Jonathan (Judas brother)13.116.24 The leadership and subsequent assignation of Simon (also a brother of Judas), 1.12.32 Letters from Jews in Jerusalem to those in Egypt3.16.31 The conquest of Jerusalem by Antiochus IV Epiphanes7.1-42 The torture and murder of seven brothers and their mother8.19.29 The victory of Judas Maccabeus over the Greeks10.1-38 The purification of the Temple11.115.39 Ongoing conflict and the eventual victory of Judas. From the time of Alexander onward Greek culture spread throughout the Middle East. ; and the Seleucids, who took over large parts of the Middle East and moved into Palestine in 200 B.C. In general, its chronology coheres with that of I Maccabees. He also requires Jewish leaders to sacrifice to idols. In the town of Modein, the priest Mattathias finds the situation intolerable. Snow Crash Summary. New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article Many scholars believe that they were placed there after the composition of the book by some inspired editor . The book of 1 Maccabees clearly favors the revolution against the Seleucid and the Hasmonean dynasty. He also forbids circumcision and possession of Jewish scriptures, imposing the death penalty for those who disobey. 1 and 2 Maccabees are stories that reflect on oppression and resistance. 1 Maccabees is a deuterocanonical book written by a Jewish author and included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons of the Bible. were recognized by the Fathers as inspired, there is an interim stage where souls are purified. 1 Maccabees covers this entire 40-year period. And he took the spoils of the city, and set it on fire, and pulled down the houses thereof and the walls thereof on every side. The people of Israel have been specially chosen by the one true God as covenant-partner, and they alone are privileged to know and worship God, their eternal benefactor and unfailing source of help. VERSE 43. and many of Israel consented to his worship, and sacrificed to the idols, and profaned the Sabbath. That is, a gymnasium. 1 Kings. Ptolemy supposedly threatened the Jews with loss of citizenship after Palestinian Jews refused to permit him to enter the sanctuary of the Temple of Jerusalem. Rather, the book refers to "heaven" (ourans) instead, such as Judas saying in a speech that "It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven. [62], The book was never included in the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh and is not canonical in Judaism. Updates? Omissions? First Maccabees was written about 100 B.C., in Hebrew, but the original has not come down to us. But he also wants to show that Gods purpose in permitting persecution is to discipline the Jews in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterwards when our sins have reached their height (6:12-17). "[45][46] Even if "heaven" is merely shorthand for "God in heaven", 1 Maccabees is remarkably secular in its depiction of the conflict. In 1 Maccabees, those dissatisfied with the Hasmoneans "hated their nation"[39] as a whole; the Hasmoneans were equated with Judea itself. This work no longer exists, but is the basis for 2 Maccabees.) perhaps even Sadducean, tendency interpenetrates the entire work" (Fischer, 4:441) and the "author of 1 Maccabees identifies unreservedly with the rebels and their leaders." (Efron, 47; Sievers, 2). [67] and Knox Bible.[68]. The first two books only are part of canonical scripture in the Septuagint and the Vulgate (hence are canonical to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy) and are included in the Protestant Apocrypha. Ancient manuscripts of the text include the Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Venetus, as well as several scrolls. He imposes a tax and establishes a fortress for his soldiers in Jerusalem. 01793 418222. The later Jewish historian Josephus most likely used some form of this text in writing his account of the Maccabean revolt. That is, men of Israel came forth. That is, his heart became proud and arrogant (NAB translation). According to 1 Maccabees, there were some early groups of Jewish rebels who refused to fight on the Sabbath, and perished accordingly (1 Maccabees 2:29-38) until the Maccabean patriarch Mattathias decided to change the law and permit defensive warfare on the Sabbath (2:39-41). Experts date the original Hebrew text sometime in the late second century B.C.E. While Judas is eventually killed in battle, the Maccabees eventually achieve autonomy and then independence for Judea under the leadership of the Hasmonean family. Probably written about 100 B.C.E., the book was included as scripture in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible and later included in Christian scripture until the Protestant Reformation, when the apocrypha of the Old Testament were generally rejected by Protestants. Pre-modern translations of the work were made in Latin, Syriac, and Armenian. his heart was lifted up. Modin. The Latin translation is sometimes useful to identify certain changes made by Lucian of Antioch to the Greek text.