BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NORTHERN MINE

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF MISSIONS

Paper presented to the discipline of Biblical Theology of Missions, taught by pr
ofessor Arruda Ruth Nelson, as a partial assessment of the 1st semester of 2007,
referring to the 2nd year of Bachelor of Theology.
ANDRE R. E S. 13/06/2007
TIME INTERBÍBLICO
Etymologically, "interbíblico" means "between the Bible," or rather "between the
two Testaments," that is, between the Old and New Testaments as well as find th
emselves today in our Bibles. The book of the prophet Malachi, the last seer of
that period ends with the promise of the Messiah's forerunner (Mal. 4: 4-6 and 3
:1). Matthew 3:1 is the faithful fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi. However
, among the prophecy (Mal 3:1) and its fulfillment (Matt. 3:1), it took no less
than 400 years. The 400-year period interbíblico characterized by cessation of b
iblical revelation, the deep silence in which God stood for his people, because
during this period, no prophet has risen in the name of God. In the silence of t
hose desperate 400 years, the Lord let the efforts of men in addressing the spir
itual problems, to fail, that philosophy is crumbling, that the material power a
bhorrest souls, that immorality religious disillusioned at all, even the most he
arts wicked that corupção champions, reached the brink of depravity, systems and
institutions. In 500-odd years, Jews were beaten, and taken into captivity, his
city had been destroyed, desecrated their temple and knocked down. After hard t
ests passed because, again to Jerusalem, the city rebuilt, rebuilt the Temple, a
nd continued in its brilliant history and upward, whose termination was found in
70 of our era, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. thus showing the man
the futility of such
SOVEREIGNTY Medo-Persian (450-333 BC)
•
The Medium - The Medium is the majestic plateau of Iran, west of the Zagros chai
n, east of Mesopotamia, communing with the Caspian Sea.
Fears are descended from an Iranian group. The founder of the dynasty was Ciaxia
res average (633-BC), who helped to destroy Nabopalassar Nínive.Sucedeu in his s
tead, his son Astyages, whose daughter was betrothed by Cambyses, Cyrus's father
, a vassal of Media.
•
Persia - Persia was at the time Astyages, tax Average. The ancient Persia was si
tuated west of the Persian Gulf, south of Babylon and south of Media.
When Ciaxiares founded the famous dynasty meda, Persia was one of his humble set
tlements. Cambyses of Persia, married the daughter of Astyages Average. Cambyses
, with this marriage, he hoped expand their territories, multiply their treasure
s and increase their power. Nothing happened. The ultimate ambition of Cambyses
was: to increase their territory became a stubbornness to his son Cyrus, which a
ctually became the starting point for their great achievements. The period inter
bíblico represents a tumultuous era, not only for the Jewish people, but to the
world then. After the governments of numerous Assyrians and Chaldeans, the Persi
ans came from the government. As soon as Cyrus came to power in Babylon, she was
shown the Scripture from Isaiah 45, where he is mentioned by name as he was mea
nt to restore the people of Israel. Cyrus was amazed to see his name registered
two hundred years before birth, so in the first year of his administration, gave
orders that the captives, who wished, return to their land, returned the golden
vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away and stimulated all measures to fac
ilitate the return to Judah Thus, in 520, the second year of Darius, a partner o
f Cyrus in the conquest of Babylon, the order was given to the Jews to return to
Palestine. Few returned, because many were already established on earth, doing
good business, preferring to help his brothers and they returned back to them. R
ebuilt the Temple, missing the city walls, which were overthrown. The story of t
he rebuilding of the Temple and the walls is a novel that could only be washed o
ut by the willingness of the Persian government. Artaxerxes (465-425) was the gr
eat monarch of the restoration of the walls. The Persians ruled over Jerusalem f
or two centuries, and this was beneficial for the people of God. In the governme
nt of Artaxerxes Longimanus, there - if the following facts: • Egypt revolted ag
ainst Persia and in several places, defeated the forces of Artaxerxes.
• • •
There is a peace treaty (Calis - 449), by which Persia returns to Cyprus and the
Greek colonies of Asia Minor have achieved their freedom. Division of the Medit
erranean between Greece and Persia. Thus ending the great conflict between the t
wo nations. Syrian riot caused serious trouble to the empire, but honorably Long
imanus pacified the insurgents.
Decline Persian - When Assyrian Empire succeeded the Babylonian; this happened P
ersian Persian and now crumbles and gives way to Macedonian. Many factors contri
buted to the weakening of the Medo-Persian empire. The most prominent was the se
quence: Xerxes II reigned 45 years and was succeeded by Darius Notus. Notus in g
overnment, there were uprisings in various satrapies, Egypt and Lydia, aided by
Greek mercenaries sought to shake off the Persian yoke, and therefore unhappy. A
thens tried to get rid of the Persians, but failing in the assault on Sicily, he
returned to sit back on the wishes of their former taskmasters. Athens violated
the Peace of Callias. Would the proud capital of Helada pursued in their uproot
ed to get rid of the Persians, is a factor (jealousy between Athens and Sparta)
would not disrupt their plans. Apparent weakening of that rivalry, which offers
opportunity to the enemy and rule. Thus Persia maintains its areas in the West.
