Intertestamental period: the time between the book of Malachi (500 B.C.) and the Birth of John the Baptist (5 B.C.)
Between when the OT ends and the NT begins, is a span of 400-500 years. This era is referred to as the intertestamental period. God rarely spoke to man during this period. Not unusual. Between time of Flood and Abraham – there was centuries of seeming silence. The Israelites lived in slavery in Egypt for centuries before God spoke to them through Moses. God’s rare revelation to man was very similar to the era before Samuel was born. The author of I Samuel in chapter 3 verse 1 wrote – The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
What was going on in Jerusalem and the surrounding region where the Jews lived during this time period?
515 B.C. – The Second Temple was completed
A. Alexander the Great and invasion of Greek culture
332 B.C. – Jerusalem and surrounding region conquered by Alexander the Great. He would go on to conquer the whole Persian empire. Judah falls under Greek rule. Greek culture (language, dress, architecture, economy, entertainment, religion) moves into the region like a tsunami.
B. Division of Alexander’s empire
323 B.C. – Alexander dies at age 30. His empire is divided by his generals. The Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria battle for control of Judah for next two centuries.
C. Ptolemies and Seleucids
302-200 B.C. – The Ptolemies of Egypt control Judah.
200-152 B.C. – The Seleucids of Syria control Judah.
D. Antiochus IV and the Maccabean revolt
174-163 B.C. – The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (“manifest”) attempted to impose by force Greek culture upon all his subjects which included the Jews. In 167 B.C., Antiochus IV sent an army against Jerusalem. He attacked the city on the Sabbath, killing most of the male population and enslaving women and children. All Jewish religious practices were banned – no observing the Sabbath, circumcision, or sacrifices to God. The people could not even call themselves Jews. Anyone who refused to comply was executed. Antiochus IV erected in the Temple an altar to the Greek god Zeus whom the Jews were to worship and make sacrifices to. On December 25, 167 B.C., a pig was sacrificed in the Temple to Zeus. According to the Law, God regarded swine as unclean. They were not to be eaten by the Jews. Antiochus IV’s desecration of the Temple (known in Jewish history as the Abomination of Desolation) sparked a Jewish rebellion against his rule led by the Maccabean family. After three years, the Jews under the leadership of the Maccabeans defeat Antiochus IV. The Temple was cleansed and rededicated (celebrated as the holiday Hanukkah) and the Jews were allowed to rule themselves.
E. The Maccabean period
163 B.C.-63 B.C. –Judah was ruled by priest-kings who were members of the Maccabean family. It was a politically unstable period. Jews became divided into pro-Greek culture and anti-Greek culture camps. Filtered into the religion. During this period you have the emergence of Jewish religious sects: Sadducees – pro-Greek culture; Pharisees – anti-Greek culture; and Essenes who did not agree with the religious practices/beliefs of the latter two. Sadducees and Pharisees exerted tremendous religious and political influence during the latter years of the Maccabean period. The Apocryphal books were written during this era in an effort to preserve Jewish heritage from being swallowed up by Greek culture. Much of the history of the Jewish struggle against Antiochus IV and the Maccabean period is found in the Apocryphal books I and II Maccabees. The memory of Jewish self-rule under the Maccabeans will have impact on next era.
