““How We Got Our Bible”How We Got Our Bible”Jewish HistoryJewish History

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Stephen E. LaFleur, ThDStephen E. LaFleur, ThD

Copyright 2001Copyright 2001All Rights ReservedAll Rights Reserved

Jewish HistoryJewish History

A Nation Unique in History – God’s Chosen PeopleA Nation Unique in History – God’s Chosen People

No other nation has same period of culture, religion, etc.No other nation has same period of culture, religion, etc. Same Rabbinical law, regardless of what country they are inSame Rabbinical law, regardless of what country they are in 40 years of wandering in the dessert with a tent for a 40 years of wandering in the dessert with a tent for a center of worshipcenter of worship Masada story is unique to historyMasada story is unique to history God’s providence was shown time and time again through God’s providence was shown time and time again through

history history Jewish History is a picture of Bible Prophecy fulfilledJewish History is a picture of Bible Prophecy fulfilled

Birth of Nation - Genesis 12Birth of Nation - Genesis 12 Joseph – Moses – Promised LandJoseph – Moses – Promised Land Period of JudgesPeriod of Judges MonarchyMonarchy Civil War - Split between North and SouthCivil War - Split between North and South

Three Periods of Jewish HistoryThree Periods of Jewish History

The Formation of JudaismThe Formation of Judaism 400 BC – 500 AD 400 BC – 500 AD

Jewish History and DevelopmentsJewish History and Developments 500 – 500 – 1800 AD1800 AD

Modern Judaism 1800 ADModern Judaism 1800 AD – present – present

The Formation of JudaismThe Formation of Judaism

Reasons for the Babylonian ExileReasons for the Babylonian Exile Polluted religion, sins of the people, idol worship, God’s judgmentPolluted religion, sins of the people, idol worship, God’s judgment “ “Hear of Israel, The Lord our God is One” – one GodHear of Israel, The Lord our God is One” – one God No Temple worship – no sacrifice – no central point of worshipNo Temple worship – no sacrifice – no central point of worship

Developments during the ExileDevelopments during the Exile Development of synagogueDevelopment of synagogue Learning continuesLearning continues Schools Develop – Babylonian TalmudSchools Develop – Babylonian Talmud Daniel’s Prophecy of the futureDaniel’s Prophecy of the future 539 Babylon Fell 539 Babylon Fell Cyrus was King who decreed the returnCyrus was King who decreed the return

Returning from Babylonian CaptivityReturning from Babylonian Captivity EzraEzra NehemiahNehemiah

Shift in PowerShift in Power333 BC Alexander the Great comes to power333 BC Alexander the Great comes to power331 BC took control over land of Israel331 BC took control over land of IsraelForce Greek culture on People – HellenismForce Greek culture on People – HellenismAssimilation vs TraditionAssimilation vs TraditionChariot races, gymnasiums, bath houses, market placeChariot races, gymnasiums, bath houses, market place

Struggle over the EmpireStruggle over the Empire323 BC – divided empire – four generals323 BC – divided empire – four generalsPtolemy - EgyptPtolemy - EgyptAntiochus Epiphanes – Syrian – at war with EgyptAntiochus Epiphanes – Syrian – at war with EgyptAntiochus – need to raise money for war Antiochus – need to raise money for war 168 BC attacks Jerusalem for its monetary value, sacks the 168 BC attacks Jerusalem for its monetary value, sacks the

TempleTemple““Abomination of Desolation”Abomination of Desolation”

Temple dedicated to ZeusTemple dedicated to ZeusStatue of Zeus erected on Alter of Inner TempleStatue of Zeus erected on Alter of Inner TempleDaily swine sacrificesDaily swine sacrificesSabbath Day worship/regulations forbiddenSabbath Day worship/regulations forbiddenCircumcision forbiddenCircumcision forbidden

Revolt from the Syrian YokeRevolt from the Syrian Yoke Maccabees (hammer) Mattathias led revoltMaccabees (hammer) Mattathias led revolt Hanukkah (feast of light)Hanukkah (feast of light) Restored workship, temple reconsecratedRestored workship, temple reconsecrated Freedoms came as Syria weakened Freedoms came as Syria weakened The Roman Period began in 66 BC with entrance to DamascusThe Roman Period began in 66 BC with entrance to Damascus Rome rule over Judea – HerodRome rule over Judea – Herod

Various Jewish FactionsVarious Jewish FactionsZealots – political minded, God was with their cause, militantZealots – political minded, God was with their cause, militantEssenes – problem with religious leaders, corruption in temple,Essenes – problem with religious leaders, corruption in temple,

Dead Sea scrolls (light vs darkness), ritual bathsDead Sea scrolls (light vs darkness), ritual bathsPharisees – “Pharisees – “SeparatistsSeparatists” teachers – started right but became ” teachers – started right but became

corruptcorruptSaducees – leaders who adopted Hellenistic culture and worked Saducees – leaders who adopted Hellenistic culture and worked

closer with Romans. They had the political clout.closer with Romans. They had the political clout.