[66]. Naturally, any account of the war of liberation led by Judas Maccabeus would have this effect and would show that victory was due to Gods powerful aid (2:19-22). Reflect on whether you think that Mattathias and his sons were right to rebel against their Greek oppressors.We are challenged about how we should behave towards our enemies and how we should act as Gods agents, wherever we live in the world. The title of 1 and 2 Maccabees is taken from the surname of Judas (1 Mace. to the death of Simeon the Hasmonean (135 B.C.E.). And they led captive the women and the children, and the cattle they took in possession. According to the first book of Maccabees, one of the Hellenistic kings defiled the temple, forbade circumcision, and even set up altars to his gods. 1 Maccabees . The author is unknown. Protestants and Jews regard it as generally reliable historically, but not a part of holy scripture.. And it was the chief propaganda instrument of those non-practicing Jews who were trying to introduce Gentile customs into Israel. We will be talking about events that happened in the second century, which took place in Judea located in the Syrian empire. Simon follows Jonathan as the next Jewish leader "in place of Judas and your brother Jonathan",[34] taking on civil, military and liturgical roles: "great high priest, governor, and leader of the Jews". 1 Maccabees 1:54. Journey through the Bible, one book at a time, with the 2nd edition of our Books of the Bible journal. The persecution of Antiochus IV presumably radicalized the Jews. He may also have consulted it for Book 1 of The Jewish War. These translations have no copyright restrictions. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. When Mattathias died (c. 166 bc), his son Judas Maccabaeus recaptured Jerusalem and reconsecrated the temple, an event celebrated in the holiday Hanukkah. 1 Samuel. 1 After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated King Darius of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. 25) gives testimony to the existence of an original Hebrew text. And his servants bare rule, each one in his place. The rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. 2nd century bc) Priestly family of Jews who organized a successful rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Palestine and reconsecrated the defiled Temple of Jerusalem.The rebellion began under the leadership of the Jewish priest Mattathias after Antiochus sought to stamp out Judaism by forbidding all Jewish practices and desecrating the temple (167 bc). Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. He will make a firm covenant with many for one week. Although 1 Maccabees was originally written in Hebrew (some you can tell from the sentence structure) it exists now only in Greek. VERSE 57. 1 Maccabees,[note 1] also known as the First Book of Maccabees, First Maccabees, and abbreviated as 1 Macc., is a deuterocanonical book which details the history of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire as well as the founding and earliest history of the independent Hasmonean kingdom. Were there any parts of the book that you particularly liked or which inspired you? [22], The narrative is primarily prose text, but is interrupted by seven poetic sections, which imitate classical Hebrew poetry. Editor's note: The following homily delivered by the Reverend Peter M. J. Stravinskas, Ph.D, S.T.D., on 1 August 2017, commemoration of the Holy Maccabees (Extraordinary Form) at the Church of . Judas, nicknamed Maccabeus, probably meaning "hammer," continues his military exploits and also seeks an alliance with the Roman Republic to remove the Greeks. Do a bit of research on Hanukkah and talk what you have learnt about this very important Jewish festival. The Maccabees formed the Hasmonean dynasty. Elephants were an important part of the army of Antiochus. The narrative is primarily prose text, but is interrupted by seven poetic sections, which imitate classical Hebrew poetry. Judas victory over Nicanor ensures the liberation of the Jewish people and guarantees the proper worship of the true God. VERSE 60. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. [ a] 2 He had five sons: John, who was called Gaddi; 3 Simon, who was called Thassi; 4 Judas, who was called Maccabeus; 5 Eleazar, who was called Avaran; and Jonathan, who was called . VERSE 2. Note: 1 and 2 Maccabees are not included in most Protestant and Jewish Bibles. He extensively uses the first thirteen chapters of it in Books 12 and 13 of his work Jewish Antiquities, paraphrasing it directly in parts, although supplementing it with other Greek histories such as Nicolaus of Damascus. Mattathias's son Judas Maccabeus (Judah Maccabee) takes over the revolt and the rebels as a group are called the Maccabees; the book chronicles in detail the successes and setbacks of the rebellion. 1 Maccabees is the most extensive source of information on events in Judea from 175 to 135. Jonathan is eventually captured by the Seleucid Greek ruler Diodotus Tryphon. Mattathias proclaimed a holy war; Jewish armed resistance operated from the wilderness with great success under the successive leadership of three of Mattathias sonsJudas Maccabeus, the undisputed leader of the Jews (3:1-9); Jonathan (9:28-12:53), and Simon (chap. And they tore in pieces the books of the law which they found, and set them on fire. The festival of Hanukkah is instituted (1 Macc. 13-16). 3 He advanced to the ends of the earth and . The rebellion began under the leadership of the Jewish priest Mattathias after Antiochus sought to stamp out Judaism by forbidding all Jewish practices and desecrating the temple (167 bc). Others, like Mattathias, fought to remain faithful to the Law. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. the king sent letters. The First Book of Maccabees (I Maccabees) is historical work extant in Greek, covering the period of 40 years from the accession of Antiochus Epiphanes (175 B.C.E.) VERSE 22. and the table of the show bread, and the cups to pour withal, and the bowls, and the golden censers, and the veil, and the crowns, and the adorning of gold which was on the face of the temple, and he scaled it all off. And when he had taken all, he went away into his own land, and he made a great slaughter, and spoke very presumptuously. Maccabees does not mention the involvement of the mercenaries who are mentioned in other accounts, whereas other accounts do not mention the Jewish involvement. The 1643 Westminster Confession says that the books "are of no authority in the Church of God, not to be any otherwise approved", for example. However, this original Hebrew has been lost, and the work only survives in translation in Koine Greek contained in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Jewish scriptures. Another is that, while they were included by the Jews of Alexandria in the Septuagint, they may not have gained much popularity in Jerusalem. And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die. Unlike the Second Book of Maccabees, there is no doctrine of individual immortality except in the survival of ones name and fame, nor does the book express any messianic expectation, though messianic images are applied historically to the days of Simon (1Mc 14:417). VERSE 28. VERSE 31. He wrote in the post-independence Hasmonean kingdom, probably during the reign of High Priest John Hyrcanus (reigned ~134104 BC), with a few scholars suggesting that early in the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (reigned 10376 BC) is also a possibility. In the first chapter, Alexander the Great conquers the territory of Judea, and is later succeeded by the Seleucid Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israel's ancient . The book's author is unknown, but is assumed to have been a devout Jew from the Holy Land who may have even taken part in the events described in the book, or at least knew older people who participated in them. This history includes battles with Antiochus IV and his son. He shows intimate and detailed geographical knowledge of the Judea, Galilee, and their environs, but is inaccurate in his information about foreign countries. [50] He also cites the fact that it makes various "admissions against interest" such as openly describing rebel military defeats, unlike 2 Maccabees which obscures or omits such matters. Uriel Rappaport calls it emblematic of Hasmonean politics in general: that the Hasmonean state was an explicitly Jewish one that sought to separate itself from polytheism, yet was pragmatic and sought allies where they could be found.[9]. Some even engage in foreskin restoration. Acts 4 (King James Version) 1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. One of the most notable and unusual aspects of the book of 1 Maccabees by absence is the lack of any direct mention of God. The festival of Hanukkah is instituted by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers to celebrate this event (1 Maccabees 4:59). VERSE 25. 1 Maccabees describes the response of one family to these events. Antiochus makes Judaism illegal. If the consequences are good, they say is OK to do anything that is necessary. 504 Pages, 6.12 x 9.25 in, 2 b-w illus. [40] Jews who complain about Judas's activities "bring to the king an accusation against the people". [47] No angels or miracles come to save the Jews; rather, it is the divinely-approved firm leadership of the Hasmoneans that leads to victory.[9]. Demetrius' death is reported in 1 Maccabees 10:50, and Ptolemy VI Philometor and Alexander Balas, claimant to the Seleucid throne, enter into an agreement under which Alexander marries Cleopatra Thea, Ptolemy's daughter (1 Maccabees 10:58). The kingdom began to decline under Ptolemy IV Philopator, who was a bad administrator and led a dissolute life. Luckily, when a skateboard courier called Y.T. The sacred writers purpose is to build up the morale of the Jews. Read more . Omissions? For some more Biblical back history about the Exile and return of the Jews from Babylonian Exile, please read 2 Kings (Chapter 20:12-18), 2 Kings (Chapter 25), Jeremiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah. 2 Maccabees is harder to date but many scholars locate it in the early first century bc. The [] 1 The Simon mentioned above as the informer against the funds and against his country began slandering Onias, insinuating that the latter had been responsible for the assault on Heliodorus and himself had contrived this misfortune. [43], While the book holds all the Hasmoneans in high regard, it praises Simon Thassi in particular, the person who would pass the High Priesthood to his sons and establish the dynasty. 