Intertestamental Era (Between the Old and New Testaments)
Sometimes called the “Silent Era” because some say that in this 400 years, God did not reveal
anything new to His people.
MAJOR EVENTS
1. The Changing Guard: The march of nations
At the close of the Old Testament, Jerusalem is ruled by Persia until Alexander the Great defeats the
Persians in 333B.C. In doing so, he establishes Greek (Hellenistic) Culture there. Greek language is a
unifying force. Then the Roman Empire takes over.
2. Political Sects: The Maccabeans and Zealots
Militant Jews attempt to revolt against foreign rule to make Jerusalem and its surrounding areas an
independent country. Most noteworthy are the Maccabeans and the Zealots.
3. Religious Sects: Pharisees and Sadducees
The Pharisees (more conservative) and Sadducees (more liberal) promote their own versions of
religious legalism in order to maintain the divide between themselves and the less educated.
4. Messianic Hope: Expectation of a Savior
The Messiah or Savior is one who is prophesied throughout the Old Testament to come save the
Jews. 10 “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares
the LORD. 11 “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live
among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you (Zechariah 2:10-11).
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and
victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).
How God was preparing the world for the Messiah
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A common language now exists because of the Greek and Roman cultural - invasion.
The Roman Empire built an extensive system of roads to make travel easier, and the Roman
empire was extended over 4000 square miles and covered much of the known world.
The Jews are under such religious persecution that hope and expectation of the Messiah
became stronger.
Also read: https://pjmedia.com/faith/jeff-sanders/2018/11/29/7-reasons-why-jesus-came-at-just-theright-time-n102303 and