PERSIAN RULE (539 –331 B.C.)
The Period of The Babylonian Exile, 597 – 539 B.C.
The Persians where an ancient world empire that flourished from 539 – 331 B.C.
The Old Testament contains many references to the nation of Persia and its representatives.
Ezra 6:14b...“And they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia." (NASB)
Ezra 9:9...“For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house of our God, to restore its ruins and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.”(NASB)
Daniel 5:28...“'PERES'--your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.“” (NASB)
Daniel 8:20...“The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia.” (NASB)
Daniel 10:13... “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.” (NASB)
Esther 1:3... “...in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his princes and attendants, the army {officers} of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of his provinces being in his presence.” (NASB)
Esther 1:14... “...and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king's presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—” (NASB)
Esther 1:18... “This day the ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's conduct will speak in {the same way} to all the king's princes, and there will be plenty of contempt and anger.” (NASB)
The Persians apparently sprung from a people from the hills of Russia known as Indo-Aryans. As early as 2,000 B.C., the began to settle in Iran and along The Black Sea Coast. Two of these Indo-European Tribes settled on the Elamite border and to the east of The Zagros Mountain range. The first reference to them are made in the inscriptions of Shalmanser III (858 – 824 B.C.). They are noted as The Parsua (Persians) and The Madai (Medes).
The exile would be judgment for forsaking Yahweh...
Jeremiah 2:14 – 17... “Is Israel a slave? Or is he a homeborn servant? Why has he become a prey? The young lions have roared at him, They have roared loudly. And they have made his land a waste; His cities have been destroyed, without inhabitant. Also the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes. Have shaved the crown of your head. Have you not done this to yourself By your forsaking the LORD your God When He led you in the way?” (NASB)
Jeremiah 31:3... “The LORD appeared to him from afar, {saying,} "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (NASB)
Ezekiel 14:21 – 23... “For thus says the Lord GOD, "How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to cut off man and beast from it! Yet, behold, survivors will be left in it who will be brought out, {both} sons and daughters. Behold, they are going to come forth to you and you will see their conduct and actions; then you will be comforted for the calamity which I have brought against Jerusalem for everything which I have brought upon it. Then they will comfort you when you see their conduct and actions, for you will know that I have not done in vain whatever I did to it," declares the Lord GOD.). However, if accepted by faith, it would be a revelation of God’s love and commitment forever.” (NASB)
Isaiah 54:9 – 10... “For this is like the days of Noah to Me, When I swore that the waters of Noah Would not flood the earth again; So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you Nor will I rebuke you. For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the LORD who has compassion on you.” (NASB)
The Old Testament contains many references to the nation of Persia and its representatives.
Ezra 6:14b...“And they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia." (NASB)
Ezra 9:9...“For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house of our God, to restore its ruins and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.”(NASB)
Daniel 5:28...“'PERES'--your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.“” (NASB)
Daniel 8:20...“The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia.” (NASB)
Daniel 10:13... “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.” (NASB)
Esther 1:3... “...in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his princes and attendants, the army {officers} of Persia and Media, the nobles and the princes of his provinces being in his presence.” (NASB)
Esther 1:14... “...and were close to him: Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king's presence and sat in the first place in the kingdom—” (NASB)
Esther 1:18... “This day the ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's conduct will speak in {the same way} to all the king's princes, and there will be plenty of contempt and anger.” (NASB)
The Persians apparently sprung from a people from the hills of Russia known as Indo-Aryans. As early as 2,000 B.C., the began to settle in Iran and along The Black Sea Coast. Two of these Indo-European Tribes settled on the Elamite border and to the east of The Zagros Mountain range. The first reference to them are made in the inscriptions of Shalmanser III (858 – 824 B.C.). They are noted as The Parsua (Persians) and The Madai (Medes).
The exile would be judgment for forsaking Yahweh...