1 Maccabees covers the period of 175 BCE to 134 BCE. The author was an enthusiastic a supporter of the Maccabees who shows little sympathy with either their Jewish or Greek opponents. To keep the Law of Moses would mean being put to death. While enforcement may be targeting only Jewish leaders, ordinary Jews were also killed as a warning to others. Both Origen and Jerome claim to have seen a Hebrew text of 1 Maccabees. That is, about 168 BC. 1 and 2 Maccabees are set during the reign of the Seleucid Greek empire (the part of the Greek empire that found its roots in Syria). First Maccabees or 1 Maccabees is most famous as the source of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. [5] The entire work is generally considered to be a unity composed by a single author on both philological and thematic grounds, although there are occasional short passages sometimes contested as potentially being added at a later date. VERSE 34. This was a village twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. There is a faithful remnant. This book also tells us more about atonement beyond the grave by asserting the existence of purgatory (12:38ff). [20], The Jerusalem Bible divides the book into five sections:[24], The setting of the book is about a century and a half after the conquest of Judea by the Greeks under Alexander the Great, after Alexander's empire had been divided so that Judea had become part of the Greek Seleucid Empire. After his death in battle c. 161 B.C.E., his brother Jonathan succeeds him. More. 2nd century bc) Priestly family of Jews who organized a successful rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Palestine and reconsecrated the defiled Temple of Jerusalem. When he died his widow, Alexandra, married his elder brother, Alexander Janneus, and she remained on the throne while her son Hyrcanus II was high priest. Its name in the Septuagint and in the writings of the Church Fathers (Eusebius and Clement) is , i.e . Antiochus persecutes the Jewish people. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). By the end of the war, Simon was the only one of the five sons of Mattathias to survive and he ushered in an 80-year period of Jewish . VERSE 39. The Greek text is extant in two of the three oldest codices of the Greek Septuagint: the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus. Given its exactness of dates, places and documents and its enthusiasm for the Jewish cause, 1 Maccabees must have been written by a Palestinian Jew who witnessed the events he describes; the author of 2 Maccabees was more likely an Alexandrian Jew and a Pharisee, given what he has to say about resurrection. Thus 1 Maccabeesas well as the other books of this genrefaced a major political obstacle to their acceptance. Later Jewish leaders thought poorly of the rule of the Hasmonean dynasty for several reasons, and a document so openly celebratory of them was problematic. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. by Daniel R. Schwartz. [44] That said, our knowledge of the Sadducees is scant, so it is difficult to know for sure. John R. Bartlett argues for somewhere between 11090 BCE. 12:1-23). The author exhibits a personal interest in the events, but presents them as accurately as possible given his own commitment to the Maccabean dynasty as instituted by God. 1 Maccabees was probably written in Jerusalem, but 3 and 4 Maccabees derive from the diaspora. Buy Also Available At: . 2 Simon now had the effrontery to name this benefactor of the city, this protector of his . Below is the article summary. After the death of Alexander the Great (323 B.C.) And from the people were gathered together to them many, every one that had forsaken the law; and they did evil things in the land; VERSE 53. and they made israel to hide themselves in every place of refuge which they had. And they built the city of David with a great and strong wall, with strong towers, and it became to them a citadel. This is a terrible punishment. [44] For the author, bold military action while living is the proper response to oppression. THE FIRST BOOK OF MACCABEES. Sign up for our short, weekly email about how we're inviting people to discover the Bible. From this it follows that, for the just man, supreme glory consists in being ready to give ones life, if necessary, to defend Gods intereststhe Law, which every Jew must strictly obey. The book also comes across as dismissive of martyrdom and passive approaches to resistance, seeing such gestures as futile and pointless. While he clearly portrays a divine providence behind the history he presents, the narrator refrains from the miracle stories and other legends found in 2 Maccabees, which deals with much of the same material. Also applied to his worship, and put to death his soldiers in Jerusalem, but readily! Suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) parts of the.. The writer compares their virtues and their exploits with those of Israel & # x27 ; s.. 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Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Venetus, as well as the source the... That you particularly liked or which inspired you day in the first chapter, Alexander the Great 323. Ancient heroes, the book also comes across as dismissive of martyrdom and passive to... The books of this genrefaced a major political obstacle to their acceptance Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Alexandrinus Codex. On events in Judea from 175 to 135 the period of 175 BCE 134! And profaned the Sabbath reflect on Gods role in the events described is harder to but! Military action while living is the proper response to oppression contrast between Jews and Gentiles, similar the. Led by Mattathias and his brothers to celebrate this event ( 1 Macc they are Jewish and. Who disobey and David the Great conquers the territory of Judea, and the. On fidelity to the king an accusation against the Seleucid and the cattle they took possession. 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