We continue our discussion of the Intertestamental Period.
142-63 B.C. was largely a period of freedom, but by 63 B.C., Israel fell to Roman rule and conquest following internal divisions within the Hasmonean dynasty. We are familiar with Julius Caesar through Shakespeare and historical studies. We read of the “Triumvirate” wherein power was shared, included General Pompei.
Following continuing disrest in Palestine brought the Romans to the land Pompei will be the Roman general that conquers and invades Israel and Jerusalem in 63 B.C. Previously, the Israelites had been paying taxes to the Greeks. Now they must pay taxes to the Romans.
About 40 B.C., an Idumean chieftain is appointed as the local king. Herod the Great is his name. He was an Idumean by birth and a proselyte to Judaism. He rules form 37 to 4 B.C.
He is a puppet king of Rome, installed by Octavius Augustus (Caesar Augustus) and Mark Antony—of later fame with Cleopatra.
He builds a Herodian dynasty, serves Rome obediently and engages in numerous building projects. He inaugurates the building of the Second Temple in 20 B.C., establishes numerous 
palaces for himself—one at Masada, builds a port and famous resort site a Caesarea[1] as well as the Herodium, the suggested site of his burial.
palaces for himself—one at Masada, builds a port and famous resort site a Caesarea[1] as well as the Herodium, the suggested site of his burial. The picture to the right is a model of Herod's Temple.
On the basis of these projects, he earns the sobriquet “The Great,” or “Herod the Great.”
Conversely, he becomes known for being egomaniacal, proud, envious and distrustful going so far as to murder some of his own children. One story pertains to a Jew who said it “was safer to be born a pig than be one of Herod’s children.”
Conversely, he becomes known for being egomaniacal, proud, envious and distrustful going so far as to murder some of his own children. One story pertains to a Jew who said it “was safer to be born a pig than be one of Herod’s children.”
When the New Testament opens with the preaching of John the Baptist, Israel is groaning under foreign rule and waiting for Messiah’s arrival.
The picture to the immediate right is the Herodium, the site where Flavius Josephus identifies as Herod's burial site.
Further questions to close this lecture.
(1) Summarize the facts from the closing of the book of Malachi until the time of John the Baptist’s ministry.
(2) As we proceed to the Lucan canticles, how can we summarize the spirit of anticipation for Messiah’s arrival? Zacharias, Simeon, Mary, Elizabeth, Anna?
(3) Who are the participants of the Herodian dynasty beyond Herod the Great?
(4) How and where does this fit in the Anglican and Lutheran liturgical calendar? What texts are used?
(5) How does the First Advent apply to the Second Advent?
(6) Where and what books, non-canonical books, were written during this four hundred year
period of canonical silence? (7) What is Herod the Great’s role in the massacre of children in Matthew 2?
The photo to the right are the areas held by Herod the Great.
Part Five hereat ends.
Footnote:
[1] A town that Paul would visit and place where the famous church historian, Eusebius, would reside and conduct scholarly inquiry.
[1] A town that Paul would visit and place where the famous church historian, Eusebius, would reside and conduct scholarly inquiry.
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