Derek Morris -Palestine During Inter-Testament Times

Summary

This presentation offers a historical and cultural backdrop to the life and teachings of Jesus, focusing on the period between the Old and New Testaments. It outlines the struggle of Judaism amidst the rise and fall of Greek influence, particularly under Alexander the Great and subsequent Hellenistic rule. The lecture details the transition of power in Palestine, from the Ptolemaic to Seleucid control, leading to the Maccabean Revolt and the fight for Jewish independence. It further explores the reign of Herod the Great, his contributions and his tyrannical rule, including his infamous act of ordering the massacre of infants in Bethlehem. The narrative proceeds to the Roman rule, highlighting key figures like Pontius Pilate and the political complexities of the era. The summary underscores the significance of understanding this historical context to grasp the challenges faced by Jesus and the cultural dynamics of his time.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The presentation begins with a prayer for understanding the life and teachings of Jesus within the historical context of Palestine during the intertestamental period.
• 🏛 Judaism faced significant challenges for survival during this time, struggling against not only military threats but also the cultural influence of Hellenism.
• 🌐 Major shifts in power occurred after the death of Alexander the Great, leading to a struggle for control over Palestine among his generals and the eventual division of his empire.
• 📜 The translation of Hebrew scriptures into Greek, known as the Septuagint, was a result of Greek cultural influence on Judaism during the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.
• ⚔️ The Maccabean Rebellion, led by Judas Maccabeus, was a response to the persecution of the Jewish people and the desecration of the temple by the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
• 🏟️ Herod the Great, a key figure in the gospel narratives, was known for his architectural achievements, including the expansion of the temple in Jerusalem, despite his violent and oppressive rule.
• 👑 Herod's rule and the subsequent rule of his sons, including Herod Antipas, are significant for understanding the political landscape during Jesus' life and ministry.
• 🦊 Jesus referred to Herod Antipas as 'that fox,' highlighting the ruler's cunning and deceitful nature, which played a role in the events leading to John the Baptist's execution.
• 🏛️ The Roman procurators, such as Pontius Pilate, held significant power in the region, including authority over capital punishment, which had critical implications for Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
• ⚖️ Pontius Pilate's decision-making during Jesus' trial reflects a complex interplay of political, religious, and personal factors, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural backdrop of the New Testament to grasp the significance of Jesus' life and mission.

Q & A

What is the time period being discussed in the presentation?

The presentation discusses the period between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament, specifically from around the 4th Century BC to the start of the Christian era.

What was the primary challenge faced by Judaism during the time between the Testaments?

Judaism was struggling for survival, being attacked not just by military power but also by foreign cultures, particularly Greek culture.

Who was Alexander the Great and what was his impact on Palestine?

Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who created a massive Hellenistic Empire after conquering the Greek city-states. His empire extended to the borders of India, and he spread Greek culture, making it the common language and influence across the conquered regions, including Palestine.

What was the significance of the Ptolemy and Seleucid dynasties in the context of Palestine?

The Ptolemy and Seleucid dynasties were established by generals of Alexander the Great. They divided the Greek Empire after his death, with Ptolemy ruling Egypt and Seleucus ruling Syria. Palestine fell under the control of these dynasties, first under the Ptolemies and later under the Seleucids, which significantly influenced the cultural and political landscape of the region.

What event marked the beginning of the Maccabean Rebellion?

The Maccabean Rebellion began with the Modin incident in 167 BC, when the aged Jewish priest Mattathias killed a representative of the Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes, who was enforcing laws to eradicate Jewish culture and religion.

Who was Herod the Great and how did he rise to power?

Herod the Great was the son of Antipater the First, who governed under Roman rule. Herod was appointed as a governor in Galilee by his father and later became the King of Judea in 40 BC due to his effective governance and favor with the Romans.

What was the role of Pontius Pilate during the time of Jesus?

Pontius Pilate was the Roman procurator during the ministry of Jesus. He was responsible for collecting taxes for Rome, maintaining law and order, and had judicial powers, including decisions involving the death penalty.

Why did the Jewish leaders request Roman rule in 63 BC?

The Jewish leaders requested Roman rule because the Romans were known to respect the religion and culture of the areas they governed, as long as there was stability. They preferred Roman oversight to the possibility of being under a hostile force that would not respect their religion.

What was the significance of the Septuagint in the context of the Greek influence on Judaism?

The Septuagint was a translation of the Hebrew scriptures into Greek. It was a result of the influence of Greek culture on Judaism during the time when Palestine was governed by the Ptolemaic dynasty, reflecting the cultural exchange and the adaptation of Jewish religious texts to the lingua franca of the Hellenistic world.

How did Herod the Great's building projects reflect his rule?

Herod the Great was known as a great builder. He constructed massive projects such as an aqueduct from the north to Caesarea along the Mediterranean Sea and significantly refurbished the temple in Jerusalem. These building projects demonstrated his power and the prosperity under his rule, despite his reputation for being a man of blood.

What were the key responsibilities of the Roman procurator?

The Roman procurator had three major responsibilities: collecting taxes for Rome, maintaining law and order through an army under his control, and having judicial powers, particularly over legal decisions involving the death penalty.