Jeremiah 2:14 – 17... “Is Israel a slave? Or is he a homeborn servant? Why has he become a prey? The young lions have roared at him, They have roared loudly. And they have made his land a waste; His cities have been destroyed, without inhabitant. Also the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes. Have shaved the crown of your head. Have you not done this to yourself By your forsaking the LORD your God When He led you in the way?” (NASB)
Jeremiah 31:3... “The LORD appeared to him from afar, {saying,} "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (NASB)
Ezekiel 14:21 – 23... “For thus says the Lord GOD, "How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to cut off man and beast from it! Yet, behold, survivors will be left in it who will be brought out, {both} sons and daughters. Behold, they are going to come forth to you and you will see their conduct and actions; then you will be comforted for the calamity which I have brought against Jerusalem for everything which I have brought upon it. Then they will comfort you when you see their conduct and actions, for you will know that I have not done in vain whatever I did to it," declares the Lord GOD.). However, if accepted by faith, it would be a revelation of God’s love and commitment forever.” (NASB)
Isaiah 54:9 – 10... “For this is like the days of Noah to Me, When I swore that the waters of Noah Would not flood the earth again; So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you Nor will I rebuke you. For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the LORD who has compassion on you.” (NASB)
Deported Jews Settled as Communities around Babylon
1. Jehoiachin In Exile
2nd Kings 25:27 – 30...“Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh {day} of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison; and he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the throne of the kings who {were} with him in Babylon. Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes and had his meals in the king's presence regularly all the days of his life; and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.” (NASB)
Jeremiah 52:31 – 34...“Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the {first} year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. Then he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who {were} with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and had his meals in the king's presence regularly all the days of his life. For his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king of Babylon, a daily portion all the days of his life until the day of his death.” (NASB)
2. The Prophets of the Early Exile
Daniel (Taken to Babylon in 604 B.C.; Daniel 1:1... “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came toJerusalem and besieged it.” (NASB))
Ezekiel, Ministered 593 – 563 B.C. (Ezekiel 1:1 – 2...“Now it came about in the thirtieth year, on the fifth {day} of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. (On the fifth of the month in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile...” (NASB))
3. Kings of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
Nabopolassar (626 – 605 B.C.)
Nebuchadnezzar (605 – 562 B.C.)
Awel-Marduk (= Evil Merodach [562 – 560 B.C.]; 2nd Kings 25:27... “Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh {day} of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison...” (NASB))
Neriglissar (560 – 556 B.C.)
Labashi-Marduk (3 months in 556)
Nabonidus (556 – 539 B.C.)...Ineffective Ruler...Forsook Babylonian god Marduk; Promoted Worship of Moon-god Sin: Temples at Ur, Haran...Spent 10 Years in Arabian Wilderness at Teimah...Belshazzar; Regent in Babylon under Nabonidus...Babylon under Pressure from Medes and Persians
Cyrus ordered the restoration of the Jewish community and cult in Palestine and the rebuilding of the temple.
Ezra 1:2 – 4... “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.'“ (NASB)
Ezra 6:3 – 5... In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: '{Concerning} the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained, its height being 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits; with three layers of huge stones and one layer of timbers. And let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. Also let the gold and silver utensils of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; and you shall put {them} in the house of God.” (NASB)
The authorization of the revival of religious and cultic sites was a general policy for Cyrus.
2nd Chronicles 36:22... “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia--in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah--the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also {put it} in writing, saying...” (NASB)
Subject peoples were allowed to enjoy cultural autonomy within the framework of the empire.
1. Jehoiachin In Exile
2nd Kings 25:27 – 30...“Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh {day} of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison; and he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the throne of the kings who {were} with him in Babylon. Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes and had his meals in the king's presence regularly all the days of his life; and for his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.” (NASB)
Jeremiah 52:31 – 34...“Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the {first} year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. Then he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who {were} with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and had his meals in the king's presence regularly all the days of his life. For his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king of Babylon, a daily portion all the days of his life until the day of his death.” (NASB)
2. The Prophets of the Early Exile
Daniel (Taken to Babylon in 604 B.C.; Daniel 1:1... “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came toJerusalem and besieged it.” (NASB))
Ezekiel, Ministered 593 – 563 B.C. (Ezekiel 1:1 – 2...“Now it came about in the thirtieth year, on the fifth {day} of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. (On the fifth of the month in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile...” (NASB))
3. Kings of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
Nabopolassar (626 – 605 B.C.)
Nebuchadnezzar (605 – 562 B.C.)
Awel-Marduk (= Evil Merodach [562 – 560 B.C.]; 2nd Kings 25:27... “Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-seventh {day} of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison...” (NASB))
Neriglissar (560 – 556 B.C.)