The Time of the MessiahThe Time of the Messiah People expected Messiah to conquer RomePeople expected Messiah to conquer Rome Early Christianity was seen as part of Judaism - Early Christianity was seen as part of Judaism -

NazarenesNazarenes Gospel of peace was preached rather than violenceGospel of peace was preached rather than violence He was taken in the middle of the night – why?He was taken in the middle of the night – why?

The Destruction of the Temple The Destruction of the Temple 62 AD Jews deprived of their citizenship by Rome62 AD Jews deprived of their citizenship by Rome Caesarea was site of Roman ruleCaesarea was site of Roman rule Rome sacked Jerusalem in 66 ADRome sacked Jerusalem in 66 AD Zealots took over control of city and Zealots took over control of city and defeated Romans outside of citydefeated Romans outside of city Vespasian decided to put down revolt Vespasian decided to put down revolt after Roman garrison wiped outafter Roman garrison wiped out 68 AD Nero committed suicide68 AD Nero committed suicide 70 AD Temple sacked (Matt. 24)70 AD Temple sacked (Matt. 24) 73 AD Story of Masada told by Josephus73 AD Story of Masada told by Josephus

The Council of Javne The Council of Javne (yav-ne)(yav-ne) 70- 90 AD Task of reestablishing Judaism70- 90 AD Task of reestablishing Judaism Religion w/o sacrificeReligion w/o sacrifice All current practices are from this timeAll current practices are from this time Torah stored in cabinet with perpetual light onTorah stored in cabinet with perpetual light on Symbol of temple with veil and crown. Torah removed, kissed, Symbol of temple with veil and crown. Torah removed, kissed, then readthen read Nazarenes were official condemned as traitorsNazarenes were official condemned as traitors 18 benedictions are read. 19th benediction added as a curse18 benedictions are read. 19th benediction added as a curse to Nazarenesto Nazarenes Jewish Rabbinic LiteratureJewish Rabbinic Literature Septuagint text condemned and Masoretic text acceptedSeptuagint text condemned and Masoretic text accepted Rabbi Akiva – Codification of Law (Talmud)Rabbi Akiva – Codification of Law (Talmud) Six Orders of Midrash establishedSix Orders of Midrash established Oral Law vs. Written Law - according to tradition, both given to Oral Law vs. Written Law - according to tradition, both given to

MosesMoses Talmud is made up of Oral Law - traditions that put law into Talmud is made up of Oral Law - traditions that put law into

practicepractice Talmud applies Bible to Jewish peopleTalmud applies Bible to Jewish people Mishna completed by 200 ADMishna completed by 200 AD

Life in GalileeLife in Galilee Jerusalem not conducive to studyJerusalem not conducive to study Center of Jewish learning shifted to GalileeCenter of Jewish learning shifted to Galilee 132 AD Revolt from Hadrian led by Simon132 AD Revolt from Hadrian led by Simon Rabbi Akiva backs Simon as the Messiah in revolt – Rabbi Akiva backs Simon as the Messiah in revolt – 1,000,000 died1,000,000 died Jewish believers pulled out of conflict after SimonJewish believers pulled out of conflict after Simon called Messiahcalled Messiah

138 – 168 AD After revolt was settled, study 138 – 168 AD After revolt was settled, study becamebecame

important to Jewish peopleimportant to Jewish people 200- 300 AD Peace in the land200- 300 AD Peace in the land More Jews lived in Babylon and Egypt than in Israel More Jews lived in Babylon and Egypt than in Israel Come to Israel for study, ordination, then return to Come to Israel for study, ordination, then return to their hometheir home Babylonian Talmud began to take precedent overBabylonian Talmud began to take precedent over all othersall others

Emperor ConstantineEmperor Constantine Decided to become Christian 311 BC after seeing Decided to become Christian 311 BC after seeing

visionvision Political move - Christianity became State Religion – Political move - Christianity became State Religion – It was politically expedientIt was politically expedient Everyone become “so-called” ChristianEveryone become “so-called” Christian Heresy introduced into churchHeresy introduced into church Became known as “catholic” churchBecame known as “catholic” church

