SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD
This class briefed us for our walking tour this morning (Friday). The second Temple Period begins at the destruction of the first temple in 586 BC and ends at the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. The second temple was built by Hezzekiah and greatly remodelled by Herod. With a Temple re-established in Jerusalem there was now a focal point for Jews. Pilgrimage was again possible. Many Jewish families were able to migrate toward the Holy Land and make a spiritual pilgrimage.
Sacrifices were re-instituted as was the priestly class to serve the Temple. The scattered Jews had established synagogues as places of learning, health, gathering, community and prayer. The holy scriptures have begun to be written and studied which is the beginning of rabbinic Judaism. The culture is strong with both the support of the local synagogue and the central Temple.
Meanwhile, the Greeks have conquered the Persians and sent them running. Alexander the Great has conquered the Greeks and Jerusalem. After Alexander’s death the kingdom is split into two parts ruled
by Egypt in the south and by Lebanon in the north. The southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem) enjoyed a consistent dynasty of the Hasmonian family. Religious life and political life are fused into one.
Then the Roman Empire arose and took power of the entire Mediterranean region including Judah which became a province. The Roman trademark was to introduce Roman culture into every aspect of life using Roman art, entertainment, food, and leisure. It also used local leaders to do Rome’s bidding and so was found Herod, a Jew, who ruled from Caesarea Philippi in the northern Galilee region. Herod remained in power for 40 years a remarkable accomplishment.
Herod built ferociously including the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Upon his death his sons took over but did such a poor job that the local Jewish population asked for a Roman gove
rnor. The first governor sent by Rome was Pontius Pilate. Of course he presided over some of the proceedings of Jesus’ trial and eventual execution on a cross.
In 70 AD the Romans put down a Jewish revolt and destroyed everything they could including the second temple. The residents were either killed or dispersed through the empire.
Sacrifices were re-instituted as was the priestly class to serve the Temple. The scattered Jews had established synagogues as places of learning, health, gathering, community and prayer. The holy scriptures have begun to be written and studied which is the beginning of rabbinic Judaism. The culture is strong with both the support of the local synagogue and the central Temple.
Meanwhile, the Greeks have conquered the Persians and sent them running. Alexander the Great has conquered the Greeks and Jerusalem. After Alexander’s death the kingdom is split into two parts ruled
by Egypt in the south and by Lebanon in the north. The southern kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem) enjoyed a consistent dynasty of the Hasmonian family. Religious life and political life are fused into one.Then the Roman Empire arose and took power of the entire Mediterranean region including Judah which became a province. The Roman trademark was to introduce Roman culture into every aspect of life using Roman art, entertainment, food, and leisure. It also used local leaders to do Rome’s bidding and so was found Herod, a Jew, who ruled from Caesarea Philippi in the northern Galilee region. Herod remained in power for 40 years a remarkable accomplishment.
Herod built ferociously including the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Upon his death his sons took over but did such a poor job that the local Jewish population asked for a Roman gove
rnor. The first governor sent by Rome was Pontius Pilate. Of course he presided over some of the proceedings of Jesus’ trial and eventual execution on a cross.In 70 AD the Romans put down a Jewish revolt and destroyed everything they could including the second temple. The residents were either killed or dispersed through the empire.
posted by Philip | 2:43 p.m.
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