Maccabean Revolution And Its Aftermath: Rome

Greek Empire of Alexander

• 334 BCE, Greek Empire Rises• Alexander the Great• Invades Judah• Hellenization• After Alexander’s death, series of

Generals rule

Septuagiant

• Greek translation of the Bible, 250 BCE• Spreads the Jewish faith to those outside

Israel• New Testament will be written in Greek

Hellenization in Judah

• Culture clash• Alexander’s Generals left in

charge• Jewish Aristocracy embraces

Hellenistic culture• Temple converted

ZEUSKing of the Greek gods

Maccabean Revolt

• 166 BCE – 142 BCE• Mattathias Maccabees• 5 Sons• Judas Maccabees• Retake temple: Hanukah

Chapter 2

• Mathias encouraging his sons

• Salvation history

Retake Temple

• Rededicate the temple to Yahweh

• Hanukkah • Feast of Rededication

Hasmonean Dynasty

• Maccabean family establishes themselves as King and High priest of Israel

• Under Hyrcanus, huge expansion

• Legitimacy questioned

Major Groups in Judah Fighting for Power

• Pharisees• Scribes• Essences• Sadducees

Pharisees

• Formed during Babylonian Exile

• Jews cut off from the temple• Concentrated on Torah• Pharisees led the community

in synagogues• Today known as Rabbis

Scribes

• Recorders of the law and history of the people

• Keepers of Jewish traditions

Essences

• Retreated from society• Believed the end of the world was close• Dwelt in caves along the Deadsea• Authors of the Deadsea scrolls• Believed mainstream society was going to hell

Sadducees

• Temple Aristocracy• Priestly function• Only believed in first 5 books

of the Torah• Rejected Resurrection• Appealed to outside powers

Rome

• Changing from Republic to Empire

• Invited by Sadducees• 63 BCE Rome invades • Select a Jewish king in 37

BCE: Herod

Herod the Great

• Client Kings put into power by Rome

• Herod Restores temple to former glory

• Cruel and tyrannical ruler• Expectation from Jews that

salvation will soon be at hand

Herodian Dynasty

• Several Sons• Herod Archelaus: Judah • Herod Anitpas: Galilee• Archelaus replaced by

Roman Governor: Pontius Pilate