The Intertestamental Period: A Bridge between the Old and New Testaments

What is the Intertestamental Period?

The intertestamental period, also known as the second temple period, refers to the several centuries between the completion of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. This period was a time of significant religious, cultural, and political changes that laid the groundwork for the emergence of Christianity.

Jewish Life during the Intertestamental Period

Following the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to Judea and rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. They were initially ruled by the Persian Empire and later by the Seleucid Empire. During the Seleucid period, religious persecution sparked the Maccabean Revolt, which led to the establishment of an independent Jewish kingdom under the Hasmonean dynasty.

Religious Developments

The intertestamental period saw the rise of several religious movements within Judaism, including the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees emphasized oral traditions and the resurrection of the dead, while the Sadducees strictly adhered to the written law. Other sects included the Essenes and the Zealots.

Literary Developments

The intertestamental period produced a number of significant literary works, including the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and Dead Sea Scrolls. These texts provide valuable insights into Jewish thought and beliefs during this period.

Political Developments

In 63 BC, Judea came under Roman rule. The Romans gradually increased their authority, leading to tensions with the Jewish people. In 6 AD, the Roman province of Judea was established, and direct Roman administration began. This led to the Jewish Revolt (66-70 AD) and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

The intertestamental period was a time of profound change for the Jewish people. Religious, cultural, and political developments during this period shaped the context in which Christianity emerged and laid the groundwork for the New Testament.