Labashi-Marduk (3 months in 556)
Nabonidus (556 – 539 B.C.)...Ineffective Ruler...Forsook Babylonian god Marduk; Promoted Worship of Moon-god Sin: Temples at Ur, Haran...Spent 10 Years in Arabian Wilderness at Teimah...Belshazzar; Regent in Babylon under Nabonidus...Babylon under Pressure from Medes and Persians
Cyrus ordered the restoration of the Jewish community and cult in Palestine and the rebuilding of the temple.
Ezra 1:2 – 4... “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.'“ (NASB)
Ezra 6:3 – 5... In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: '{Concerning} the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained, its height being 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits; with three layers of huge stones and one layer of timbers. And let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. Also let the gold and silver utensils of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; and you shall put {them} in the house of God.” (NASB)
The authorization of the revival of religious and cultic sites was a general policy for Cyrus.
2nd Chronicles 36:22... “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia--in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah--the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also {put it} in writing, saying...” (NASB)
Subject peoples were allowed to enjoy cultural autonomy within the framework of the empire.
From The Edict of Cyrus to The Completion of The Temple, 538 – 515 B.C.
The Medes & Persians: Indo-European Groups
Medes...became United in 7th Century B.C.: Dominated Persians...
Cyaxares (625 – 585 B.C.)...Greatest King of Medes...Alliance with Babylon vs. Assyria...Expanded West into Asia Minor
Astyages (585 – 550 B.C.)
Persians: Dominated by Medes
Achaemenes (700 – 675 B.C.)
Cyrus I (640 – 600 B.C.)
Cambyses I (600 – 559 B.C.)...Married Astyages' daughter
Cyrus the Great (559 – 530 B.C.), 1st King of Persian Empire...Half Persian/Half Median...559 B.C.: Became King of Persia/Anshan...550 B.C.: Defeated and became King of the Medes...539 B.C.: Babylon Surrendered Without Fight, Oct 12 (Babylonian Gen. Ugbaru/Gubaru defected to Persians...Cyrus Hailed as Liberator, Oct. 29)
Darius the Mede
Daniel 5:31..."So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two." (NASB)
Daniel 6:1 – 2..."It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss." (NASB)
Daniel 9:1 – 2..."In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of Median descent, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans--in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was {revealed as} the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, {namely,} seventy years." (NASB)
Daniel 11:1..."In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him." (NASB)
= Cyrus?
Confusion with Later Darius?
= Gubaru (Greek Gobryas), Conqueror of Babylon
= Gubaru, Governor of Babylon
Medes...became United in 7th Century B.C.: Dominated Persians...
Cyaxares (625 – 585 B.C.)...Greatest King of Medes...Alliance with Babylon vs. Assyria...Expanded West into Asia Minor
Astyages (585 – 550 B.C.)
Persians: Dominated by Medes
Achaemenes (700 – 675 B.C.)
Cyrus I (640 – 600 B.C.)
Cambyses I (600 – 559 B.C.)...Married Astyages' daughter
Cyrus the Great (559 – 530 B.C.), 1st King of Persian Empire...Half Persian/Half Median...559 B.C.: Became King of Persia/Anshan...550 B.C.: Defeated and became King of the Medes...539 B.C.: Babylon Surrendered Without Fight, Oct 12 (Babylonian Gen. Ugbaru/Gubaru defected to Persians...Cyrus Hailed as Liberator, Oct. 29)
Darius the Mede
Daniel 5:31..."So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two." (NASB)
Daniel 6:1 – 2..."It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss." (NASB)
Daniel 9:1 – 2..."In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of Median descent, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans--in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was {revealed as} the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, {namely,} seventy years." (NASB)
Daniel 11:1..."In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him." (NASB)
= Cyrus?
Confusion with Later Darius?
= Gubaru (Greek Gobryas), Conqueror of Babylon
= Gubaru, Governor of Babylon
From The Completion of The Temple until The Arrival of Nehemiah, 515 – 445 B.C.
