The Silent Era

Session 4 Notes
At the close of the Old Testament, Jerusalem is ruled by Persia.  Alexander the Great defeats the Persians in 333BC and establishes Hellenism (Greek Culture and the Greek language) as a unifying force for that part of the world.  The stage is being set for the coming Messiah.  When Alexander dies, his generals quarter the kingdom, but Hellenism still grows and remains the dominant influence.  This is why we have the Hebrew Scriptures translated into Greek, which is called the Septuagint and why we have the New Testament written in Greek.  Greek was the unifying, common language of the people.  Even though during this time, Rome conquers this part of the world, Hellenism still thrives.

Throughout the four hundred Silent years, there are militant Jews who attempt to revolt against foreign rule and make Jerusalem and the surrounding area of Judea an independent country.  These militant groups were the Maccabeans and the Zealots.  Some of their accounts are recorded in the apocrypha.  The Maccabean revolt itself involved many battles, in which the Maccabean forces gained notoriety among the Syrian army for their use of guerrilla tactics. After the victory, the Maccabees entered Jerusalem in triumph and ritually cleansed the Temple, reestablishing traditional Jewish worship there and installing Jonathan Maccabee as high priest. A large Syrian army was sent to quash the revolt, but returned to Syria on the death of Antiochus IV. Its commander Lysias, preoccupied with internal Syrian affairs, agreed to a political compromise that restored religious freedom.  The Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple following Judah Maccabee's victory over the Seleucids (Syrians).

Two primary religious groups emerged at this time: the Pharisees and the Sadducees.  They were caught up in promoting a religious "legalism" of external adherence to rules while overlooking inner motivations and attitudes.  The Pharisee were so concerned about keeping the Law that they made laws about laws about laws; it is a practice known as fencing the Torah.  They forgot the heart and purpose of the Law.  The Pharisees are orthodox, conservatives, and fostered separation between themselves and secular society.  The Sadducees were more liberal and consisted of Jerusalem aristocracy.  They used their wealth and influence to keep the politcal waters calm.  Representatives from both groups formed a ruling board called the Sanhedrin.  For a while the Sanhedrin had ruling power, but when Rome conquered Palestine, the Sanhedrin became like a puppet and functioned with little power.  They tried to appease Rome while hating and resenting Rome's rule and control.  This is why Jesus was brought to Pilate for execution.

The desire for a political Messiah was strong during the Intertestamental Period.  They wanted someone to save them from political powers and establish Israel as a free and independent nation.  Yet, God was setting the stage for a suffering servant Messiah who would save His people from their sin.  The rise of Hellenism gave the world a common language and a common culture to spread the Messianic message.  The Roman Empire brought military peace, an extensive system of roads and sea travel, and a common government so that people could travel extensively without interference and in safety.  Also, the Jews are suffering religious persecution and political humilitation so they are longing for a savior.  The Lord is preparing the world for Jesus.