1. Old Testament – Post Exile Israel
Persian Empire
Old Testament – Post Exile Israel

2. Background
Historical and Postexilic books most likely were written between the 6-4 centuries BC during the Persian Empire
The writers portray Israel as one single community intent on one place of worship in Jerusalem
1 and 2 Chronicles is a creative reinterpretation of history

3. 1 and 2 Chronicles
Presents a review of Israel’s history in terms of God’s unfolding plan
Not a true chronology of events
Large emphasis on the reigns of David and Solomon in a more positive light, omitting their shortcomings and difficulties
Long genealogy from creation to King David to show that God was preparing for David all along
Worship became more important for defining Jewish identity
Overlooking Shortcomings: Read 2 Samuel Record the problems of David and Solomon’s rule. Why do you think the author of Chronicles did not include these issues?
Answer: The authors wanted to focus on David’s role in establishing the nation’s worship. Worship became more important for defining Jewish identity because the people of Israel no longer had an independent nation.

4. Theme of 1 Chronicles The establishment and importance of the temple
The author tries to connect Judah’s future with its fidelity to temple worship
The Temple and its liturgy represent God’s presence among the Israelites
1 Chronicles: describes proper worship

5. Liturgical Castes Priests – main celebrants of worship
Blew trumpets
Ministered in the inner sanctuary
Offered sacrifice to God on behalf of the people
Burned incense
Similar to level of bishops today
Levites – lower clergy
Carried the Ark of the Covenant
Sang during the worship services
Acted as gatekeepers, judges, prophets, and fundraisers
Similar to level of priests today
Temple Slaves – helped the Levites
Acted as assistants or servants
Similar to level of deacons today

6. 590-529 BC Cyrus 522-486 BC Darius I 486-465 BC Xerxes I
BC Artaxerxes I
BC Artaxerxes II
BC Artaxerxes III
Persian Empire extended from Egypt in the west to the Indus River in the east
King Cyrus was tolerant of other people’s religious customs and practices

8. Cyrus the Great
Cyrus’ mother was the daughter of the king of Medes, who had a dream in which his infant grandson, Cyrus, would someday overthrow him. Similar to the story of Moses, the King orders Cyrus to be killed, but the king’s chief advisor gives the baby Cyrus to a shepherd who raises him. Cyrus then grows up to revolt and overthrow his grandfather.
In 539 BC, Cyrus conquered Babylonia and showed compassion to the Jews of the Diaspora (those in exile). He freed the exiled Jews and allowed them to return to Jerusalem to reconstruct the Temple.
Isaiah refers to Cyrus as being part of God’s plan for Israel.

9. The Samaritans wanted to help rebuild the Temple
The Samaritans wanted to help rebuild the Temple. But the Jews regarded the Samaritans as unholy, due to their intermarriage with their Assyrian conquerors. Jews forbade the Samaritans to work on the Temple, so the Samaritans did their best to interfere with the reconstruction. “Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah, and made them afraid to build, and they bribed officials to frustrate their plan throughout the reign of King Cyrus of Persia and until the reign of King Darius of Persia.” (Ezra 4:4-5)
Temple is not rebuilt

10. Darius I
Followed Zoroastrianism – centered around one god, known as Father of Justice, and emphasized the struggle between good and evil. One must think and say good thoughts and perform good deeds to reach paradise.
Divided the empire into provinces called satrapies.
Each satrapy was ruled by a governor, called a satrap.
Satraps were responsible for law and order, local military operations, and collection of taxes. They were required to consult with the local priests when making laws.
Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, became the satrap of Judah with Joshua as high priest. Zerubbabel and Joshua completed the Temple in 515 BC.

11. Artaxerxes I-III
Nehemiah, a member of the royal court and a Jew, was sent to Jerusalem to fortify its walls as governor during conflicts with Egypt.
Ezra, a scribe, along with others of the remnant (faithful of Israel) were also sent back to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah and Ezra helped the Jews redefine themselves as a community: Needed to be of Jewish descent with no intermarriages and must live by the law of God. Artaxerxes supported this into law.
Artaxerxes II was more treacherous but still kept the empire together
Artaxerxes III was a cruel ruler who killed most of his relatives to keep his throne and extended the empire by conquering Egypt. He and his sons were later killed by an influential eunuch in his court.

12. Return from Exile
538 BC
King Cyrus returns some Jews to Judah under Sheshbazzar
They began rebuilding the Temple but left it unfinished because of local Samaritans BC
Another group of Jews return led by Zerubbabel and Joshua
The second Temple is finished
458 or 398 BC
Another group of Jews return led by Ezra
They brought a copy of the Mosaic Law
445 BC
Nehemiah becomes governor of Judah under Artaxerxes I
He builds walls of Jerusalem and establishes regulations for community and worship