196 Thrive Deeper: The Inter-Testamental Period

The intertestamental period, also known as the "400 Silent Years," spans roughly from the time of Nehemiah to the time of Christ, about 430 years. This era is significant in Jewish history as it saw the rise of Hellenistic Judaism and is roughly contiguous with the Second Temple period. During this time, while prophecy may have ceased, Israel was anything but silent and God was very much active. The region witnessed numerous conquests and reconquests, significantly shaping Jewish thought. This period also saw the creation of a vast amount of Jewish literature, including the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. These works, though not part of the canonical Jewish Bible, provide valuable insights into Jewish thought and society during this era. The histories of Josephus and the first two books of Maccabees are key historical sources for this period. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has further illuminated our understanding of this era. Despite the challenges, the Jewish people's faith and identity remained resilient, setting the stage for the New Testament era. Understanding this period in Jewish history provides an important context for what we read and hear about at the start of the New Testament.