Artaxerxes II, father's favorite, and Cyrus, protected by his mother, disputed t
he throne. When Artaxerxes was at the ceremony of his coronation, Cyrus looked h
is life, after failing in the coup, fled to his Satrapi in Asia Minor, where Gre
ek mercenaries hired to avenge his brother. Cyrus, in front of 10,000 Greeks mar
ched against the armies of his brother, died in combat and their mercenaries, de
feated retreated. It was signed the Peace of Antálcides (387 BC). Ocus ascended
the throne. Egypt was subdued. Sidon rebelled against Persia, but was completely
destroyed. Appears after the fall of Sidon, a very powerful king in the West (P
hilip of Macedon). Ocus, frightened, sent an army to defend Thrace more or less
in 340 BC Despite efforts Persians, Philip became strong and gaining ground. Whe
n you close your eyes, Ocus, Philip has dominated the West. His successor, Dariu
s (336) witnessed unpleasant facts to the Persians. Dario Codomannus attended th
e funeral of the glories and traditions
of its people. With Philip, the Macedonians have always grown, culminating in th
underous conquests of Alexander. The scepter passes, so from East to West. SUPRE
MACY GRECO-Macedonia (333-323 BC) • Greece - Ancient Greece divided into two gen
eral parts: the northern Hellas, with its capital in Athens and the Peloponnese
in the south, connected to the mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth , with its cap
ital in Sparta. To the east, bounded by the Aegean and the Cyclades islands that
handle communication with Asia. Across the Hellespont, they arrived at their co
lonies in Asia Minor. To the west, the Ionian Islands that put in communication
with Italy. The southern island of Crete, facilitated him the route to Africa. T
o the north, was the famous Macedonian. • Macedonia - It was a small independent
state next to Greece. His people lived apart from the Greeks, and some historia
ns claim they were of a different race. When Athens, Sparta and Thebes in turn w
ere the heyday, in the splendor, Macedonia was no more than a mere colony of sla
ves. There reigned the confusion, anarchy, laziness, therefore the weakness and
misery. Never got to be something. Philippi - First king of Macedonia that glow.
Little is known of his origin and childhood. We found him in Thebes as a hostag
e in the house of Epaminondas, where he received education and learned the art m
ilitary and diplomatic. In Thebes, secretly prepared the young Philip plans for
the uplift of their homeland. The first opportunity came to Macedonia, where he
mastered the situation, stifled the anarchy, organized and powerful army began t
o attack the Illyrians, the Thracians and other peoples by which organized the M
acedonian Phalanx. Immediately, he sent to explore the gold mines of the city of
Philippi. When Chios, Rhodes, Kos and Byzantium revolted against Athens, Philip
valeuse the opportunity to extend the borders of Macedonia to the Aegean Sea. P
hilip now turned his sight to Greece, their primary target. But it was opportuni
stic and cunning. A religious issue, the focídios have plowed a field belonging
to the field of Delphi, the Thessalians forced to fight them. The Greeks and
Thebans were helping Thessalians. In this horrible carnage, Greeks, Thebans, and
focídios Thessalians be decimated, weakened. The focídios were defeated. Philip
took his seat on the board and the hosts seized the plaza Olinto. "With this vi
ctory over the focídios (346), Philip redoubled in boldness and activity, threat
ening Megara, walking triumphantly into Thessaly and Epirus, besieging Byzantium
, and landed on Euboea, and fighting on the Danube, in the countries of the Scyt
hians and Triballi . His illness (he was lame and had lost an eye in the war), t
he numerous wounds forced him to loosen the fast pace of their achievements. The
Athenians careless and negligent,€impassive watched all these exploits of Phili
p. His generals remained indifferent, his speakers were employed by the Macedoni
an. Two men only, and Demosthenes Focion managed to shake the conscience of Athe
nians and Thebans. Met them and united them under a common enthusiasm of patriot
ism to march against Philip, who very recently had added to his domains the stra
tegic point - the Termóphilas. Managed to organize an army of 32,000 men and it
was between Greek and Macedonian, the Battle of Chaeronea (338), which was burie
d in the freedom of Greece. The council hosts named Philip his general against t
he Persians. Philip was preparing to fight in Asia, when he was assassinated, it
is unclear whether under the influence of the Persians or the behest of his wif
e Olympias that just got divorced. He died at 47 years of age. Alexander the Gre
at - was the son of Philip. Brought up at the feet of Aristotle. Always beside h
is father helped him in war plans. Passionate admirer of Homer, dreaming of glor
ies and achievements. They saw him cry one day to hear of the victories of Phili
p: "My father will not let me, because nothing to do." It was a providential man
down and raise empires. Saved the life of his father from the hands of the barb
arians on the Danube. Awarded him the victory of Chaeronea. At age 20, with the
death of his father, assumed the reins of government of Macedonian Empire. Still
young, the downtrodden nations saw this golden opportunity to shake off the Mac
edonian yoke. Triballi, the Getae and Illyrians rose against Alexander. The youn
g general, with incredible celebrity, subdue these rebels. After these brilliant
victories, everyone feared and respected.
When she finally underwent the Illyrians, was hastily summoned to Greece to end
the insurrection. Destroyed the city of Thebes, reducing the middens. The only t
hing that saved it was the home of the poet Pindar. It took just an example. Ath
ens received with cheers and applause, proclaiming its supreme commander in the
wars against the Persians. Wars of Alexander - Fears-Persians were splintered by
many upheavals, riots and anarchy in their domains. Alexander, ahead of 35 000
men, sailed from Pella, his birthplace - taking nothing but hope - landed in Asi
a: he visited the mines of Troy and Achilles' tomb, crowning him with flowers. L
ock up the Granicus battle between Alexander and the Persians. Alexandre taken i
solating Halicarnassus Miletus the Persians from Greece, where there were mercen
aries. Then followed for Phrygia and cut the Gordian Knot, fell and was injured
in Cilicia Tarso.Restabelecido translated the gorges, defeated at Issus, the kin
g of Persia. The mother, wife and children of Darius were treated as if they wer
e the family of the conqueror. Occupied after Syria, then to Phoenicia, spending
seven months in a siege to take Tyre. Gaza has endured, in Egypt, he founded Al
exandria, northwest of the Nile. Rose, quickly went through Syria and Mesopotami
a and attacked Darius in Arbela. The Persians had 900,000 Asians and 30,000 Gree
k mercenaries. Alexander defeated them, then occupied Babylon, Susa, Persepolis,
Ecbatana. Chased Darius, not caught because the Persian king murdered Besso. He
lacked even to conquer Parthia, Hircania, Aria, and Batriana Sodian, countries
whose people was wild and a lover of freedom. Alexander did not fear the deserts
or mountains. It was, winning the hurdles, and dominated the rebels, conquistan
doos for his crown. He undertook also the conquest of India. He spent the Indus
and defeated the Hydaspes and Poros. Wanted to penetrate to the Ganges, but the
soldiers prevented them from advancing. Returning from India, led an expedition
to Media, in which his friend died Eféstião trip. He went to Babylon, where he m
ade a triumphal entry. There, the excesses of his intemperance, has died at 33 y
ears of age. Before expiring, he was asked who was leaving the Empire: "When mos
t worthy" was his reply. He was mourned by all, friends and enemies.
Alexander and the Jews - After the capture of Tyre, Alexander sent messengers to
Jerusalem, ordering the submission of the Jews living together and demanding th
eir army. Jaddua, the High Priest, he sends him and frank retort: "Darius has al
ready committed myself to not fight it, so do not transgress my commitment while
living Dario." Alexander was furious. Besieged Gaza, took it after two months.
He then marched against Jerusalem. The Jews say that God spoke to the high pries
t in a dream that would open the city gates, adorn her well, send the people dre
ss in white and go in procession with him and robed priests, high priest, with h
is clothes and special miter on his head. When Alexander entered the city, was d
eeply impressed by the scene and lowered her head in worship.€Asked by his soldi
ers to do that because, he replied: "What I see is the fulfillment of a vision I
had in Macedonia." Just enter the city, and was to offer sacrifice to the Lord.
Confirmed all the privileges that the Jews had the Persians, especially the tax
exemption during the sabbatical. Alexander and the Samaritans The Samaritans Al
exander asked the same
privileges granted to Jews, but the Macedonian denied them. Attaches to this cat
egorical denial of the monarch, there is a rebellion in Samaria in which assassi
nated the governor Macedonian Andrómaco. In revenge, Alexander destroyed Samaria
. The Century of Alexander - Aryan interpreting the life of Alexander, said: "Al
exander was unlike all men, was given to the world, by special design of Provide
nce." They say that Aristotle, Alexander learned while sitting at his feet, told
him one day that they were free men as the Greeks and Asians as slaves. Alexand
er replied, "My mission is divine and is to" unite "and" reconcile "the world".
Alexander continued the great work of his father. Made time in his short reign o
f 13 or 14 years, laid the foundations of a new civilization, contributed greatl
y to the good of humanity and in a special way for the advent of
Jesus. In the days of Alexander and everything prospered after his death continu
ed to thrive. Macedonia, including Greece, was the largest, most prestigious cen
ter of culture then. Alexander, convinced of his mission in this world, adopted
the policy of expansion. Beside his ambition of conquest, of power, we must reco
gnize that he led the Greek culture and the arts to overcome, forcing them to le
arn Greek. Alexander was a sane young and talented and prepared. He had high ide
als of freedom and its sweeping views that looked beyond the borders of a countr
y, reaching the world. For this purpose, called the races, has opened new avenue
s to commerce communication, channeled their achievements to the advancement of
science for the good of man. His greatest ambition was to spread throughout the
world, the Greek civilization and language. To achieve that dream, founded seven
ty cities or colonies that remained the main one being Alexandria in Egypt, whic
h became a major center or humanist culture of the past. All these cities were c
enters of Hellenism. The whole world within a few years, was Hellenized. Alexand
er has not imposed by force of arms the Greek culture was a peaceful invasion. P
eople were thirsty for knowledge, the Greeks brought her culture, but in their l
anguage; to know the content of those manuscripts were forced to learn Greek, wh
ich they did spontaneously. A few years after the death of Alexander the people
speak two languages, and Greek origin. The Greek culture and, given the world a
certain uniformity, and facilitated the exchange among peoples and later was a b
lessing for the expansion of the Gospel, as a missionary could preach in one lan
guage and be understood in the world then.
Division of the Empire of Alexander - Still alive, Alexander predicted that her
friends would "bloody funeral. The prediction was fulfilled. The Macedonian left
no direct successor, because son had a few years old. Perdiccas, at first ruled
as regent, passing it successively to Antipater and Polispércon. The other gene
rals have banded together and fought the regents. With the fighting came to this
division and the weakness of the great empire of Alexander. Cassander, after th
e death of his father Antipater reigned in Europe. Ptolemy ruled Egypt, Antiochu
s in Asia, Seleucus in Babylon and Lisíaco in Thrace. There were wars between th
em and other generals. Some of them died and the Empire became so divided.