538 B.C.: The Edict of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1 – 4; 6:3 – 5)
Jews Allowed to Return to Judah
Temple in Jerusalem Could be Rebuilt
Cyrus Cylinder...Clay Cuneiform Inscription Discovered in Babylon...Reflects Religious Toleration, Restoration
The Initial Returns/Leaders
Sheshbazzar...Probably Led Small 1st Group
Ezra 1:5 – 11... “Then the heads of fathers' {households} of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. All those about them encouraged them with articles of silver, with gold, with goods, with cattle and with valuables, aside from all that was given as a freewill offering. Also King Cyrus brought out the articles of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and put in the house of his gods; and Cyrus, king of Persia, had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and he counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. Now this {was} their number: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 duplicates; 30 gold bowls, 410 silver bowls of a second {kind and} 1,000 other articles. All the articles of gold and silver {numbered} 5,400. Sheshbazzarbrought them all up with the exiles who went up from Babylon to Jerusalem.) “ (NASB)
Zerubbabel...Successor of Sheshbazzar
Ezra 2:2... “These came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum {and} Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel...” (NASB)
Ezra 5:2... “...then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them.” (NASB)
The Rebuilding of the Temple...Foundations Laid (Ezra 3) by Sheshbazzar?
Ezra 5:16..."'Then that Sheshbazzar came {and} laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not {yet} completed.'" (NASB)
Opposition; Work Stopped (Ezra 4:1 – 5 [vs. 6, 7 – 23 = later])
Revival Under Haggai, Zechariah c. 520 B.C.
Ezra 5:1 – 2..."When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them." (NASB)
Rebuilding Continued; Complaints to Darius
Ezra 5:3 – 17..."At that time Tattenai, the governor of {the province} beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues came to them and spoke to them thus, "Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?" Then we told them accordingly what the names of the men were who were reconstructing this building. But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until a report could come to Darius, and then a written reply be returned concerning it. {This is} the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of {the province} beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. They sent a report to him in which it was written thus: "To Darius the king, all peace. "Let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with huge stones, and beams are being laid in the walls; and this work is going on with great care and is succeeding in their hands. "Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, 'Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?' "We also asked them their names so as to inform you, and that we might write down the names of the men who were at their head. "Thus they answered us, saying, 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 'But because our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, {who} destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. 'However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. 'Also the gold and silver utensils of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, and brought them to the temple of Babylon, these King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon and they were given to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor. 'He said to him, "Take these utensils, go {and} deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem and let the house of God be rebuilt in its place." 'Then that Sheshbazzar came {and} laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not {yet} completed.' "Now if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king's treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this {matter.}" (NASB)
The Decree of Darius
Ezra 6:1 – 12..."Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon. In Ecbatana in the fortress, which is in the province of Media, a scroll was found and there was written in it as follows: "Memorandum--"In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: '{Concerning} the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained, its height being 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits; with three layers of huge stones and one layer of timbers. And let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. 'Also let the gold and silver utensils of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; and you shall put {them} in the house of God.' "Now {therefore,} Tattenai, governor of {the province} beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and your colleagues, the officials of {the provinces} beyond the River, keep away from there. "Leave this work on the house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of {the provinces} beyond the River, and that without delay. "Whatever is needed, both young bulls, rams, and lambs for a burnt offering to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and anointing oil, as the priests in Jerusalem request, {it} is to be given to them daily without fail, that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. "And I issued a decree that any man who violates this edict, a timber shall be drawn from his house and he shall be impaled on it and his house shall be made a refuse heap on account of this. "May the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who attempts to change {it,} so as to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued {this} decree, let {it} be carried out with all diligence!" (NASB)
515 B.C.: Temple Completed Under Zerubbabel
Ezra 6:13 – 22..."Then Tattenai, the governor of {the province} beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues carried out {the decree} with all diligence, just as King Darius had sent. And the elders of the Jews were successful in building through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. This temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. And the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. They offered for the dedication of this temple of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel. Then they appointed the priests to their divisions and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. The exiles observed the Passover on the fourteenth of the first month. For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover {lamb} for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to {join} them, to seek the LORD God of Israel, ate {the Passover.} And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the LORD had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel." (NASB)
Jews Allowed to Return to Judah
Temple in Jerusalem Could be Rebuilt
Cyrus Cylinder...Clay Cuneiform Inscription Discovered in Babylon...Reflects Religious Toleration, Restoration
The Initial Returns/Leaders
Sheshbazzar...Probably Led Small 1st Group
Ezra 1:5 – 11... “Then the heads of fathers' {households} of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. All those about them encouraged them with articles of silver, with gold, with goods, with cattle and with valuables, aside from all that was given as a freewill offering. Also King Cyrus brought out the articles of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and put in the house of his gods; and Cyrus, king of Persia, had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and he counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. Now this {was} their number: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 duplicates; 30 gold bowls, 410 silver bowls of a second {kind and} 1,000 other articles. All the articles of gold and silver {numbered} 5,400. Sheshbazzarbrought them all up with the exiles who went up from Babylon to Jerusalem.) “ (NASB)
Zerubbabel...Successor of Sheshbazzar
Ezra 2:2... “These came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum {and} Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel...” (NASB)
Ezra 5:2... “...then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them.” (NASB)
The Rebuilding of the Temple...Foundations Laid (Ezra 3) by Sheshbazzar?
