DTH005 Introduction to Inter–Testament Period

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1: THE SOCIO-POLITICAL SITUATION DURING INTERTESTAMENT PERIOD

Lecture 1: Theological and Political Conditions of the Jewish Exile Returnees

Lecture 2: Socio – Political Situation of the Jewish People under Succeeding World Empires

Lecture 3: The Religious Aspect of the Inter – Testament Period

UNIT 2:  THE JEWISH SECTERIANISM DURING INTERTEAMENT

Lecture 4: The Origin of the Jewish Sects and Groups of the Inter- Testament Period.

Lecture 5: The Scribes; The Pharisees

Lecture 6: The Sadducees; Essences

Lecture 7: The Herodians; The Zealot

Lecture 8: The Hellenists; The Sanhedrin

UNIT 3: JEWISH LITERATURE DURING INTERTESTAMENT PERIOD

Lecture 9: Jewish Sectarian Literature

Lecture 10: The Rise of Rabbinic Judaism

 UNIT 4: THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT                               

Lecture 11: The Roman Military

Lecture 12: The Roman Political Structure

Lecture 13: The Preparation for Christ

Lecture 14: The Significance of the Inter-testament Period to Christianity

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of the modules, students will be able to acquire:

• Knowledge –

Understand the major topics in Systematic Theology which have been developed through the operations of the church.

• Skills –

Have the ability to relate the Christian doctrines to current life situations to ensure victory unto the end.

-Apply the concepts of Theology in the discussions of religious topics

-Investigate the various concepts and topics to improve upon their application and relevance to everyday life.

• iii. Critical Analysis-

Develop sound arguments in defense of the accepted norms and practices based on the scriptures

-Read, understand and critically engage in more advanced works of Theology including works of major Theologians.

INTRODUCTION

When Assyria conquered the majority of the known world in 721 B.C., it also captured the Northern Kingdom of Israel. But in only a few short decades, the Assyrian Empire had fallen to the Babylonians’ invasion. Under Nebuchadnezzar, Babylonia expanded into a global empire, taking over much of the Assyrian-conquered lands and populations.

When these peoples rebelled against their new rulers, Nebuchadnezzar dealt with them swiftly and brutally. Judah was destroyed in 586 B.C. Although the invading empires served as scourges in the hands of the Lord to chastise disobedient and regressive Israel and Judah, once they had served their purpose, they too came to an abrupt end.

In 562 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar’s ruthless dominion over Babylon came to an end. He was the last great Chaldean emperor, and after his passing, the empire fell quickly. The Babylonians’ own sinfulness hastened their demise. Amil-Marduk (also known as Evil-merodach in 2 Kings 25:27), who ruled for fewer than two years, was Nebuchadnezzar’s successor.

Evil-in-law merodach’s and brother-in-law Neriglissar reigned for just four years. After nine months, Neriglissar’s son Labashi-Murduk was removed from office. From 555 to 539 B.C., the priesthood party’s leader Nabonidus governed for sixteen years, but much of that period was spent in Arabia at the Oasis of Teima. Belshazzar, the son of Nabonidus, was put in charge of the government of Babylon.

Enemies are repelled as long as the forest’s huge stag is upright and powerful. But the wolves charge in for the kill at the first hint of vulnerability. The same is true of empires, and Babylon was in disarray. Predators were standing by. Two nations—the Medes and the Persians—were assuming dominance east and north of the Persian Gulf.

The Median-Persian alliance came together under Cyrus’ leadership and turned their attention to Babylon. The history of the house of Israel and the rest of the globe would be significantly impacted by Cyrus. The significance of this figure was underlined by one historian:

CERTIFICATION

At the end of this course, the student will be entitled to a certification issued from Anchor University, Lagos.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Access this lecture here: Introduction to Inter–Testament Period