F. Roman rule
63 B.C.-5 B.C. - The Maccabean period comes to an end in 63 B.C. The Jews come under the dominion of the Roman empire. The region where the Jews live becomes a Roman province called Palestine. In 37 B.C., the Roman empire names Herod Idumaean (Herod the Great) “King of the Jews” despite the fact he was not technically a Jew. Herod was a descendant of the Edomites. His ancestors were forced to convert to Judaism by the Maccabees. Herod sought to win the support of the Jews by rebuilding the Temple. Herod’s Temple was larger and more magnificent looking than the previous temple built during the post-exile period. It was an architectural marvel and a source of pride among the Jews. However, it failed to endear Herod to the Jews. They continued to view him as an outsider and not a true Jew and a puppet of Rome. His violent, murderous streak did not help either. During his last years, Herod fell prey to paranoia seeing enemies everywhere including members of his own family. He had many people put to death. Zealots and Messianic sects emerged during Herod the Great’s reign. Zealots and Messianic sects were an outlet for Jews who wanted to return to the days of the Maccabeans (which was not that long ago) when the Jews ruled themselves and were not defiled by the presence of Gentiles. Zealots – radical Jews who sought the violent overthrow of Roman rule under the rallying cry “No king but God!” The Romans perceived them as terrorists. Messianic sects – Hatred of being ruled by a foreign Gentile power fueled growing interest in Messianic prophecy among the Jews. People were expecting God to send someone who would fulfill the promises God had made in the Prophetic books to restore Israel and exact vengeance upon her enemies. The heightened expectations for a Messiah led to the rise of false messiahs who led insurrections against Rome. Several false messiahs led rebellions against Roman authority in the years shortly before and after the birth of Jesus.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Background on Prophetic Books (conclusion)
31. Obadiah -
Where – Edom/Jews in exile in Babylonia
When – Between 586 and 553 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Obadiah prophesied around the time the Southern Kingdom had been conquered by Babylonia and thousands of Judah’s people were sent into exile. However, his words are not directed at Judah but a neighboring country named Edom. It was located along Judah’s southeastern border. A high mountainous area, the Edomites made their homes in the cliffs of the mountains. Their location proved to be a stong defense against invaders. The inhabitants of Edom were descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob whose descendants were the people of Judah. Esau and Jacob’s father was Isaac and their grandfather was Abraham. In other words, the people of Edom and the people of Judah had a common heritage. You would think that since they were related, Edom would have come to Judah’s assistance when it was invaded by Babylon. In fact, Edom aided Babylon in its invasion of Judah. The Edomites participated in the destruction of Jerusalem. Afterwards, Edom rejoiced in Judah’s hardships. God was not pleased with Edom’s treachery and pride. Obadiah proclaims God’s judgment against Edom. What happened to Judah will soon happen to Edom. In 553 B.C., Edom was conquered by its former ally Babylon.
Key verse: Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you are greatly despised. The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, who will bring me down to earth? Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah 2-4)
Interesting facts – The Apocryphal book I Esdras says it was the Edomites who were responsible for burning the Temple during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.
32. Jonah – See lesson on Jonah available on Bible 101 blog.
33. Micah –
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 735-700 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Like the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was enjoying a time of peace and great prosperity during the 700’s B.C. And like the Northern Kingdom, beneath the veneer of prosperity in Judah there was tremendous social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy. Priests and judges were corrupt, prophets prophesied for profit, merchants cheated their customers, the wealthy oppressed the poor, and the people worshiped idols as well as God. God sent Micah to proclaim words of condemnation and judgment.
Key verse: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Interesting facts – After the Wise Men asked King Herod to find out where the King of the Jews would be born, Herod put the question to the chief priests and scribes. They quoted Micah 5:2.
34. Nahum -
Where – Nineveh (Assyria)/Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 722 B.C., the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian empire. Her people were scattered into exile throughout the Middle East. Beginning in 722 B.C. and throughout the 600’s B.C., the people of the Southern Kingdom believed they would be the next target for conquest by Assyria. Judah was gripped by fear and terror for decades. God called Nahum to prophesy against Assyria. The time for God’s judgment against Assyria was at hand. God provides a graphic description of the destruction of Nineveh which happened in 612 B.C. Nahum’s words instilled hope in the hearts of the people of Judah.
Key verse: Behold, I am against you (Nineveh), declares the LORD of hosts; and I will lift up your skirts over your face, and show to the nations your nakedness and to the kingdoms your disgrace. I will throw filth on you and make you vile, and set you up as a spectacle. And it will come about that all who see you will shrink from you and say, Nineveh is devastated! Who will grieve for her? Where will I seek comforters for you? (Nahum 3:5-7)
Interesting facts – Nahum prophesied against Nineveh just over one hundred years after Jonah prophesied against the city.
35. Habakkuk -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 609-597 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Unrighteousness and injustice prevailed in Judah during Habakkuk’s day. The wicked enjoyed the good life while the righteous suffered. Moreover, Babylonia was becoming a greater threat to Judah’s security. A perplexed Habakkuk complained to God why He was doing nothing to punish the wicked in Judah. God’s response was that Babylonia (also known as Chaldea) would be His instrument of punishment against Judah. Habakkuk questioned why God would use an ungodly, evil people to punish His chosen people. God’s response to Habakkuk is patience. The Babylonians will one day experience His wrath. Habakkuk says that even though he does not understand God’s ways he will continue to put his faith in Him.
Key verses: LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy … I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:2, 16-18)
Interesting facts – Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 – “The righteous will live by their faith.” in Romans 1:17. It was this Scripture that inspired Martin Luther to lead the Protestant Reformation.
36. Zephaniah -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 640-625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – After a brief revival of faithful worship to God during the reign of King Josiah, the people of Judah once again walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. Zephaniah prophesied the same time as Jeremiah. Zephaniah’s prophecy focused on Judah’s idolatry. He warned the people of Judah and other nations in the region of the coming Day of the Lord. The book ends with words of hope for Judah. God will bring a remnant back to Judah and Jerusalem.
