BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS

THE PERSIAN PERIOD

539 thru 336 BC

 

            The first year of his reign, Cyrus, the king of Persia, after they had defeated Babylon, freed the Israelites from their captivity, and encouraged them to return to their homeland (Ezra 1). King Darius, Cyrus’ successor, continued his country’s pro-Israel policy. He even threatened to have killed anyone who in any way hindered the Jews from rebuilding their Temple and resettling in their land (Ezra 6). It was at that time that Israel lived in relative peace.

            During this time they developed new religious practices. While in Persia, synagogues sprang up throughout the empire. It was there that the Jews worshipped. Once back in their own country they continued this practice, even after the Temple was completely rebuilt. Priests still performed the required sacrifices in the Temple, while the time spent in the synagogues was dedicated to the study of the Law. When people had questions, instead of going to the priests for answers as had been their custom, they now went to the Scribes, who were the keepers, and teachers of the Law.

            It was also at this time that a religious conflict arose between the Samaritans and the Israelites. Descendants of Israelites who were left behind during the Babylonian exile, Samaritans intermarried with the Babylonians, Syrians, and others. This resulted in a corrupted religion that incorporated elements of pagan worship in their worship of the God of Israel. At the time the Jews were rebuilding their Temple in the Southern Kingdom, the Samaritans built a rival temple in the Northern Kingdom. This caused both religious and ethnic tension between the two groups, which lasted quite a long time. This made it all the more amazing when Jesus took the time to actually speak to the adulterous Samaritan woman (John 4). The Jews considered the Samaritans not to be true Jews, but instead, half-breeds, with which they wished no fellowship. A Jew would actually walk around Samaria instead of walking thru it, so much was their hate for these former countrymen.

            Tomorrow we look at the Hellenistic Period. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary.