The kingdoms of Israel and Judah went through some very painful and agonizing times in their history. More than ever, prophets began to predict the coming of a Savior and King who God would send to HIS people. The leaders of Israel and Judah also began to depict the coming of a Redeemer who would not only save people from their sins; but, also provide the everlasting hope and the righteousness of God. As the years and centuries passed, messianic hope spread and became stronger than ever. In about 536 B.C., Cyrus the Persian gave people the right to return from Babylonian captivity to return to Judah and build their holy temple in Jerusalem. In doing this, the remnants of captivity returned under Zerubbabel, who was the political leader. Joshua was the priestly leader, Ezra was the scribe, and Nehemiah was the prime minister at the court of Shushan, the capital of Persia. This remnant was holy and sought to restore two things. First, worship of the true God in Jerusalem. Second, recreate the political life in Judah which was encouraged by three messengers and prophets of God: Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. These were three great restoration prophets and Zechariah was the greatest by far. Zechariah spoke in detail about Israel, the end of time, and about the conversions of the people who loved the Lord. The last prophet was Malachi who delivered his message during the 25 year period between 450 B.C. and 425 B.C. The long 400 year period between the end of the Old Testament and the start of the New Testament marked a significant rise in the Hellenistic Empire. During the length period, God used Alexander the Great to spread one culture and language through the world. This action provided the basis for people to here the preaching of Christ, everywhere. The Roman Empire and all of its dominance and ugliness also arose during this inter-biblical period. Rome literally had the entire world in her hand under the leadership of Augustus Caesar as Emperor, as great prophesies came to pass. These prophesies came from Isaiah, Micah, Nathan to David, Jacob to his son Judah, and the great promise God made to Eve in the Garden of Eden. The seed progeny of the woman through the seed of Abraham, all the families of the earth were not only blessed but our Savior (Jesus Christ) was born into the world. Jesus came to redeem the world from the fallen estate. Come and join me in the next article which continues with Christ's teaching and the preaching of Paul. May the God of Peace bless and watch over you always! Live and be the example that God "knows you can be!"
Author:
