Interlude: A Kingdom Story Waiting for an Ending The Intertestamental Period

Under Pagan Rule Persian (until 331 B.C.) Greeks 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 Rule Persian (until 331 B.C.) Greeks 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.) Rome (63 B.C. – N.T. period)

Israel’s Faith One God Israel chosen by God Torah defined Israel’s life Holy belonged to Israel Hope for future act of God

Growing Tensions Oppressions and hope Pagan influence and faithfulness to Torah

Growing Hatred For Gentile oppressors For compromising Jews

Growing Hope For coming kingdom of God Differing 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 Story Persian rule: Jewish identity? Alexander: Threat of Hellenism Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Revolt Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and diversified response

Diversified Response Essenes: Withdrawal Pharisees: Boundary markers Zealots: Violent revolt Sadducees: Strategic compromise

Unfolding Story Persian rule: Jewish identity? Alexander: Threat of Hellenism Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Revolt Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and diversified response Roman rule and revolt Israel ready for God’s kingdom

End of the Intertestamental Period