The EGYPTIAN DOMINATION - (under the Ptolemies 323-198 BC) • Ptolemy Soter - Egy
pt, which for so many years had intended to take over the world, via now under f
oreign rule. At first, Ptolemy treated the Jews with a certain severity, knowing
its history made of rebelliousness, but then checking its cultural value, their
morale and ability to trade was changing attitude. Used them in high positions
in government in the provinces of Libya and other African Sirenaica. Again the J
ews showed their qualities of wise and industrious merchants. Before the conques
ts of Alexander, has maintained commercial relations with his brother from the E
ast, founding banks and commercial houses here and there, to exchange goods and
money. As the government of Ptolemy Soter, many Jews prospered, because nothing
were molested in their businesses and ways of living. Their religion would be si
gnificantly diluted this time, but not so much to Judaism is not a source of pow
er and knowledge in the Egyptian world. • Ptolemy II (Philadelphia) - succeeded
Ptolemy Soter,€was remarkable for its spirit of justice and bent to the lyrics.
Also knew how to treat the Jews, giving them honors and opportunities. The Unive
rsity of Alexandria and became the center of activity of scientific and literary
world of that time, the library of Alexandria was the most famous temple of lea
rning, after Athens, and there he assembled what the world had known better in t
he various branches of knowledge. Ptolemy II also built the famous lighthouse of
Pharos in the mouth on the Nile, to guide the navigation was looking for Egypt
and other regions beyond. It is believed that his government was in the Holy Scr
iptures were translated from Hebrew into Greek. There is much discrepancy in the
information we have from those days about this release. Some believe that Ptole
my, influenced by Jewish culture and the Jews, had to ask the high priest in Jer
usalem that experts came to Egypt to translate the sacred books. Then the high p
riest would have 70 elders, that the wounds to Egypt, divided into 35 pairs to m
ake the translation. Complete this and found that the 35
translations were absolutely equal. Hence the name "Septuagint", which means sev
enty. This story is not very plausible, because it seems that the version was no
t made all at once and not by the same person. There are parts faithful to the o
riginal Hebrew, as the Pentateuch, but there are others who are not. Anyhow, the
release was made and served to the Greek-speaking world, over the years, includ
ing the times of Jesus when the Bible was the people's version of the LXX. Ptole
my Philadelphus was sick and died before finishing his work, both cultural and p
olitical. During his reign, began the desinteligências between the Ptolemies and
Seleucids of Syria. Had to support two wars against their neighbors to the nort
h. The culmination of the feud was Palestine, which the Seleucids wanted for him
self against the terms of the original agreement. The struggle had its epilogue
later, the governments of Antiochus the Great, Ptolemy and Philopator. Ptolemy P
hiladelphus died in 247 a. C. • Ptolemy III (Evergetes) - The son of Ptolemy Phi
ladelphus, inherited a prosperous state and a great future. The dispute between
the Seleucids and the Ptolemies continued and highly aggravating. Fearing their
northern neighbors and wanting revenge made the war his father, invaded Syria an
d fought against Antiochus II, defeating him. He divorced his wife and married B
ernice Laodice taking Shushan Babylonian and many other cities. Back to Egypt, w
ent through Jerusalem, which was a sort of colony of Egypt, asked the sumosacerd
ote passing to levy taxes to help the people expenditure made with the Egyptian
war. For this task he was appointed Onias II. Ptolemy III died in 222 BC Ptolemy
IV • (Philopator) - took over the government in place of his father. Found the
state with great prestige, thanks to the victories of his father, and sought to
advance this progress. His father's victory against the Syrians earned him anoth
er war against them, which at all costs wanted to take possession of Palestine.
This war had a different outcome of the previous one, because his opponent was A
ntiochus the Great, who eventually take him to Palestine. The Egyptians, unhappy
, clashed with the Syrians in the battle of raffia, and defeated.
Returning from battle, Ptolemy went through Jerusalem and sought to enter the Te
mple. The Jews, however, faced and screaming in the middle of a tremendous disru
ption, before he quit. Thereafter, however, the fate of the Jews in Egypt has ch
anged a lot and even the Jews of Palestine. In the battle of raffia, Ptolemy hop
ed to receive help from Jews, but they, or because they were not warriors or bec
ause they were seeing that was as good a man as another, did not realize what wa
s happening close to their land. Ptolemy, may not enter the Temple in Jerusalem,
turned angrily to Egypt, met Jews who could catch, closed them at the racetrack
, hoping to give the people a show. The Jews prayed to God and, at the time the
elephants were brought in to destroy the Jews, they threw themselves against the
Egyptians. This made Ptolemy consider things and find that it was bad business
mistreats them. • He died in 205 BC Ptolemy V (Epiphanes) - On the death of Phil
opator succeeded him his youngest son, five years hence, incapable of imposing o
bstacle to the pretensions of the Syrians, who every day were more daring. Antio
chus again invaded Palestine, and the Egyptians under the command of General Sco
pus faced them in Banias in northern Palestine, but was defeated. Angry with the
Jews, because it helped him, mistreated them, so that, when Antiochus entered J
erusalem, he was greeted as a liberator, even giving a grant towards the cost of
sacrifices in the Temple. Antiochus€in order to appease the souls of the Egypti
ans, gave his daughter Cleopatra in marriage to Epiphanes, sealing thereby the f
ield in Ptolemaic Egypt. Antiochus, with superb victories against Ptolemy sought
to invade Egypt and master it in time, but the Romans, who after the victory ag
ainst the Carthaginians, were already into Asia, warned him not to attempt the i
nvasion. Challenging the Romans, was defeated at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 B
C, being the hero of this victory Scipio, surnamed the Asia. Shortly after the R
omans took Egypt, ending the Ptolemaic field. • Ptolemy VI (Philometor) - On the
death of Epiphanes, succeeded by his son Philometor, avid marriage with Cleopat
ra, the famous queen of Egypt.
