Topical Encyclopedia The Intertestamental 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 Intertestamental Period was marked by significant political, social, and religious changes. Following the prophetic ministry of Malachi, the last of the Old Testament prophets, the Jewish people experienced a series of foreign dominations. The Persian Empire, which had allowed the Jews to return from Babylonian exile and rebuild the temple, was eventually conquered by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. This ushered in the Hellenistic period, characterized by the spread of Greek culture and language. After Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the rule of the Ptolemies in Egypt and the Seleucids in Syria. The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes notoriously persecuted the Jews, desecrating the temple and banning Jewish religious practices. This oppression sparked the Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BC), a successful Jewish uprising that led to the rededication of the temple, celebrated as Hanukkah, and the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. In 63 BC, the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem, bringing Judea under Roman control. This set the stage for the political environment of the New Testament, where Roman authority coexisted with Jewish religious leadership. Religious Developments During the Intertestamental Period, several religious and cultural developments occurred that shaped the Jewish world into which Jesus was born. The rise of different Jewish sects, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, reflected diverse interpretations of the Law and responses to Hellenistic influence. The Pharisees emphasized strict adherence to the Torah and oral traditions, while the Sadducees, often associated with the priestly class, rejected oral traditions and focused on temple worship. The Essenes, a more ascetic group, withdrew from mainstream society, seeking purity and awaiting divine intervention. The development of the synagogue as a center for worship and community life became prominent during this period, especially in the Diaspora. The synagogue provided a place for teaching and interpreting the Scriptures, which were increasingly available in Greek through the Septuagint, a translation of the Hebrew Bible completed in the 3rd century BC. Literature and Apocrypha The Intertestamental Period also saw the production of various Jewish writings, including the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. These texts, while not considered canonical by most Protestant traditions, offer valuable insights into Jewish thought and practice during this time. Books such as 1 and 2 Maccabees, Tobit, and Judith provide historical narratives, while others like the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach offer ethical teachings and reflections on wisdom. Messianic Expectations The political turmoil and foreign domination experienced by the Jewish people during the Intertestamental Period heightened their expectation for a Messiah—a divinely anointed leader who would restore Israel's fortunes and establish God's kingdom. This hope is reflected in various Jewish writings of the time and set the stage for the reception of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe fulfilled these messianic prophecies. New Testament Context Understanding the Intertestamental Period is essential for interpreting the New Testament. The cultural, religious, and political dynamics of this era influenced the world in which Jesus lived and ministered. The Gospels and other New Testament writings reflect the tensions between Jewish traditions and Roman rule, the diversity of Jewish religious thought, and the widespread anticipation of a coming Messiah. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law" (Galatians 4:4), indicating the divine timing of Christ's incarnation in this complex historical milieu. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia INTER-TESTAMENTAL, HISTORY AND LITERATUREin-ter-tes-ta-men'-tal. See BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS. Thesaurus Intertestamental/i/intertestamental.htm - 6k Inter-testamental Intersections (1 Occurrence) Resources What happened in the intertestamental period? | GotQuestions.orgJudaism and New Testament History ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What is the book of Tobit? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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