Introduction The Second Temple period is a remarkable time in history. To gain a full understanding of the New Testament, one must thoroughly explore the political and religious background of this time period. Prior to the Second Temple period, the Hebrews were in captivity under Babylonian rule. This captivity dispersed the Hebrews among many locations with major effects upon the people, including social, cultural, and religious. Although the majority of the Hebrews would never return to the land of Israel, the Second Temple period records significant historical facts that shaped the future of the Jewish people. This discussion will provide a brief history of the Second Temple period, beginning with the Persian period and ending with the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70. In addition, Hellenism’s influence on Jewish culture will be looked at in more detail. It was the Second Temple period’s events and its influences on the Jewish culture that prepared the people and the land to receive a Savior that would impact the world forever. History of the Second Temple Period The Second Temple Period started in 515 BC when Zerubbabel rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. It ended in AD 70 when the temple was destroyed by the Roman Empire. It included the time of Jesus and the early church. This particular period brings great significance and meaning to the interpretation of the New Testament. The following brief historical survey of the Second Temple Period will attempt to highlight the most important people and events who shaped the Jews and Israel leading up to the time of Christ. The Persian Period (539-331 BC) The Persian period is considered to be the time of the last part of the Old Testament history and the first part of the Intertestamental Judaism.
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At the beginning of this period, Babylon was conquered by Cyrus, the King of Persia. Previously, the Jewish community had been exiled to Babylon and required to intersperse with other ethnic and national groups. Cyrus made changes and allowed them to return to Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, and Jeshua the priest, the Jews began the process of rebuilding the temple. When the project was finished in 516, the ceremonial worship was reestablished. A priestly scribe named Ezra brought back various reforms to Jerusalem. Around 445, Nehemiah became governor of Judea. During his tenure, Nehemiah was instrumental in rebuilding the city walls and revitalizing the economy. Ezra and Nehemiah both purposed themselves to bring back the law into the lives of the Jews. The Hellenistic Period (331-164 BC) Alexander the Great (331-320 BC) The Hellenistic period lasted from the fall of the Persians in 331 BC until the Hasmonean revolt in 164 BC. The term “Hellenism” originated from the conquests of Alexandria the Great. Alexander did not live and reign for an extended amount of time, but he accomplished great feats by winning major influential battles. Alexander had great military skill and a tremendous courage that propelled his drive to succeed. During the first year of his conquests, Alexander defeated the Persian generals. Then, for the next few years …show more content…
With the fall of Persian Empire and the death of Alexander, the Jewish nation had to endure a long line of Greek kings who believed their culture and beliefs were greater than any others. With Greek rule, the Hellenistic culture remained as a prominent influence throughout many of these lands.
With Israel’s strategic location between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies, Israel became a place of battle for the two kingdoms. Both powers had much interest in the land of Israel due to its significance and influence in trade. During one of the battles in Jerusalem, Ptolemy took 120,000 Jews captive and brought them to Alexandria where they stayed for many years. Some Jews probably remained as slaves to Alexandria. However, for many Jews this led to opportunity and prosperity. In addition, it led to the infusion of the Greek culture. The Hebrew Scriptures were even translated into the Septuagint, which is a Greek rendering. This rendering was actually beneficial to some Jews who now knew Greek better than the Hebrew language. It, evidently, was all part of God’s plan to prepare the scriptures for infusion of the Gospel into the entire
At the beginning of this period, Babylon was conquered by Cyrus, the King of Persia. Previously, the Jewish community had been exiled to Babylon and required to intersperse with other ethnic and national groups. Cyrus made changes and allowed them to return to Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, and Jeshua the priest, the Jews began the process of rebuilding the temple. When the project was finished in 516, the ceremonial worship was reestablished. A priestly scribe named Ezra brought back various reforms to Jerusalem. Around 445, Nehemiah became governor of Judea. During his tenure, Nehemiah was instrumental in rebuilding the city walls and revitalizing the economy. Ezra and Nehemiah both purposed themselves to bring back the law into the lives of the Jews. The Hellenistic Period (331-164 BC) Alexander the Great (331-320 BC) The Hellenistic period lasted from the fall of the Persians in 331 BC until the Hasmonean revolt in 164 BC. The term “Hellenism” originated from the conquests of Alexandria the Great. Alexander did not live and reign for an extended amount of time, but he accomplished great feats by winning major influential battles. Alexander had great military skill and a tremendous courage that propelled his drive to succeed. During the first year of his conquests, Alexander defeated the Persian generals. Then, for the next few years …show more content…
With the fall of Persian Empire and the death of Alexander, the Jewish nation had to endure a long line of Greek kings who believed their culture and beliefs were greater than any others. With Greek rule, the Hellenistic culture remained as a prominent influence throughout many of these lands.
With Israel’s strategic location between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies, Israel became a place of battle for the two kingdoms. Both powers had much interest in the land of Israel due to its significance and influence in trade. During one of the battles in Jerusalem, Ptolemy took 120,000 Jews captive and brought them to Alexandria where they stayed for many years. Some Jews probably remained as slaves to Alexandria. However, for many Jews this led to opportunity and prosperity. In addition, it led to the infusion of the Greek culture. The Hebrew Scriptures were even translated into the Septuagint, which is a Greek rendering. This rendering was actually beneficial to some Jews who now knew Greek better than the Hebrew language. It, evidently, was all part of God’s plan to prepare the scriptures for infusion of the Gospel into the entire