Prompted by her mother, who had blood in the veins of warriors invaded Palestine
, now in the hands of the Seleucids, but was causing Cleopatra in the desire for
revenge at the earliest opportunity. What is certain is that there was in Egypt
warrior able to meet the requests of the Seleucids, to dominate Palestine alone
. Cleopatra soon become embroiled in the affair with Mark Antony, ending the Pto
lemaic field, whether in Palestine or in Africa.
The yoke SYRIAN (SOB the Seleucids 198-166 A.C.)
•
Antiochus I - Sworn in the government of Syria, which fit over the division of A
lexander's empire, and perhaps imbued with the ideals of nobility and purity, de
monstrated many times by Alexander ruled by gentleness, not registering any stor
y that made it famous, either as tyrant or as a warrior. He died in 260 BC
•
Antiochus II (Theos surnamed) - During the 26 years of his administration, there
was peace between the Seleucids and the Egyptians. The government flourishing o
f the Ptolemies, they enjoyed the favor of the Jews, allowed them to reign in pe
ace, without trying to harass their neighbors to the south. This, unfortunately,
was not pursued by his successors, bloody and terrible in its methods of govern
ment.
•
Antiochus III (the Great) - Eager to broaden their areas with the inclusion of P
alestine in Syria, organized a great army and went ahead in Jerusalem, who recei
ved him as a deliverer, in view of ill-treatment data for the last Ptolemies. Ep
iphanes organized a powerful army to arrest him the plans, under the direction o
f General Scopus, injuring themselves in battle in a place called Banias, just n
orth of the Sea of Gennesaret. Scopus was defeated and Antiochus, tried to invad
e Egypt, being stopped by the Roman Scipio not to try it. Not to feel defeated,
made peace with Ptolemy, giving him his daughter Cleopatra in marriage, as dowry
, the provinces of Syria Cele,
Palestine and Phoenicia. Despite this show of friendship to the Ptolemies, he ha
d a bad instinct, so if the shot I gather from his own daughter. Fallen out with
the Romans, who had just dominate their rivals Carthaginians in North Africa, m
arched against Antiochus, and winning it forced him to pay tribute to Rome, and
even took his son hostage. • Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) - It was one of the most h
orrific perpetrators of the Jewish religion, coming to plunder the Temple of Jer
usalem, apparently until his inclination was to strip special temples of other r
eligions than their own. Epiphanes sent his tax collector Apollonius, with a wel
l-armed force, to Jerusalem, taking as plunder everything they could find, inclu
ding the Temple itself. After looting the city, fired him, took captive the wome
n and took control of their children, according to the book of Maccabees (1:33-3
4 I and II 5:24 onwards). It seems that never before, not even in the times of t
he Assyrians and Babylonians, the Jews were so bullied because he was not conten
t to mistreat people, even humiliated them in every possible way by requiring th
e changing mores and religion. In the Temple of the LORD made a statue of Olympi
an Zeus and imposed the death penalty, who practiced any form of worship of Jeho
vah. All holy books found in people's power were destroyed, and from house to ho
use search was routine until exterminate all the possession of sacred scriptures
. It was so terrible, unparalleled to any other, many of the people had gone thr
ough, which originated the movement known as the Period of the Maccabees. The Je
ws gave the world a lesson to be learned: there is no power to destroy the relig
ious convictions of a people. This was later proved in other pursuits, moved by
the Roman Catholic Church. • Antiochus V - Son of Antiochus IV reigned for only
two years, when the reign of tyrants Seleucids was in order. Succeeded one anoth
er, some by natural death, others for murder. The infighting, each desiring to r
emain in power, created to Syria a period of decline that ended up falling to th
e Romans.€Demetrius, Antiochus V's cousin, asked the tutor to the king to murder
him and this was done.
•
Demetrius I - nephew of Antiochus. Was in Rome as a hostage, but escaped from th
ere. Began to reign in 162 BC Alexander Balas, a son of Antiochus IV, dispute he
r throne and killed him in battle in 150 BC
•
Alexander Balas - ascended the throne after killing Demetrius I, Demetrius II, a
nd seeks to avenge the death of his father, for both, asking for help to the kin
g of Egypt. Balas is defeated, flees to Saudi, where the murder in 145 BC
•
Demetrius II - began to reign in 145 BC Antiochus VI, son of Alexander Balas, Tr
ypho asks the general to avenge the death of his father. Demetrius fought the Pa
rthians, when their prisoner fell in 138 BC
•
Antiochus VII - governs Syria 138-128 BC This year, however, is a fact that disr
upts his plans. Demetrius II is released and demands the throne. Reigns until 12
5. Alexandre Zabine declares himself king, kills Demetrius and rules until 124 B
C
•
Seleucus V - Son of Demetrius. His government lasted only a few days. Was assass
inated. He reigned in 124 BC
The Liberation War of the Maccabees (166-63 BC) Aesmônios The family of the Macc
abees - Aesmônio The term comes from a family of priests of Modim, whose achieve
ments, bring together the major events in Jewish history. The name Maccabee, bel
ieved to be derived from Exodus 15:11, which reads: "Oh Lord, who is like You am
ong the gods?", Whose words in Hebrew are: Mi Csmoka Baelim Yahveh. The initial
letters, MCBI, would have formed the word Maccabee or Maccabeus, which also mean
s''hammer''. Mattathias was the head of the family elder and high priest in the
days of the Syrian persecution. Had he been addressed in Modim, near Jerusalem,
a Syrian official, so that, instead of incense and offer sacrifices to God, offe
red to Jupiter. This proposal had been made on behalf of the king as a condition
for peace between dominator and dominated. Mattathias replied that while all Je
ws leave to God, he and his ever would. As a Jewish heretic had come to sacrific
e to Jupiter, the anger was kindled in the soul of the old priest, who eventuall
y killed the Jew and the Syrian official who had been spokesman for the order. D
estroyed the altar of Jupiter (or Zeus)
destroyed everything that meant sacrilegious worship and fled to the mountains,
accompanied by his five brave sons. The Jews, recognizing this faithful priest,
a valiant leader, joined him. The first step was the overthrow of all the pagan
altars, and then the reinforcement of the law of circumcision, which was much ne
glected. Then there was the killing of all Jews found out that apostates. These
early events afervoraram the zeal of many Jews who came from all parts swell day
by day the ranks of the army that it intended to save Judaism. Within a few mon
ths old Mattathias died, and without loss of time, was succeeded by his son Juda
s, who was already known by the distinctive title of Maccabee. Soon proved to be
a sincere patriot and defender praised the law, a military leader of rare energ
y and enthusiasm, as well as a strategist value. The hosts against which they ha
d to struggle seemed invincible compared to its few and unarmed soldiers. In thi
s situation the relief of Palestine was of great help, as happened in the days o
f David. Choosing a favorable point in the road that went from Samaria to Jerusa
lem unleashed a sudden attack against the Syrian general Apollonius, and managed
to not only thwart the Syrian armies, but also kill the head of the chase. Juda
s possession of the sword of Apollonius and his soldiers armed with weapons of d
ead soldiers, he was fit for a new battle. Bethhoron offered the opportunity for
a great victory over the Syrians. Seroma, which was sent to defeat the Jews wen
t to Jerusalem by road from the north and passing through Beth Horon, a place of
rocks and cliffs, where hardly any army could move. The men of Judas spread thr
ough the cracks of the rocks, hid themselves in holes and Syrian soldiers hunted
the measure passed. Attacked from all sides, often without knowing where the at
tack broke, they were smitten. Eight hundred soldiers were killed and the remain
der fled to the plains of Philistia, disoriented. The Jews have noted, so that w
hat was lacking was the enemy soldiers courage and fearlessness, and it gave new
impetus to continue the fight against the enemy. For the happiness of the Jews,
Antiochus Epiphanes discovered that the royal treasury was empty, with the luxu
ry of cutting spending and the magnificent buildings they had done. So, he hande
d the government to Lysias, one of his nobles, while engaged in organizing a lar
ge army and departed for his final campaign in Persia.€The departure of Antiochu
s reduced by more than half the number of soldiers available for the campaign ag
ainst the Jews. Lysias, however, recognizing the importance of ending
the rebellion of the Jews, sent an army of forty-seven thousand soldiers under t
he command of three generals: Ptolemy, Nicanor and Gorgias. Arriving in Palestin
e, camped near Emmaus. This time the Syrians avoided fighting in the mountains,
while the Syrian generals made their decisions, Judas regimented his followers i
n Mizpah. Apparently, the Syrian generals had extended his army at Emmaus, in th
e vain hope that through the night march to surprise Judas and his companions. T
he result was that when the generals sent troops capture Judas found the deserte
d town of Mizpah, because Judas had taken his men at night and taken to the sout
h side of Emmaus. The following year, the regent Lysias enlisted an army of 65,0
00 men and proceeded against Judas. Bringing together ten thousand of his compan
ions, Judas boldly attacked the formidable Syrian army, in front of Betesura, an
d again won an important battle. The disaster of the Syrians provided the opport
unity to rebuild the Temple and the destruction of pagan altars that had been bu
ilt by order of Antiochus. Timothy Syrian general and commander of the Ammonites
, threatened the northern Israelites of Gilead and had massacred many of them. J
udas sent his brother Simon, with three thousand soldiers, part of an army of 11
,000, and with other 8mile, marched quickly against the south of Gilead, togethe
r with his brother Jonathan. In march of three days, met with the Nabataeans, th
e desert people, people also enemies of the Syrians, and so made a covenant of p
eace, to jointly fight the common enemy. From the information obtained, learned
of the bad conditions of Gilead, and after a night march, attacked the town of B
ozrah, whose estate sufficient fueled his men. Then attacked the Ammonites, led
by Timothy, his army routed. Timothy caught by surprise, was defeated, with grea
t slaughter. Dali Judas went to Mizpah, went further north crossing the Iarmuque
