The period between the final writings of the Old Testament and the coming of Christ is known as the intertestamental period, spanning from the time of the prophet Malachi (around 400 BC) to the preaching of John the Baptist (about AD 25). During this time, there was no prophetic word from God, leading some to call it the “400 silent years.” Despite this silence, the political, religious, and social dynamics of Israel underwent significant changes. Interestingly, many of these changes had been foretold by the prophet Daniel, as seen in his visions (Daniel 2, 7, 8, 11) which correlate with the historical events of this period.
Israel Under Persian Rule (539–332 BC)
For a significant portion of this period, Israel was under the control of the Persian Empire. The Persians allowed the Jews considerable freedom to practice their religion, and they were even permitted to rebuild the temple and resume worship there (2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4). This era of relative peace, which spanned the final 100 years of the Old Testament and the early years of the intertestamental period, provided stability for the Jewish people. However, this peace would soon be disrupted by a series of transformative events.
Greek Rule and Hellenization
During the intertestamental period, Alexander the Great rose to power and defeated Darius of Persia, establishing Greek rule across much of the known world. Educated by the philosopher Aristotle, Alexander was a proponent of Greek culture and philosophy. He imposed Hellenization, spreading Greek customs and language throughout his empire. This period saw the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek, known as the Septuagint. Most of the Old Testament quotes found in the New Testament come from this translation.
Though Alexander allowed the Jews religious freedom, Greek culture, with its focus on humanism and worldliness, clashed with the values of Israel. The promotion of Greek lifestyles and ideas was spiritually detrimental to the Jewish people.
Rule of Antiochus Epiphanes and the Maccabean Revolt
After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals. Judea eventually came under the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes, a Seleucid king. Antiochus went beyond mere opposition to Judaism—around 167 BC, he desecrated the Jewish temple by sacrificing unclean animals and erecting a pagan altar within its sacred precincts. This sacrilege, foretold by Daniel and referred to by Jesus in Mark 13:14 as a type of abomination, was deeply offensive to the Jews.
In response, Judas Maccabeus and his followers launched a revolt, known as the Maccabean Revolt. They successfully overthrew the Seleucid forces, restored the rightful priests, and purified the temple. However, this period was marked by violence, civil war, and internal strife within the Jewish community.
Roman Occupation and Herod’s Rule
In 63 BC, Pompey of Rome conquered Israel, placing Judea under Roman control. This eventually led to Herod being appointed king of Judea by the Roman emperor and senate. The Roman Empire, known for its oppressive taxation and control, would later play a central role in the life and crucifixion of Jesus. Under Roman rule, Judea became a melting pot of Roman, Greek, and Hebrew cultures, shaping the social and political environment in which Jesus would minister.
Rise of the Pharisees and Sadducees
During the intertestamental period, two influential religious-political groups emerged: the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
The Pharisees were deeply committed to the Law of Moses and developed a vast body of oral traditions meant to interpret and supplement the law. Over time, they elevated these traditions to the same level as Scripture. While Jesus shared some theological agreements with them, He often rebuked their legalism and lack of compassion (Mark 7:1–23).
The Sadducees, in contrast, were a wealthy and aristocratic group. They held power through the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and accepted only the Mosaic books of the Old Testament. They denied the resurrection and other supernatural elements, leaning heavily on Greek philosophical thought.
These groups would go on to have a significant influence during the time of Jesus’ ministry, with the Pharisees often clashing with Jesus over issues of tradition and the law.
Spiritual and Cultural Readiness for the Messiah
The events of the intertestamental period played a crucial role in preparing both the Jewish people and the Gentile world for the coming of the Messiah. By the time of Christ, the Roman, Greek, and Jewish worlds were in a state of spiritual unrest. Many Gentiles, especially the Romans and Greeks, began to question the validity of polytheism and were drawn to the moral teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures, now widely available in Greek and Latin.
Meanwhile, the Jewish people, under foreign occupation and with their religious and political leadership divided, were despondent. They longed for the promised Messiah who would restore their nation and their faith. God was also working behind the scenes—Roman roads and Pax Romana (a period of relative peace) would allow for the rapid spread of the gospel, and the widespread understanding of Koine Greek would ensure that the message could be communicated across the Roman Empire.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The New Testament begins with the breaking of the 400 years of silence through the proclamation of John the Baptist and the arrival of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. His coming was recognized by many, including Gentiles such as the Roman centurion, the wise men, and the Pharisee Nicodemus. These individuals, from various cultural backgrounds, identified Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
In this way, the intertestamental period, though marked by silence and hardship, served to prepare the world for the greatest story ever told—the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, hope was restored not only to the Jewish people but to the entire world, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of old.