Ezra 5:16..."'Then that Sheshbazzar came {and} laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not {yet} completed.'" (NASB)
Opposition; Work Stopped (Ezra 4:1 – 5 [vs. 6, 7 – 23 = later])
Revival Under Haggai, Zechariah c. 520 B.C.
Ezra 5:1 – 2..."When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them." (NASB)
Rebuilding Continued; Complaints to Darius
Ezra 5:3 – 17..."At that time Tattenai, the governor of {the province} beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues came to them and spoke to them thus, "Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?" Then we told them accordingly what the names of the men were who were reconstructing this building. But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until a report could come to Darius, and then a written reply be returned concerning it. {This is} the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of {the province} beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. They sent a report to him in which it was written thus: "To Darius the king, all peace. "Let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with huge stones, and beams are being laid in the walls; and this work is going on with great care and is succeeding in their hands. "Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, 'Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?' "We also asked them their names so as to inform you, and that we might write down the names of the men who were at their head. "Thus they answered us, saying, 'We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 'But because our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, {who} destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. 'However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. 'Also the gold and silver utensils of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, and brought them to the temple of Babylon, these King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon and they were given to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor. 'He said to him, "Take these utensils, go {and} deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem and let the house of God be rebuilt in its place." 'Then that Sheshbazzar came {and} laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not {yet} completed.' "Now if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king's treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this {matter.}" (NASB)
The Decree of Darius
Ezra 6:1 – 12..."Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon. In Ecbatana in the fortress, which is in the province of Media, a scroll was found and there was written in it as follows: "Memorandum--"In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: '{Concerning} the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained, its height being 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits; with three layers of huge stones and one layer of timbers. And let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. 'Also let the gold and silver utensils of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; and you shall put {them} in the house of God.' "Now {therefore,} Tattenai, governor of {the province} beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and your colleagues, the officials of {the provinces} beyond the River, keep away from there. "Leave this work on the house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of {the provinces} beyond the River, and that without delay. "Whatever is needed, both young bulls, rams, and lambs for a burnt offering to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and anointing oil, as the priests in Jerusalem request, {it} is to be given to them daily without fail, that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. "And I issued a decree that any man who violates this edict, a timber shall be drawn from his house and he shall be impaled on it and his house shall be made a refuse heap on account of this. "May the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who attempts to change {it,} so as to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued {this} decree, let {it} be carried out with all diligence!" (NASB)
515 B.C.: Temple Completed Under Zerubbabel
Ezra 6:13 – 22..."Then Tattenai, the governor of {the province} beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues carried out {the decree} with all diligence, just as King Darius had sent. And the elders of the Jews were successful in building through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. This temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. And the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. They offered for the dedication of this temple of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel. Then they appointed the priests to their divisions and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. The exiles observed the Passover on the fourteenth of the first month. For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover {lamb} for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to {join} them, to seek the LORD God of Israel, ate {the Passover.} And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the LORD had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel." (NASB)
The Early Persian Empire
Persia (= Iran): Ruled Most of the Near East Until 333 B.C.
Also Called Achaemenid Empire
Persian Royal Cities: Ecbatana, Susa, Persepolis
Sources: Archaeology; Bible; Classical Writers: Herodotus
Cyrus the Great (550 – 530 B.C.): See Above
Cambyses II (529 – 522 B.C.): Killed His Brother Bardiya
Conquered Egypt in 525 B.C.; An Army Lost in Sahara Desert
In Persia, Gaumata Takes Throne Posing as Bardiya/Smerdis
Tragic Figure; Stabbed Self on way to Remove Gaumata
Darius I (521 – 486 B.C.): Ezra 4 – 6; Haggai 1:1; 2:1; Zechariah 1:1; 7:1
Behistun Inscription: Trilingual Relief on Persian Cliff...Records Darius' Royal Lineage & Rise, Fall of Gaumata
Elamite/Old Persian/Akkadian: Key to Cuneiform
Administrative Reform: Empire Divided into Satrapies...Provinces Ruled by Satraps; Army under Royal Officers...Inspectors, "King's Eyes" and "King's Ears," Kept Tabs
.
Began Building Persepolis
Standard Coinage; Royal Susa-Sardis Road; Postal Service
Began Wars with Greece...499 – 494 B.C.: Ionian Cities of Western Asia Minor Revolt...492 B.C.: Punitive Expedition Shipwrecked at Mt. Athos...490 B.C.:
Darius Crosses Hellespont; Battle of Marathon
Xerxes I (485 – 465 B.C.)
= "Ahasuerus" of Esther, Ezra 4:6... “Now in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.” (NASB)
480 B.C.: War with Greece Stepped Up (?Daniel 11:2..."And now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia. Then a fourth will gain far more riches than all {of them;} as soon as he becomes strong through his riches, he will arouse the whole {empire} against the realm of Greece." (NASB))...Battle of Thermopylae; Athens Burned...Battle of Salamis: Persians Defeated in Naval Battle
Killed in Palace Revolt
Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465 – 425 B.C.)
460 B.C.: Revolt in Egypt Aided by Athens...Megabysus: Persian General who Quelled Revolt...Megabysus Began Satrap, Revolted; Later Restored
449 B.C.: Peace of Callias with Greece
Arrival of Ezra and Nehemiah in Jerusalem
Also Called Achaemenid Empire
Persian Royal Cities: Ecbatana, Susa, Persepolis
Sources: Archaeology; Bible; Classical Writers: Herodotus
Cyrus the Great (550 – 530 B.C.): See Above
Cambyses II (529 – 522 B.C.): Killed His Brother Bardiya
Conquered Egypt in 525 B.C.; An Army Lost in Sahara Desert
In Persia, Gaumata Takes Throne Posing as Bardiya/Smerdis
Tragic Figure; Stabbed Self on way to Remove Gaumata
Darius I (521 – 486 B.C.): Ezra 4 – 6; Haggai 1:1; 2:1; Zechariah 1:1; 7:1
Behistun Inscription: Trilingual Relief on Persian Cliff...Records Darius' Royal Lineage & Rise, Fall of Gaumata
Elamite/Old Persian/Akkadian: Key to Cuneiform
Administrative Reform: Empire Divided into Satrapies...Provinces Ruled by Satraps; Army under Royal Officers...Inspectors, "King's Eyes" and "King's Ears," Kept Tabs
.
Began Building Persepolis
Standard Coinage; Royal Susa-Sardis Road; Postal Service
Began Wars with Greece...499 – 494 B.C.: Ionian Cities of Western Asia Minor Revolt...492 B.C.: Punitive Expedition Shipwrecked at Mt. Athos...490 B.C.:
Darius Crosses Hellespont; Battle of Marathon
Xerxes I (485 – 465 B.C.)
= "Ahasuerus" of Esther, Ezra 4:6... “Now in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.” (NASB)
480 B.C.: War with Greece Stepped Up (?Daniel 11:2..."And now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia. Then a fourth will gain far more riches than all {of them;} as soon as he becomes strong through his riches, he will arouse the whole {empire} against the realm of Greece." (NASB))...Battle of Thermopylae; Athens Burned...Battle of Salamis: Persians Defeated in Naval Battle
Killed in Palace Revolt
Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465 – 425 B.C.)
