Topical Encyclopedia The Inter-Testamental Period, often referred to as the "Silent Years," spans approximately four centuries between the close of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. This era, roughly from 400 BC to the birth of Jesus Christ, is not covered by canonical Scripture but is crucial for understanding the historical and cultural context of the New Testament.Historical Context The period begins with the Persian Empire's dominance over the Jewish people, following the return from Babylonian exile. The Persian rule allowed the Jews a degree of autonomy, enabling them to rebuild the Temple and reestablish their religious practices. This era is marked by the influence of figures such as Ezra and Nehemiah, who played pivotal roles in the spiritual and social restoration of Israel. With the conquest of Alexander the Great in 332 BC, the region came under Greek control, introducing Hellenistic culture and language. This cultural shift had profound effects on Jewish society, leading to a blend of Greek and Jewish customs. The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, emerged during this time, making the Jewish Scriptures accessible to a broader audience and influencing early Christian thought. Following Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties' control over Judea. The Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attempted to enforce Hellenization aggressively, desecrating the Temple and sparking the Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BC). This successful Jewish uprising, led by the Hasmonean family, resulted in a brief period of Jewish independence and the rededication of the Temple, celebrated as Hanukkah. Religious Developments The Inter-Testamental Period saw significant religious developments, including the rise of various Jewish sects. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes emerged, each with distinct interpretations of the Law and differing views on issues such as the resurrection, the afterlife, and the role of the Temple. These groups would later play critical roles in the religious landscape of the New Testament. The period also witnessed the production of numerous Jewish writings, including the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. While not considered canonical by most Protestant traditions, these texts provide valuable insights into Jewish thought and expectations during this time. Themes of messianic hope and apocalyptic visions are prevalent, reflecting the Jewish longing for deliverance and the establishment of God's kingdom. Roman Influence In 63 BC, the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem, bringing Judea under Roman rule. The Romans installed Herod the Great as king, a ruler known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple, and his tyrannical reign. The Roman occupation set the stage for the political and social tensions present during the life of Jesus Christ. Messianic Expectations Throughout the Inter-Testamental Period, Jewish expectations of a coming Messiah intensified. Prophecies from the Hebrew Scriptures, such as those found in Isaiah and Daniel, fueled hopes for a deliverer who would restore Israel's fortunes and establish an everlasting kingdom. This messianic anticipation is evident in the New Testament, as seen in the Berean Standard Bible: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). The Inter-Testamental Period, though not directly documented in the Bible, is essential for understanding the historical and religious context into which Jesus was born. It was a time of significant transformation, setting the stage for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the advent of the New Covenant. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia INTER-TESTAMENTAL, HISTORY AND LITERATUREin-ter-tes-ta-men'-tal. See BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS. Thesaurus Intertestamental... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia INTER-TESTAMENTAL, HISTORY AND LITERATURE. in-ter-tes-ta-men'-tal. See BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS. ... /i/intertestamental.htm - 6k Inter-testamental Interval (5 Occurrences) Intersections (1 Occurrence) Sabbath (126 Occurrences) History (57 Occurrences) Woman (4043 Occurrences) Literature (2 Occurrences) Resources Who is the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about interracial marriage? | GotQuestions.org What is the Eastern Orthodox Church and what are the beliefs of Orthodox Christians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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