. While Judas could more and more victories, Timothy reorganized his army to wai
t Judas pero the river side of Rafom. Timothy, instead of crossing the river and
give battle to Judas, it preferred to wait. This indecision has taken as eviden
ce of weakness, and the Jews, full of courage, began to swim to attack enemies o
n the other side of river. Those who did not expect such a feat, they put themse
lves to flight, abandoning weapons and luggage. Judas pursued them relentlessly,
captured the city where the enemy was and fired. Judas extended its line of bat
tle to Philistia, taking the city of Ashdod and other villages around. Submitted
the Philistines quickly, capturing the cities
were formerly in the possession of David. Despite the many victories in so littl
e time, their resources were rather limited. Fearing another attack Syrian prepa
red for eventualities. Their victories so far constituted a trophy worthy of any
great general, and that most dreaded was the idea of not being able to save on
power of its people throughout this victory. While these thoughts plagued the Je
ws of various parties had taken refuge in Jerusalem because it is safer there. T
his happened to miss the scarce resources available, and Judas did not know how
to resolve this situation. It was comforting to see that the people bear any har
dship, fueled by the idea of the founding of the Messianic Kingdom, which would
take place soon, according to expected. Meanwhile, Antiochus returned from his c
ampaign in Persia, and when he received the news of the disasters that occurred
with his generals, which was humiliating defeat for him. Without even going to A
ntioch, marched to Jerusalem in his car to fight, but before reaching the Holy C
ity, crashed the car, broke his neck and died of sorrow and shame. On the death
of Antiochus Epiphanes, the Syrian, situated in the fortress of Acre, requested
assistance to Antiochus Eupator, who had just come to power. Held that the Judah
feared. Without delay, a large army, composed of 100,000 infantry, 20,000 caval
ry, together with 32 elephants, made their way to Jerusalem. Judas went away by
road from the north to Beth-Zacharias. Judas and his followers offered terrible
fight, but this ghastly army was invincible, the courage and numbers. Only eleph
ants were sufficient to halt the rising tide of battle. Eleazar, one of the brot
hers of Judas, he put himself through the phalanges and stood beneath an elephan
t, he put the spear in the chest, dying beneath the animal, which fell heavily o
n top. Nobody else has offered to made like this, and Judas had to retreat to Je
rusalem, where he was surrounded by Lysias,€General of the Syrian armies. For th
e happiness of Judas because of the conditions of the Syrian capital of Lysias f
orced to withdraw. Just made a treaty with Judas, by which it recognized the rig
ht to religious freedom of Jews, counting to recognize Syrian sovereignty over t
he State. With the victory of religious freedom, formed a political-religious pa
rty, known as Hesideanos, considered the founders of the party self-righteous th
e times of Jesus. The party had as the "accept peace at any price," and that Jud
as did lose many of their faithful followers. Moreover, the people were tired of
fighting and weighed as much as a buying peace could bring you the best conditi
ons.
However. if one accepted the new situation others thought it was worth dying for
an ideal. So many turned to the ranks of Judas, to fight for more than a mere r
eligious freedom, the salvation of the motherland. The new army regimented by Ju
das was not lost to the Syrians, who complained of action. Judas and his compani
ons took up a position near the village of Adasa,. In the first charge, Nicanor
was killed and his army was demoralized by the loss of their leader. The Jews at
tacked the villages, the highways, the Syrian fugitives in such a way that none
escaped. Taking advantage of this great victory, Judas sent an embassy to Rome a
sking for help. Its purpose was to ensure through the Roman aid against an enemy
unlike, as the Syrian kingdom, as well as the Romans were already beginning to
dominate the eastern Mediterranean. But before receiving any response from Rome,
Judas, falls into a fatal battle. Jonas, brother of the fallen hero, took comma
nd of the army in a rather bad. Possessor of many of the qualities of his brothe
r, had not, however, the claim that only time could give you. Judas had already
appealed once to the Romans, who roamed the East, so that the help came from the
Syrians. For unknown reasons his application was denied. Jonas watching the sit
uation, renewed the appeal, which this time was not yet heard. Meanwhile, he pre
pared a system of guerrilla warfare, his men hiding in caves, among the bushes o
n the banks of the Jordan and wherever there was a refuge. Scattered in all thes
e places were sought by General Syrian. The battle was fought, but the inequalit
y of forces was too great to ensure a victory. Jonas crossed the river swimming,
with many of his men, leaving the other side. Completing the General Syrian per
secution was unsuccessful and that a decisive victory was increasingly away with
such quality people proposed an agreement to Jonah, whereby it would establish
the seat of his government in Michmash, alo and rule as local chief . In contras
t, not attack the Syrians who were in trenches in several places. The intrigues
were great and things did not go through Syria very well. Jonas, who longed for
the chance to raise the dignity leader among his brothers, managed by the Syrian
s, the recognition of his position as commander in chief of Judea. From this pos
ition he won to extend their field, thanks to Alexander, son of Antiochus Epipha
nes. Shortly thereafter, the influence of it, was elevated to the position of hi
gh priest, being with the government of all Judea and Samaria. Jonas
wasted no time and by the power of the sword, handed over his government to the
north. Joppa, main port of Palestine, was soon taken, after nitrogen, the ancien
t Ashdod, and he won and defeated the Syrian army to the gates of the city. The
famous temple of Dagon was burned and the city largely destroyed. The two brothe
rs, Jude and Tarpaulins were followed in the lead by Simon, who, it seems, was m
ore judicious. Taking advantage of the weakness, increasing Syria, sought to str
engthen the borders of the Jewish state, fortified several strategic points, too
k Gazara and destroyed its inhabitants, carrying thither Jewish elements. So Sim
on established the direct line of communication in Jerusalem and the Mediterrane
an and paved the way for commercial communications with foreign countries, throu
gh which brought great wealth to the Jewish kingdom. The hill beside the church