Council of NiceaCouncil of Nicea 325 BC Meeting to sort out differences but 325 BC Meeting to sort out differences but alienated Judaismalienated Judaism Nothing in common with Jews – “detestable Nothing in common with Jews – “detestable company of Jews”company of Jews” New official church policy – Jews are enemies of New official church policy – Jews are enemies of

ChristiansChristians Anti-semiticism became church policyAnti-semiticism became church policy

Jewish History and DevelopmentsJewish History and Developments500 – 1800 AD500 – 1800 AD

The Rise of IslamThe Rise of Islam The Leader is Born 570 ADThe Leader is Born 570 AD Mohammed – self taught camel boyMohammed – self taught camel boy Learned about Jewish and Christian ideas through travelLearned about Jewish and Christian ideas through travel 610 angel appeared – foundation of Islam610 angel appeared – foundation of Islam Began in Mecca – finally thrown out and goes to Medina Began in Mecca – finally thrown out and goes to Medina Began to preach tolerance – became acceptableBegan to preach tolerance – became acceptable 624 AD Gained control of Medina624 AD Gained control of Medina 630 AD Returned to Mecca with sabers630 AD Returned to Mecca with sabers 635 AD Damascus635 AD Damascus 636 AD Syria636 AD Syria 637 AD Into Europe637 AD Into Europe Charles the Hammer (Southern France) stopped flow into EuropeCharles the Hammer (Southern France) stopped flow into Europe Babylon became stronghold and no longer hospitable to JewsBabylon became stronghold and no longer hospitable to Jews 1038 AD Jewish center of learning moved to Spain1038 AD Jewish center of learning moved to Spain

Great Leader EmergesGreat Leader Emerges““Rambam” one of the great theological leaders of JudaismRambam” one of the great theological leaders of Judaism 10th chapter of Sanhedrin – 13 Creeds of Judaism –10th chapter of Sanhedrin – 13 Creeds of Judaism – practiced todaypracticed today Did not believe God could become man - Trinity did not Did not believe God could become man - Trinity did not

existexist Taught that Jesus and Mohammed laid ground for Messiah Taught that Jesus and Mohammed laid ground for Messiah to cometo come Tolerant toward Jewish people and Christians (anyone Tolerant toward Jewish people and Christians (anyone

whowho believes in Jesus)believes in Jesus)

Rashi 1040 – 1105 ADRashi 1040 – 1105 AD Another famous scholar but was intolerant of ChristiansAnother famous scholar but was intolerant of Christians Jews became hardened against the Gospel because of Jews became hardened against the Gospel because of his teachingshis teachings Crusades began in 1096 AD -St. Bernard saved JewsCrusades began in 1096 AD -St. Bernard saved Jews from deathfrom death 1492 AD Jews Expelled from Spain -Jews settled all over 1492 AD Jews Expelled from Spain -Jews settled all over Eastern/Western Europe Eastern/Western Europe Traditional Orthodox Judaism everywhereTraditional Orthodox Judaism everywhere

The French ConnectionThe French Connection

French RevolutionFrench Revolution Storming of the BastilleStorming of the BastilleRise of middle class “freedom for all men”Rise of middle class “freedom for all men” (including Jews)(including Jews)Napoleon saw the Jews as valuable alliesNapoleon saw the Jews as valuable alliesMade a deal – welcome here if you give up Made a deal – welcome here if you give up your right to Israelyour right to IsraelJews allowed to attend school, become Jews allowed to attend school, become professionals, mingle in societyprofessionals, mingle in societyRift between the traditional Jews and Rift between the traditional Jews and Reformed Reformed

JudaismJudaismNew system of worship called Conservative New system of worship called Conservative

Judaism (combined)Judaism (combined)Assimilation led to Hitler ideologyAssimilation led to Hitler ideology

