Post on 24-Feb-2016
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Maccabean Revolution And Its Aftermath: Rome
Greek Empire of Alexander
• 334 BCE, Greek Empire Rises• Alexander the Great• Invades Judah• Hellenization• After Alexander’s death, series of
Generals rule
Septuagiant
• Greek translation of the Bible, 250 BCE• Spreads the Jewish faith to those outside
Israel• New Testament will be written in Greek
Hellenization in Judah
• Culture clash• Alexander’s Generals left in
charge• Jewish Aristocracy embraces
Hellenistic culture• Temple converted
ZEUSKing of the Greek gods
Maccabean Revolt
• 166 BCE – 142 BCE• Mattathias Maccabees• 5 Sons• Judas Maccabees• Retake temple: Hanukah
Chapter 2
• Mathias encouraging his sons
• Salvation history
Retake Temple
• Rededicate the temple to Yahweh
• Hanukkah • Feast of Rededication
Hasmonean Dynasty
• Maccabean family establishes themselves as King and High priest of Israel
• Under Hyrcanus, huge expansion
• Legitimacy questioned
Major Groups in Judah Fighting for Power
• Pharisees• Scribes• Essences• Sadducees
Pharisees
• Formed during Babylonian Exile
• Jews cut off from the temple• Concentrated on Torah• Pharisees led the community
in synagogues• Today known as Rabbis
Scribes
• Recorders of the law and history of the people
• Keepers of Jewish traditions
Essences
• Retreated from society• Believed the end of the world was close• Dwelt in caves along the Deadsea• Authors of the Deadsea scrolls• Believed mainstream society was going to hell
Sadducees
• Temple Aristocracy• Priestly function• Only believed in first 5 books
of the Torah• Rejected Resurrection• Appealed to outside powers
Rome
• Changing from Republic to Empire
• Invited by Sadducees• 63 BCE Rome invades • Select a Jewish king in 37
BCE: Herod
Herod the Great
• Client Kings put into power by Rome
• Herod Restores temple to former glory
• Cruel and tyrannical ruler• Expectation from Jews that
salvation will soon be at hand
Herodian Dynasty
• Several Sons• Herod Archelaus: Judah • Herod Anitpas: Galilee• Archelaus replaced by
Roman Governor: Pontius Pilate