Key verse: The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Interesting facts – Zephaniah was perhaps a descendant of King Hezekiah, one of the godly kings of Judah.
37. Haggai –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 538 B.C., the Persians allowed the Jews to return to their homeland after 70 years of exile in Babylon. Once the Jews reached Jerusalem, their first priority was to rebuild the Temple. In 536 B.C., the Jews laid the foundation for the temple. There was great rejoicing among the Jews. However, other people groups in the area opposed the Jewish effort too reestablish themselves in the region around Jerusalem. These people groups made threats against the Jews, bullied the Jews, and undermined their efforts to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. They sent letters and representatives to Persian rulers accusing the Jews of being rebellious. Consequently, the Jews out of fear and discouragement stopped work on the Temple. For more information read Ezra chapters 1-6. Overtime, other things became priorities over rebuilding the Temple for the Jews – the desires of others, building nice houses, wealth, etc. Fifteen years passed and God’s house had not been rebuilt. God was not pleased and sent Haggai to make known is pleasure to the leaders of the people: Zerubbabel (political leader) and Joshua (religious leader).
Key verse: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.' "Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:2-4)
Interesting facts – Haggai and Zechariah are mention in Ezra chapter 5 as prophesying to the people. They both worked with the people to rebuild the Temple.
38. Zechariah –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520-518 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – See Haggai. In the first half of Zechariah, God has strong words of encouragement for Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the Jews to raise their spirits so that they can complete the work of rebuilding the Temple. The second half of the book focuses on God’s judgment against Judah’s enemies, Messianic prophecy, and End Times prophecy.
Key verse: So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
Interesting facts – Before His death, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey (Matthew chapter 21, John 12) in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
39. Malachi –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – approximately 500 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Temple had been rebuilt but the people had fallen into a state of spiritual apathy. The promises made by God through Haggai and Zechariah concerning the restoration of a Davidic kingdom and judgment on Judah’s enemies had not yet arrived. Consequently, the people had become disillusioned and skeptical of God’s promises. Read Malachi 3:13-15. Their spiritual apathy was evident in their substandard worship and failure to walk in righteousness in their everyday life. God sent Malachi to exhort the people to worship God rightly, to live faithfully, and to wait patiently in hope and expectation for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Key verse: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10)
Interesting facts – Malachi’s last verses which are the last verses of the Old Testament alludes to the birth of John the Baptist which marked the beginning of the New Testament.
Where – Edom/Jews in exile in Babylonia
When – Between 586 and 553 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Obadiah prophesied around the time the Southern Kingdom had been conquered by Babylonia and thousands of Judah’s people were sent into exile. However, his words are not directed at Judah but a neighboring country named Edom. It was located along Judah’s southeastern border. A high mountainous area, the Edomites made their homes in the cliffs of the mountains. Their location proved to be a stong defense against invaders. The inhabitants of Edom were descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob whose descendants were the people of Judah. Esau and Jacob’s father was Isaac and their grandfather was Abraham. In other words, the people of Edom and the people of Judah had a common heritage. You would think that since they were related, Edom would have come to Judah’s assistance when it was invaded by Babylon. In fact, Edom aided Babylon in its invasion of Judah. The Edomites participated in the destruction of Jerusalem. Afterwards, Edom rejoiced in Judah’s hardships. God was not pleased with Edom’s treachery and pride. Obadiah proclaims God’s judgment against Edom. What happened to Judah will soon happen to Edom. In 553 B.C., Edom was conquered by its former ally Babylon.
Key verse: Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you are greatly despised. The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, who will bring me down to earth? Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah 2-4)
Interesting facts – The Apocryphal book I Esdras says it was the Edomites who were responsible for burning the Temple during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.
32. Jonah – See lesson on Jonah available on Bible 101 blog.
33. Micah –
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 735-700 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Like the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was enjoying a time of peace and great prosperity during the 700’s B.C. And like the Northern Kingdom, beneath the veneer of prosperity in Judah there was tremendous social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy. Priests and judges were corrupt, prophets prophesied for profit, merchants cheated their customers, the wealthy oppressed the poor, and the people worshiped idols as well as God. God sent Micah to proclaim words of condemnation and judgment.
Key verse: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Interesting facts – After the Wise Men asked King Herod to find out where the King of the Jews would be born, Herod put the question to the chief priests and scribes. They quoted Micah 5:2.
