67 - Between the Testaments

Introduction of the session focusing on the Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Host: Dana Pike, Professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University.
Joined by colleagues:
- Professor Kent Brown
- Professor D. Kelly Ogden
- Professor Gay Strathearn.

Discussion on the time period from the mid 400s B.C. to the time of Jesus and John the Baptist.
Term used by some Christians: Intertestamental period.
- Significance: Important transition between the Old Testament and the New Testament, providing context for New Testament accounts.

Persian Empire: Dominated the ancient Near East during the early part of this period, specifically Judah.
Alexander the Great: Conquered the Persian Empire, initiating a significant cultural transformation across the region.
Roman Arrival: By 63 B.C., the Romans took control over Syria and Palestine, linking this area to the Eastern Mediterranean as part of the Roman Empire.

Alexander's influence spread Greek culture, language, and ideas, resulting in a Hellenized world.
- Products of Hellenism: Education, music, philosophy, theater, and gymnasiums.
Jewish response to Hellenism: A division arose among Judeans on cultural integration versus maintaining traditional practices.
- Rise of different Jewish sects with varying responses to Greek influence.

Judaism vs. Hellenism: Conflict seen as between traditional conservatism (Judaism) and the adoption of Greek practices and beliefs.
Historical observation of how Israelites historically struggled with pagan influences, now seen through Hellenistic lenses.
Cultural shifts led some Jews to embrace new Greek customs, impacting temple practices and community behaviors.

Antiochus IV: Seleucid king who tried to enforce the worship of Zeus, leading to significant revolt from the Jewish community.
Mattathias: A priest leading the revolt against Hellenistic oppression; founder of the Hasmonean dynasty.
- Notable son: Judah Maccabeus.
- Known as "Maccabeus" (the hammer) for his military prowess in battles against Greek forces.
Maccabean War and Jewish independence:
- Jewish forces regain control of the temple in 164 B.C. leading to the festival of Hanukkah, a celebration of dedication.

Hasmonean dynasty lasts from 164 B.C. until 63 B.C.
Political and religious autonomy previously unattainable since the time of David and Solomon.
- Belief that they would maintain authority until the coming of a new prophet or Messiah.

Transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament features significant religious writings:
- Septuagint: Greek translation of the Old Testament, significant for Greek-speaking Jews and later for Christians.
- Developed due to diaspora needs; contributed to early Christian teachings (Paul’s usage noted).
- Samaritan Pentateuch: Adopts Hebrew texts uniquely, shaping Samaritan identity and scripture study.

Emergence of different sects within Judaism:
- Essene Community: Usually associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls, showcasing a distinct scriptural tradition from mainstream Judaism.
- Pharisees & Sadducees: Two key groups with different interpretations of the Mosaic Law and influences from Hellenism, maintaining separations based on interpretations of purity practices.

Highlight the scrolls as providing crucial insights into Jewish identity and scriptural breadth.
- Contain copies of the Hebrew Bible and other religious texts indicating a broader scripture acceptance among certain Jewish groups.

After Malachi, there was a perceived public absence of prophets until John the Baptist (approximately 400-500 years).
Implications for faith and doctrine among Jewish populations during this interim when prophetic guidance was absent, delineating differences from Latter-day Saint beliefs.

Critical for understanding the context of Jesus's life, ministry, and the spread of early Christianity.
Sets the stage for how these historical and cultural factors influenced the beliefs, practices, and scriptures of both Judaism and emerging Christianity in the first century A.D.