THE BIBLE CONTINUED

The Silence Era.




Yes, the period between the Old and the New Testaments is also an Era, which has four major subjects: The Changing Guard, Political Sects, Religious Sects, and The Messianic Hope.




The Changing Guard is the march of nations. Jerusalem is ruled by Persia. Alexander the Great defeats the Persians and brings Greek culture. Alexander dies and though the Greek culture remains dominant Roman influences comes in. The march of nations passes from Persia to Greece to Rome.




Political Sects: The Maccabeans and Zealots. The Silence Years last four hundred years, throughout this time there are militant Jews who attempt to revolt against foreign rule and make Jerusalem and the surrounding area an independent country. These include the Maccabeans and the Zealots.




Religious Sects: Pharisees and Sadducces. Pharisees promote legalism of religious law, they are orthodox and conservative, foster separation and what they feel is secular society. Sadducees are more liberal they use wealth and influence to keep political waters calm. There is a ruling board called the Sanhedrin made up of both groups. The groups have little in common except their desire for religious freedom and their antagonism for Jesus of Nazareth.




Messianic Hope: Expectation of a Savior. The Messiah the one prophesied throughout the Old Testament to come save the Jews. Events of the Silence Era seem to prepare the the coming of this Messiah. Common language and culture, military peace, a committed government and such religious persecution and political humiliation that widespread hope and expectection of a Savior exist.




With this, we close the Chapters of the Old Testament. Now we will open the doors to the answer to everything the Old Testament has led us toward.




God Bless,

recj/LJG