1. Interlude:A Kingdom StoryWaiting for an EndingThe Intertestamental Period

2. Under Pagan Rule • Persian (until 331 B.C.) • Greeks • Alexander (331 – 323 B.C.) • Ptolemies in Egypt (323 – 198 B.C.) • Seleucids in Syria (198 – 142 B.C.)

4. Under Pagan Rule • Persian (until 331 B.C.) • Greeks • Alexander (331 – 323 B.C.) • Ptolemies in Egypt (323 – 198 B.C.) • Seleucids in Syria (198 – 142 B.C.) • Israel’s independence (142 – 63 B.C.) • Rome (63 B.C. – N.T. period)

5. Israel’s Faith • One God • Israel chosen by God • Torah defined Israel’s life • Holy belonged to Israel • Hope for future act of God

6. Growing Tensions • Oppressions and hope • Pagan influence and faithfulness to Torah

7. Growing Hatred • For Gentile oppressors • For compromising Jews

8. Growing Hope • For coming kingdom of God • Differing views • How it would come… • When it would come… • Through whom it would come… • How to live until it came…

9. Unfolding Story • Persian rule: Jewish identity? • Alexander: Threat of Hellenism • Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Revolt • Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and diversified response

10. Diversified Response • Essenes: Withdrawal • Pharisees: Boundary markers • Zealots: Violent revolt • Sadducees: Strategic compromise

11. Unfolding Story • Persian rule: Jewish identity? • Alexander: Threat of Hellenism • Antiochus Epiphanes and Maccabean Revolt • Compromised Jewish rule: Hasmoneans and diversified response • Roman rule and revolt • Israel ready for God’s kingdom

12. End of the Intertestamental Period