Interlude:Interlude:A Kingdom StoryA Kingdom Story

Waiting for an EndingWaiting for an Ending

The Intertestamental PeriodThe Intertestamental Period

Under Pagan RuleUnder Pagan Rule

Persian (until 331 B.C.)Persian (until 331 B.C.)

GreeksGreeks Alexander (331 – 323 B.C.)Alexander (331 – 323 B.C.) Ptolemies in Egypt (323 – 198 B.C.)Ptolemies in Egypt (323 – 198 B.C.) Seleucids in Syria (198 – 142 B.C.)Seleucids in Syria (198 – 142 B.C.)

Under Pagan RuleUnder Pagan Rule

Persian (until 331 B.C.)Persian (until 331 B.C.)

GreeksGreeks Alexander (331 – 323 B.C.)Alexander (331 – 323 B.C.) Ptolemies in Egypt (323 – 198 B.C.)Ptolemies in Egypt (323 – 198 B.C.) Seleucids in Syria (198 – 142 B.C.)Seleucids in Syria (198 – 142 B.C.)

Israel’s independence (142 – 63 B.C.)Israel’s independence (142 – 63 B.C.)

Rome (63 B.C. – N.T. period)Rome (63 B.C. – N.T. period)

Israel’s FaithIsrael’s Faith

One GodOne God

Israel chosen by GodIsrael chosen by God

Torah defined Israel’s lifeTorah defined Israel’s life

Holy belonged to IsraelHoly belonged to Israel

Hope for future act of GodHope for future act of God

Growing TensionsGrowing Tensions

Oppressions and hopeOppressions and hope

Pagan influence and faithfulness to TorahPagan influence and faithfulness to Torah

Growing HatredGrowing Hatred

For Gentile oppressorsFor Gentile oppressors

For compromising JewsFor compromising Jews

Growing HopeGrowing Hope

For coming kingdom of GodFor coming kingdom of God

Differing viewsDiffering views How it would come…How it would come… When it would come…When it would come… Through whom it would come…Through whom it would come… How to live until it came…How to live until it came…

Unfolding StoryUnfolding Story

Persian rule: Jewish identity?Persian rule: Jewish identity?

Alexander: Threat of HellenismAlexander: Threat of Hellenism

Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean RevoltAntiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Revolt

Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and diversified responsediversified response

Diversified ResponseDiversified Response

Essenes: WithdrawalEssenes: Withdrawal

Pharisees: Boundary markersPharisees: Boundary markers

Zealots: Violent revoltZealots: Violent revolt

Sadducees: Strategic compromiseSadducees: Strategic compromise

Unfolding StoryUnfolding Story

Persian rule: Jewish identity?Persian rule: Jewish identity?

Alexander: Threat of HellenismAlexander: Threat of Hellenism

Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean RevoltAntiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Revolt

Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and diversified responsediversified response

Roman rule and revoltRoman rule and revolt

Israel ready for God’s kingdomIsrael ready for God’s kingdom

End of the Intertestamental End of the Intertestamental PeriodPeriod