34. Nahum -
Where – Nineveh (Assyria)/Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 722 B.C., the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian empire. Her people were scattered into exile throughout the Middle East. Beginning in 722 B.C. and throughout the 600’s B.C., the people of the Southern Kingdom believed they would be the next target for conquest by Assyria. Judah was gripped by fear and terror for decades. God called Nahum to prophesy against Assyria. The time for God’s judgment against Assyria was at hand. God provides a graphic description of the destruction of Nineveh which happened in 612 B.C. Nahum’s words instilled hope in the hearts of the people of Judah.
Key verse: Behold, I am against you (Nineveh), declares the LORD of hosts; and I will lift up your skirts over your face, and show to the nations your nakedness and to the kingdoms your disgrace. I will throw filth on you and make you vile, and set you up as a spectacle. And it will come about that all who see you will shrink from you and say, Nineveh is devastated! Who will grieve for her? Where will I seek comforters for you? (Nahum 3:5-7)
Interesting facts – Nahum prophesied against Nineveh just over one hundred years after Jonah prophesied against the city.
35. Habakkuk -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 609-597 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Unrighteousness and injustice prevailed in Judah during Habakkuk’s day. The wicked enjoyed the good life while the righteous suffered. Moreover, Babylonia was becoming a greater threat to Judah’s security. A perplexed Habakkuk complained to God why He was doing nothing to punish the wicked in Judah. God’s response was that Babylonia (also known as Chaldea) would be His instrument of punishment against Judah. Habakkuk questioned why God would use an ungodly, evil people to punish His chosen people. God’s response to Habakkuk is patience. The Babylonians will one day experience His wrath. Habakkuk says that even though he does not understand God’s ways he will continue to put his faith in Him.
Key verses: LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy … I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:2, 16-18)
Interesting facts – Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 – “The righteous will live by their faith.” in Romans 1:17. It was this Scripture that inspired Martin Luther to lead the Protestant Reformation.
36. Zephaniah -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 640-625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – After a brief revival of faithful worship to God during the reign of King Josiah, the people of Judah once again walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. Zephaniah prophesied the same time as Jeremiah. Zephaniah’s prophecy focused on Judah’s idolatry. He warned the people of Judah and other nations in the region of the coming Day of the Lord. The book ends with words of hope for Judah. God will bring a remnant back to Judah and Jerusalem.
Key verse: The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Interesting facts – Zephaniah was perhaps a descendant of King Hezekiah, one of the godly kings of Judah.
37. Haggai –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 538 B.C., the Persians allowed the Jews to return to their homeland after 70 years of exile in Babylon. Once the Jews reached Jerusalem, their first priority was to rebuild the Temple. In 536 B.C., the Jews laid the foundation for the temple. There was great rejoicing among the Jews. However, other people groups in the area opposed the Jewish effort too reestablish themselves in the region around Jerusalem. These people groups made threats against the Jews, bullied the Jews, and undermined their efforts to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. They sent letters and representatives to Persian rulers accusing the Jews of being rebellious. Consequently, the Jews out of fear and discouragement stopped work on the Temple. For more information read Ezra chapters 1-6. Overtime, other things became priorities over rebuilding the Temple for the Jews – the desires of others, building nice houses, wealth, etc. Fifteen years passed and God’s house had not been rebuilt. God was not pleased and sent Haggai to make known is pleasure to the leaders of the people: Zerubbabel (political leader) and Joshua (religious leader).
Key verse: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.' "Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:2-4)
Interesting facts – Haggai and Zechariah are mention in Ezra chapter 5 as prophesying to the people. They both worked with the people to rebuild the Temple.
38. Zechariah –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520-518 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – See Haggai. In the first half of Zechariah, God has strong words of encouragement for Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the Jews to raise their spirits so that they can complete the work of rebuilding the Temple. The second half of the book focuses on God’s judgment against Judah’s enemies, Messianic prophecy, and End Times prophecy.
Key verse: So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
Interesting facts – Before His death, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey (Matthew chapter 21, John 12) in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
39. Malachi –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – approximately 500 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Temple had been rebuilt but the people had fallen into a state of spiritual apathy. The promises made by God through Haggai and Zechariah concerning the restoration of a Davidic kingdom and judgment on Judah’s enemies had not yet arrived. Consequently, the people had become disillusioned and skeptical of God’s promises. Read Malachi 3:13-15. Their spiritual apathy was evident in their substandard worship and failure to walk in righteousness in their everyday life. God sent Malachi to exhort the people to worship God rightly, to live faithfully, and to wait patiently in hope and expectation for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Key verse: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10)
Interesting facts – Malachi’s last verses which are the last verses of the Old Testament alludes to the birth of John the Baptist which marked the beginning of the New Testament.
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