Notes

The history of the interval between the old and New Testament is often regarded by Bible students as of little importance because no divinely-inspired profits are supposed to have spoken during this during this period. Hence the period is sometimes called "The Silent Centuries."

Get a knowledge of the leading events as well as the literature of the Times is a great follow because they finish a background for the advent and life of Jesus.

For 200 years after the captivity the province of Judea remained Persian rule.

The conquest of Alexander the Great in 330 B.C., not only brought the Jews under Grecian dominion, but also introduced the Greek language and ideas throughout the Ancient world.

After the death of Alexander his Kingdom was divided and there came on a struggle between the Ptolemies Egypt and the monarchs of Syria, which resulted first in the overlordship of Egypt in Judea and later on Syrian rule.

The latter was a dark period in Jewish history especially during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, the Syrian king who committed many outrages against the Jews, sought to establish idolatry in Jerusalem and defiled the Temple.

His wickedness led to the Maccabean revolt, 166 BC, in which the priest Matthias and his sons defeated the Syrians in a series of battles which secured the Independence of the province of Judea.

This was the Foundation of the Asmonean Dynasty which reigned from 166-63 B.C.