460 B.C.: Revolt in Egypt Aided by Athens...Megabysus: Persian General who Quelled Revolt...Megabysus Began Satrap, Revolted; Later Restored
449 B.C.: Peace of Callias with Greece
Arrival of Ezra and Nehemiah in Jerusalem
Things in the Persian Empire began to change around 455 B.C. Artaxerxes I needed to strengthen his position against Egypt, thus stability in Palestine was important to him. The desire for stability caused the king to interest himself in the affairs of the Jews. Nehemiah’s request in 445 B.C. to fortify Jerusalem was seen by the government as a step towards political/military stability in the region.
The Reforms of Nehemiah and Ezra, 445 – 425 B.C.
The Chronological Problem
Traditional Dating: Ezra: Ezra 7:7 - 7th Year of Artaxerxes (I?) = 458 B.C., Nehemiah: Nehemiah 2:1 - 20th Year of Artaxerxes I, Only Artaxerxes I had 20 Years, Therefore Firm = 445/444 B.C.
Alternative Dating: Nehemiah Preceded Ezra, Ezra 7:7 = 7th Year of Artaxerxes II, i.e., 398 B.C.
Ezra: Ezra 7:1 – 10:16, Nehemiah 8:1 – 10:36
Priest and Scribe:
Ezra 7:1 – 5..."Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, {there went up} Ezra son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest." (NASB)
Nehemiah 12:26..."These {served} in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest {and} scribe." (NASB)
The Return to Jerusalem: Ezra 7 – 8
Religious Reform: Ezra 9 – 10
Reading of Law: Nehemiah 8 – 10
Nehemiah 1:1 – 7:4; 11:1 – 13:30
Commissioned Governor by Artaxerxes: 445 B.C.: Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:10
Rebuilds the Walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 2:11 – 7:4; 11 – 12
Nehemiah's 2nd Visit/Administration in Jerusalem: 13:1 – 30
Traditional Dating: Ezra: Ezra 7:7 - 7th Year of Artaxerxes (I?) = 458 B.C., Nehemiah: Nehemiah 2:1 - 20th Year of Artaxerxes I, Only Artaxerxes I had 20 Years, Therefore Firm = 445/444 B.C.
Alternative Dating: Nehemiah Preceded Ezra, Ezra 7:7 = 7th Year of Artaxerxes II, i.e., 398 B.C.
Ezra: Ezra 7:1 – 10:16, Nehemiah 8:1 – 10:36
Priest and Scribe:
Ezra 7:1 – 5..."Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, {there went up} Ezra son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest." (NASB)
Nehemiah 12:26..."These {served} in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest {and} scribe." (NASB)
The Return to Jerusalem: Ezra 7 – 8
Religious Reform: Ezra 9 – 10
Reading of Law: Nehemiah 8 – 10
Nehemiah 1:1 – 7:4; 11:1 – 13:30
Commissioned Governor by Artaxerxes: 445 B.C.: Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:10
Rebuilds the Walls of Jerusalem: Nehemiah 2:11 – 7:4; 11 – 12
Nehemiah's 2nd Visit/Administration in Jerusalem: 13:1 – 30
Relationships between the Jews and Samaritans continued to worsen. The Samaritans accepted the Pentateuch only (not the Prophets and Writings). The Jews in Jerusalem rejected the Samaritans as heterodox and did not welcome them into the temple community. By 350 B.C., the two peoples were probably so far apart that no reunion was any longer possible. It is possible that the book of Judith has connections with the last Persian wars in the time of Artaxerxes III. The legend it recounts may go back to special treatment shown to Judah during the king’s punitive expeditions. Strong and lasting cultural bonds between Persians and Jews are seen in books such as Tobit, Esther, and Daniel. The period of 587 – 538 B.C. provided the setting of the book of Daniel. The time of Xerxes I (486 – 465 B.C.) provided the setting of the book of Esther. Greek culture was already making an impact on the Jews well before Alexander.
The Jews in The Late Persian Period, 424 – 330 B.C.
Darius II Nothus (424 – 407 B.C.): Contact with Elephantine Jews
Artaxerxes II (407 – 361 B.C.): Major Egyptian Revolt, Failed Rebellion by Younger Brother Cyrus, Used 10,000 Greek Mercenaries, Recounted in Xenophon's Anabasis
Artaxerxes III (361 – 338 B.C.): Put Down Many Local Rebellions, Judith may Reject Palestine During Egyptian Campaign
Darius III (338 – 331 B.C.): Last Achaemenid King
Artaxerxes II (407 – 361 B.C.): Major Egyptian Revolt, Failed Rebellion by Younger Brother Cyrus, Used 10,000 Greek Mercenaries, Recounted in Xenophon's Anabasis
Artaxerxes III (361 – 338 B.C.): Put Down Many Local Rebellions, Judith may Reject Palestine During Egyptian Campaign
Darius III (338 – 331 B.C.): Last Achaemenid King
Persian Religion
1) Zoroastrianism: Indo-Aryan Roots; Related to Hinduism, Zoroaster (Greek spelling)/Zarathushtra (Avestan name), Theological Ideas
Zoroaster (Greek spelling)/Zarathushtra...7th Century B.C.?...Preached Worship of Ahuramazda, "the Wise Lord", Opposed by Angra Mainyu & Host = Daevas, Helped by Angels, Revealed to Zoroaster through Angel, Ethical Demands,
Theological Ideas...Resurrection and Judgement , After Death, Trial by Fire; Apocalypticism, Heaven and Hell, Satan/Demons vs. Angels, Devolved to Complex Dualism & Polytheism in Persian Period, Avesta = Main Body of Zoroastrian Scriptures
2.) Mithras (= Hindu Mitras)
Zoroaster (Greek spelling)/Zarathushtra...7th Century B.C.?...Preached Worship of Ahuramazda, "the Wise Lord", Opposed by Angra Mainyu & Host = Daevas, Helped by Angels, Revealed to Zoroaster through Angel, Ethical Demands,
Theological Ideas...Resurrection and Judgement , After Death, Trial by Fire; Apocalypticism, Heaven and Hell, Satan/Demons vs. Angels, Devolved to Complex Dualism & Polytheism in Persian Period, Avesta = Main Body of Zoroastrian Scriptures
2.) Mithras (= Hindu Mitras)
Judaism in The Persian Period
Jews in Egypt: The Elephantine Papyri
Aramaic Documents from Island in Nile Near 1st Cataract
Archives of Jewish Garrison There in 5th - 4th centuries B.C.
Contracts, Deeds, Letters Show Economic, Religious Life...Reveal the Existence of a Jewish Temple to "Yaho"...Destroyed in 411 B.C. by Fanatical Egyptians...Letter Requested Permission to Rebuild, 407 B.C....Show Mixed Marriages and Religious Syncretism...Ostraca Mention Sabbath Observance and Passover
Religious Developments in Judaism in Persian Period:
1. Development of Strict Monotheism
2. Increased Emphasis on the Law
3. Development of Role/Office of Scribes
4. Formation of the Synagogue as Center of Jewish Life
5. Offices of Monarch and Prophet Disappeared
6. Emphasis on High Priesthood
7. Sanhedrin (Religious Council) Developed
8. Development of Exclusivism (Ezra 9 – 10; Nehemiah 13:1 – 3, 23 –29)
9. The Samaritan Schism (Ezra 4:1 – 3; Nehemiah 4:7 – 23)
10. Theological Developments: Resurrection and Afterlife, Complex System of Angels/Demons, Messianic Expectations
Aramaic Documents from Island in Nile Near 1st Cataract
Archives of Jewish Garrison There in 5th - 4th centuries B.C.
Contracts, Deeds, Letters Show Economic, Religious Life...Reveal the Existence of a Jewish Temple to "Yaho"...Destroyed in 411 B.C. by Fanatical Egyptians...Letter Requested Permission to Rebuild, 407 B.C....Show Mixed Marriages and Religious Syncretism...Ostraca Mention Sabbath Observance and Passover
Religious Developments in Judaism in Persian Period:
1. Development of Strict Monotheism
2. Increased Emphasis on the Law
3. Development of Role/Office of Scribes
4. Formation of the Synagogue as Center of Jewish Life
5. Offices of Monarch and Prophet Disappeared
6. Emphasis on High Priesthood
7. Sanhedrin (Religious Council) Developed
8. Development of Exclusivism (Ezra 9 – 10; Nehemiah 13:1 – 3, 23 –29)
9. The Samaritan Schism (Ezra 4:1 – 3; Nehemiah 4:7 – 23)
10. Theological Developments: Resurrection and Afterlife, Complex System of Angels/Demons, Messianic Expectations