HIS Story Week 27

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INTERTESTAMENTAL Week 27: Farewell to the Old Testament Overview of what Happened Historically in the 400 Silent Years The time between the last book of the Old Testament (Malachi) and the appearance of Christ as recorded in Matthew is known as the “intertestamental” period. Because there was no recorded prophetic word from God during this period, it is sometimes called the “400 Silent Years.” The political and religious atmosphere of Palestine (also called Israel) changed significantly during this period. Much of what happened was predicted by Daniel (chapters 2, 7, 8, and 11). Israel was under the control of the Persian Empire from about 539-332bc. The Persians allowed the Jews to practice their religion with little interference. They were even allowed to rebuild and worship at the temple (2 Chron. 36; Ezra 1). This time of relative peace and contentment was just the calm before the storm. Alexander the Great defeated Darius of Persia, bringing Greek rule to the world (332-323bc). Alexander was a student of Aristotle and was well educated in Greek philosophy and politics. He required that Greek culture be promoted in every land he conquered. As a result, the Hebrew Old Testament was translated into Greek, becoming the translation known as the Septuagint. Alexander allowed religious freedom, but the Greek philosophies he promoted influenced the Jews greatly. After Alexander died (323bc), Judea was ruled by a series of successors from Syria and Egypt, culminating in Antiochus IV (Epiphanes). Antiochus did far more than refuse religious freedom to the Jews. Around 167bc, he overthrew the rightful line of the priesthood and desecrated the temple. Eventually, the Maccabean resistance to Antiochus restored the rightful priests and rescued the temple. But the period of Jewish independence that followed was one of violence and infighting (167-63bc). Around 63bc, Pompey of Rome conquered Palestine, putting all of Judea under control of the Caesars. This eventually led to Herod being made king of Judea by the Roman emperor. This would be the nation that taxed and controlled the Jews, and eventually executed the Messiah on a Roman cross. Roman, Greek, and Hebrew cultures were now mixed together in Judea. These events that set the stage for Christ had a profound impact on the Jewish people. Jews and pagans were becoming dissatisfied with religion. The pagans were beginning to question the validity of polytheism. Romans and Greeks were drawn from their mythologies towards Hebrew Scriptures, now easily readable in Greek or Latin. The Jews, however, were despondent. Once again, they were conquered, oppressed, and polluted. Hope was running low; faith was even lower. They were convinced that now the only thing that could save them and their faith was the appearance of the Messiah.

332

323

255

167

143

67

63

37

Alexander the Great rises to power

Greece conquers Persia. Greece divides into 4 kingdoms

Hebrew Bible translated into Greek

Antiochus (Epiphanes) desecrates temple. Maccabeus leads Jewish revolt

Independence in Israel

Jewish civil war

Rome crushes Israel

Herod appointed king of Judea by Rome

4bc

420s Malachi closes OT

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Jesus is born

539 Persia defeats Babylon

Babylon destroys Jerusalem

586bc

The New Testament tells the story of how hope came, not only for the Jews, but for the entire world. Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy was anticipated and recognized by many who sought Him out. The stories of the Roman centurion, the Far Eastern wise men, and the Jewish Pharisee Nicodemus show how Jesus was recognized as the Messiah by those who lived in His day. The “400 Years of Silence” were broken by the greatest story ever told—the gospel of Jesus Christ!

THE COMING MESSIAH Week 27: Farewell to the Old Testament (A Few Prophecies of the Old Testament about to Come Alive in the New Testament) The books of the Old Testament contain many passages about the Messiah who would be king in Israel—all prophecies Jesus Christ fulfilled. It tells of His birth, His ancestry, His life and His death, as well as His reign as king.

Week Twenty-Seven Reading Plan Genesis 12:1-3; 22:15-18; 2 Samuel 7:12-17 Micah 5:1-5; Isaiah 7:10-8:10; 9:1-7 Isaiah 61:1-11 Zechariah 9:9-17; 11:12-13; 12:1-14; 13:6-9 Psalm 69:1-36 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 22:1-31

Son of Abraham, Son of David Immanuel in O Little Town of Bethlehem Mission Statement of the Savior Future Clues of the Humble King Deep Waters Man of Sorrows At the Cross

In Luke 24:13-27, Luke records a post-resurrection appearance of Christ, where He is walking along the road to Emmaus conversing with two disciples who did not recognize Him. The disciples explained all the events (crucifixion) that just took place to Jesus. Christ responds, “Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. There are various types of Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. First, some prophecies are more general in nature. They might have a near or immediate application during the time period of the prophecy, but are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Second, there are direct prophecies that speak specifically of the future Messiah and are more personal in nature. They are clearly stated as being fulfilled in the coming Messiah. A third type of Messianic prophecy is New Testament applications of the Old Testament. Here the language of the Old Testament leaves no indication of a specific prediction. However the New Testament applies it to the coming of Christ. The prime example of this type is Matthew 2:15 citing Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” A fourth type of prophecy is called typical prophecies, which identify individuals or figures as types of Christ. For example, at the feast of Passover, a lamb in perfect condition had to be killed (Ex. 12). This represented the sacrifice of Jesus, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Many prophecies are quite clear and easy to understand, especially in light of New Testament revelation. However the general nature of some Messianic prophecies lends to some inherent difficulties: First, the language of some Messianic prophecies is often confusing and obscure. In these cases the prophecy may only be understandable in light of the content of the Word of God. Second, Messianic prophecies frequently use figurative language. This can create some difficulty in clearly understanding the prophecy. However, frequently the figure gives a clear idea as to its interpretation and although figurative language is used the truth conveyed is quite understandable (e.g. Isaiah 11:1). Third, sometimes in prophecies future events are often regarded as past or present tense. The prophets will present the event that is predicted for the future as if it has already taken place. The emphasis in these cases is that the completion of the event is so certain to happen that it appears as if it is already realized (e.g. Isaiah 53). Jesus Christ ought to be sought in all we read in the Old and New Testaments, but care must be taken that we study it in the light of other Scriptures and in the light of the character of God. For a rather extensive listing of possible Old Testament Messianic prophecies see: http://www.bibleprobe.com/365messianicprophecies.htm

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