-
132
Not another rebellion (doh!)
They tried yet again to revolt. Things didn't turn out so hot. They tried the same tactic and got the same rsults. The remaining Jews were fobidden to read the Torah, observe the Sabbath, or circumcise their sons. And none were allowed to enter Jerusalem. -
164
Antiochus IV
He was a Hellenistic ruler of Syria, which held power over the land of Israel. He tried to gain power using unity, which was unfortunately an improper tactic on his part. Who want's their culture completely obliterated? -
164
Maccabees
Rebels that were led by the Hasmon family, won independence for Israel and ruled. Though the Hasmonean kingdom only lasted until 63 BCE when a Roman gerneral conquered. -
400
Greeks
The Greeks rubbed off a little bit onto the Jews. Rather than their beliefs being unquestioned and ignorant, they "adopted the attitude of scepticism." Though there were still traditionalists. -
430
Ezra
Ezra was a priest and a scribe. She revised and edited the Torah to reveal the hand of good. Possibly these editors who wrote Genesis 1. Ezra also set the reading hours for the Torah scrolls in a public square. And the five books of Moses were accepted as sacred covenant. -
515
Persians
50 years after being exiled, a handful (<50,000) of Jews returned to Jerusalem because the Persian king allowed it. Cyrus, the Persian king, decided to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem. This temple became the central symbol to the scattered Jewish nation. -
Feb 17, 605
Babylonians
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took over the Assyrian Empire and captured Jerusalem. The city was pillaged by the Babylonians and was torched. Many Judaeans were taken to exile in Babylonia, and ewre called Jews. Prophets figured these events to be reasonable punishment by God for Judah's idolatry. -
Feb 17, 722
Assyrians
God allowed the kingdom of Assyria to take over Israel. The Assyrians exiled most of the Israelites. Though some became dispersed within Assyria. This occured in 712 BCE. -
Feb 14, 1002
King David
King David was the second king of Jerusalem. He is remembered as one of the greatest kings. He was choosen by the prophet Samuel. He was the composer of psalms and came to power after Saul died. He made Israel it's capital and kept the Ark of the Covenant there. -
Messiah
Jews heard a rumor that a Messiah would come to rescue the people from their sufferings. Daniel had a vision in which a "son of man" would come on heavenly clouds and, in short, would save followers from their imminent death. Interestingly enough, a close friend of Daniel, Jesus, began to spread the rumor that he himself, was indeed the Messiah. -
Hasmonean Kings
Three sects of Jews formed in Judea. The Sadducees were priests and wealthy businesspeople, and were conservative. Then the Pharisees were more liberal of all classes who studied the Torah for everyday use. And the Essenes, which what I got from the reading, were pretty much a small jewish cult. -
Romans
Roman general was called in from Syria to choose between contenders for the throne. "Well... I might as well run this country myself." The general Pompey thought as he saw all these buffoons fighting amongst one another. -
Zealots
The Jews rebelled against the Romans, decideing to fight with one another rather than against. Unfortunately this didn't work out in their favor. They were killed and lost the battle in 70 CE. -
King Solomon
King Solomon built a temple to store and keep the Ark of the Covenant safe. He, however, built alters to the gods of his wives. God wasn't too happy about that and after Solomon died the Lord divided the kingdom. Now split between the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. The southern kingdom was named Judah.