Modern JudaismModern Judaism 1800 AD – present1800 AD – present

Anti-Semitism in EuropeAnti-Semitism in Europe Traditions vs Reformed led to Conservative JudaismTraditions vs Reformed led to Conservative Judaism Background that shaped current day thinkingBackground that shaped current day thinking Anti-Semetic refers to descendents of Shem through AbrahamAnti-Semetic refers to descendents of Shem through Abraham 1918, 1932 Jewish Massacres1918, 1932 Jewish Massacres Charges that Jews killed children and used blood for matzaCharges that Jews killed children and used blood for matza 1933 – 1939 Anti-Semetic grows throughout Europe1933 – 1939 Anti-Semetic grows throughout Europe Families moved from country to country because ofFamilies moved from country to country because of forced relocation by host countriesforced relocation by host countries Nation of farmers slowly became professionalsNation of farmers slowly became professionals The “The “Protocols of the Elders of ZionProtocols of the Elders of Zion” – ” – Published by Russian newspaper late 1800’sPublished by Russian newspaper late 1800’s

Minutes of meeting of Jews to take over world – fueled anti-Minutes of meeting of Jews to take over world – fueled anti-semeticsemetic Actually was an old play written 60 years earlierActually was an old play written 60 years earlier 1932 – court ruled the article as a lie but public opinion 1932 – court ruled the article as a lie but public opinion prevailedprevailed

The Dreyfus AffairThe Dreyfus Affair Alfred Dreyfus accused of selling secrets by French Alfred Dreyfus accused of selling secrets by French

courtcourt Sent to Devil’s Island but later releasedSent to Devil’s Island but later released Theodore Hertzel – reporter “If France can railroad Theodore Hertzel – reporter “If France can railroad

person person because they are Jewish, Jews need own because they are Jewish, Jews need own

homeland”homeland”

ZionismZionism 1860 – First discussion of possible home1860 – First discussion of possible home 1861 – Zion society formed1861 – Zion society formed 1884 – First Conference of Lovers of Zion1884 – First Conference of Lovers of Zion 1897 – Hertzel named President of Lovers of Zion1897 – Hertzel named President of Lovers of Zion 1901 – Hertzel meets with Sultan of Arabia to plead 1901 – Hertzel meets with Sultan of Arabia to plead

casecase Movement brewing for return to land of IsraelMovement brewing for return to land of Israel First return from the East- Russia (Fiddler on the First return from the East- Russia (Fiddler on the

Roof)Roof) Western Jews were not pressured to returnWestern Jews were not pressured to return

Foreign InterventionForeign InterventionThe TurksThe Turks Turkish empire controlled “Palestine” Turkish empire controlled “Palestine” Word originates from the Romans Word originates from the Romans

The BritishThe British After WW I, Palestine became part of After WW I, Palestine became part of British territoryBritish territory 1917 – The Balfor Declaration “states desire1917 – The Balfor Declaration “states desire to help Jews regain homeland”to help Jews regain homeland” Political moves – different stories were told Political moves – different stories were told to Jews vs. Arabsto Jews vs. Arabs Nothing done to help Jews regain landNothing done to help Jews regain land

Extermination of Jews 1941 – 1945Extermination of Jews 1941 – 1945 PopulationPopulation DiedDied

Germany Germany 250,000 180,000 250,000 180,000DenmarkDenmark 6,000 100 6,000 100Holland Holland 140,000 140,000 104,000 104,000Belgium Belgium 85,000 28,000 85,000 28,000France France 300,000 65,000 300,000 65,000 GreeceGreece 67,000 60,000 67,000 60,000Italy Italy 120,000 9,000 120,000 9,000Yugoslavia 70,000 58,000Yugoslavia 70,000 58,000Bulgaria Bulgaria 48,000 30,000 48,000 30,000Romania Romania 1,000,000 750,0001,000,000 750,000Hungary Hungary 710,000 710,000

200,000 200,000 Austria Austria 70,000 60,000 70,000 60,000 Czech Czech 81,000 61,000 81,000 61,000Poland Poland 3,000,000 3,000,000

2.600,0002.600,000Lithuania 140,000 104,000Lithuania 140,000 104,000Latvia Latvia 100,000 70,000 100,000 70,000 Russia Russia 2,500,000 2,500,000

750,000750,000

WWII and the Jewish PeopleWWII and the Jewish People

PersecutionsPersecutions British locked up fleeing Jewish settlers British locked up fleeing Jewish settlers US policy would not allows Jewish settlementsUS policy would not allows Jewish settlements Ship “St Louis” with Jews refused to dockShip “St Louis” with Jews refused to dock

Return to the Land of IsraelReturn to the Land of Israel 1947 Problems with British instead of Arabs1947 Problems with British instead of Arabs “ “Exodus” survivors turned downExodus” survivors turned down 1948 Declaration of Independence1948 Declaration of Independence

God’s Chosen People –God’s Chosen People – Still Strong After All These Still Strong After All These

YearsYears