The intertestamental period has been called the silent years, but they are not the “unknown years”
WHILE THE VOICE OF GOD MAY HAVE BEEN SILENT, THE HAND OF GOD WAS NOT INACTIVE
World Powers
Intertestamental period
430-332 BC Jews were under Persian rule.
331-167 BC Jews were under Grecian rule (Alexander the Great) trade language
166-63 BC Jews revolt and gain independence (Mattathias leader)
63-Christ Jews are conquered by Rome (Pompey The Great conquered Palestine) Roads, law & order
63-37 BC First ruler over Judea – (Antipater)
37-3 BC Second ruler over Judea – (Herod the Great)
Religious/Spiritual Atmosphere
The “spiritual leaders” were not very spiritual (Matt 2:4; 3:7; 7:29)
These people groups would make accusations against the Lord (Matthew written to Jews)
Matt 9:3, 34; 12:14; 16:21; 20:18, 19; 21:15; 22:34, 35; 26:3, 4