The Intertestamental Period

The four centuries between the Old and New Testaments (sometimes called the “silent years” because no biblical books were written) were anything but quiet. Alexander the Great conquers Persia, spreading Greek language and culture (Hellenism) throughout the Near East. After his death, Judea is caught between rival successor kingdoms. When the Seleucid king Antiochus IV outlaws Judaism—banning circumcision, Sabbath, and Torah study, and desecrating the Temple with pig sacrifices and a Zeus altar—the Maccabean revolt erupts. Against all odds, the guerrilla fighters recapture and rededicate the Temple (celebrated as Hanukkah). The Hasmonean dynasty rules until Rome intervenes in 63 BCE. Jewish groups proliferate: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes. Messianic expectations intensify. The stage is set.