In 1 Maccabees there is reflected the earnest zeal for the Law on the part of the patriots; this has been referred to with quotations above (Chap. II), so that it is not necessary to say anything further here. Much stress is laid upon legal observances in 2 Maccabees; in i. 8, 9 it is told how in Jerusalem the Jews offered sacrifice and meal-offering, lighted the lamps, and set forth the shewbread; and it is enjoined that the feast of Tabernacles be kept in the month Chislev. As in 1 Maccabees apostate Jews are severely rebuked for following those who were unfaithful to the Law (iv. 11-17), the passage concludes with the words: “It is no light matter to act impiously against the laws of God; time will show that.” Another passage which illustrates the intense zeal for the Law is in chapter vii., where the story is told of the martyrdom of seven sons and their mother who “died for His laws” (vii. 9). The whole attitude towards the Law is that of the Pharisaic school of about the first century B.C. onwards; this also applies to 1 (3) Esdras. In the document, Baruch iii. 9-iv. 4, where the Law and Wisdom are identified, exiled Israel is told that the reason of his punishment is the forsaking of God’s ways, the commandments of life, i.e. the Law: Hear, O Israel, the commandments of life; Give ear to understand Wisdom. How happeneth it, O Israel, that thou art in thine enemies’ land, That thou art waxen old in a strange country...? Thou hast forsaken the fountain of Wisdom. For if thou hadst walked in the way of God, Thou shouldst have dwelled in peace for ever. Learn where is Wisdom, where is strength, Where is understanding; that thou mayest also know Where is length of days, and life, Where is the light of the eyes, and peace. That the _Law_ is meant by Wisdom, strength, and understanding is clear from the words at the end of the piece, iv. 1 ff.: This is the book of the commandments of God, And the Law that endureth for ever; All they that hold it fast are appointed to life, But such as leave it shall die.... The lasting endurance of the Law which is also taught here frequently finds expression in the Rabbinical literature. That the Law is for Israel alone seems to be implied in the words: Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it, Walk towards her shining in the presence of the light thereof; Give not thy glory to another, Nor the things that are profitable unto thee to a strange nation. O Israel, happy are we, For the things that are pleasing to God are made known unto us (iv. 3, 4).