Melito of Sardis. Origin. Jerome whom they have sainted. Flavius Josephus. The Jews of Jerusalem vs. Jews of Egypt. Which of those last two would most likely have accurate & most valid opinion concerning what was holy writ (at the time of Christ) and what was not? A slight question that is not!
The Jews in Egypt (approx 3rd century BC) had lost their ability to understand Hebrew which gave rise to the Greek translation, as to need & desire for it. Considering how there are differing Septuagints (differing in what was included) is a another strong hint. Claiming to follow it now raises the question -- which one? there is evidence of itself having evolved prior to Jerome. Jerome translated the books in dispute under protest, adding certain warnings concerning them... his translation did not settle or define the canon as some here claim. To claim that conflates the request for translation itself into being the act of definition --- but throws out the translator's warnings at the same time. This too ignores later council discussions (as to canon) in the wider world of Catholicism, and later close details of proceedings of Trent regarding the issue. There was hesitancy even then.. the committee vote was less than overwhelming.
Circling the target (target=rhetorical hobby horses)
Following Maccabees now, simply has to be a mistake. They did not throw off their oppressors in any lasting fashion, but brought assured destruction down upon their heirs instead. History proves that well enough. Can not it be seen that they miss-used the word of God (even adding to it, their own self promotional legend) figuratively declaring they could run out in front of it and force the issue? God did not fight for them then, fully as they desired for Him to do. Years later, Jerusalem destroyed, the temple there, utterly.
One simply must follow that pillar of fire, not get ahead, being impatient, helping God out.
Ishmael. Where did he come from but an early effort to "help God fulfill" His own promise?