was fortified and the Jews finally felt safe, and the security came to full poss
ession and control of land and all the strong points. To ensure the power and st
abilize the situation on the nascent Jewish state, sent a new appeal to the Roma
ns to study the situation of Palestine in the face of Syria. Evil thought that b
y avoiding the wolf would be devoured by the lion. Yet this time the Romans did
not attend the call, but were preparing to make his visit to Palestine at the ea
rliest opportunity. Simon's reign was generally prosperous and secure.€Both his
government as his son and successor, John Hyrcanus, were models of order and pru
dence, with no foreign invader who did not receive the proper dose of losses off
ered by the bravery and courage of the army under the command of Simon Unfortuna
tely, the intrigue continued as before, and Simon was the victim of his own neph
ew, who killed him in the fortress of Pain, in the Jordan Valley. After the Jews
had managed to establish an independent kingdom, which could have been of long
duration, if greed and lack of dignity were not qualities of the season. Aristob
ulus I, son of John Hyrcanus, was a Hellenized Jew, and all their efforts conver
ged to establish harmony between Greek philosophy and the rebellion of Israel. L
ike the nearby kingdoms, proclaimed himself king of Judah, with the title of Ari
stobulus I, and during the short period of his rule was characterized by all sor
ts of cruelty. Killed his mother from starvation in prison and killed his brothe
r, devoured by mad jealousy. The most important thing of his reign was the conqu
est of Galilee and replacement of the Arab population of Jewish people. This div
ersity of race, in a small area, helped to soften the rigidity racial and gender
to create a broader and more generous life among the Jews, who, driven by their
struggle against the invader, had
become too narrow in relation to nationalism. On the death of Aristobulus, came
to the throne of Judah, his brother Alexander Janneus, known to Jews as the "Thr
acian", perhaps because of its spirit and rover runaway. Desiring to extend the
influence of the Jews, created around a wave of antipathy, which brought not a f
ew disappointments and sorrows of the Jews themselves. So alienated the sympathy
of his own countrymen, who came to call the king of Damascus to be free from in
human monster. After you have made your wishes, they came to repent and seek wer
e in the mountains, where he had fled, and restored to the throne. Rather than s
howing grateful for the generous act, had him crucified 800 Pharisees, who had o
pposed him, and ordered killed before their wives and children. Despite the intr
actability of its nature, were able to extend, by an unflagging persistence, the
borders of the kingdom, so that by his death, the royal authority extended from
Mount Caramel, by the shores of the Mediterranean to Egypt, Palestine central,
from the Upper Galilee to the country's south and east of the Jordan from the Ar
non to the Dead Sea The Greek cities he conquered the borders were razed and the
land became a field of thieves. At the height of the Maccabean kingdom could be
noted the elements of decay, from which the bitterness and disappointments that
followed was the result for most subjects. Alexandre Janneus, succeeded his wif
e Alexandra. The only other woman who sat on the throne of Israel was Athaliah i
n Judah It completely reversed the policy of her husband, putting the Pharisees,
the party of the people in government. These, however, made the mistake of usin
g the authority they enjoyed to strike back at their rivals Sadducees. They have
joined Aristobulus II, youngest son of Alexandra and the military party, while
the Pharisees supported the candidacy of Hyrcanus, the eldest son. Both of the o
ther qualities needed to be real. Hyrcanus was unable, without any ambition, wan
ting only to enjoy life and quiet luxury. On the death of Alexandra, Hyrcanus wa
s proclaimed high priest, while Aristobulus II ascended the throne. So there was
a truce, in view of the division of the two coveted powers. Meanwhile, an ambit
ious foreign Antipater, father of Herod the Great, became the evil genius, alrea
dy weakened in the Jewish kingdom. Antipas, his father had been governor of Idum
ea. Knowing this fact, advised Hyrcanus to flee to the kingdom of Aratta, promis
ing that it would take place in Jerusalem and the throne. Hyrcanus heard him and
fled. Antipater prepared an army, commanded by Aretas, who besieged Jerusalem,
Hyrcanus, finding himself lost, took refuge in the temple, awaiting the possibil
ity of
escape or to overcome, thanks to security that the city offered. As the siege wa
s prolonged and a decision seemed remote, both contenders have called once more
to Pompey, which was not long in coming.
A ROMAN INTERVENTION
Pompey was already a master of Egypt and large parts of Armenia and Syria. So wa
s arrival in time to enter the contest and decide according to the interests of
Rome. The Nabatean army, besieging Jerusalem, was ordered to withdraw and hand t
he problem over to Pompey, who could have attacked the city, but preferred to al
low time for the contenders to marry more, to take advantage of the situation. T
he two parties fighting sent a commission to Damascus, where Pompey waited€the P
harisees sent another commission, asking that the General does not meddle in the
affairs of the Jews and let them understand themselves. Pompey replied that suc
h questions would only be settled in Jerusalem. Aristobulus surrendered when the
Pompey demanded, but his followers refused to lay down their weapons. So entren
ched is the Temple Mount. Pompey, aided by Hyrcanus and Antipater, attacked the
fort from the north, began the destruction of the fortress walls and entered the
city after destroying much of the walls, entered the Temple, the holiest, commi
tting, with this gesture, great desecration in the eyes of the Jews. Aristobulus
condemned Pompey to join the group of captives who followed his chariot when he
entered Rome in triumph as winner, and Hyrcanus was devoid of any real power, b
ut only confirmed in the office of high priest. So the Galilee, Judea and Idumea
were annexed to the Roman Empire, but ruled as subprovinces. The years that fol
lowed have been turbulent for the Jewish people. Now Herod is king in Judea, wit
h its headquarters in Jerusalem. Filled the city of foreigners, offered sacrific
es to Jupiter, imported Greek customs, their festivals with lewd, killed 45 supp
orters and all members of the Sanhedrin. Comparing the reign of Herod to that of
Epiphanes, the two were equal in cruelty and tyranny, with the difference that
Herod was still more of a friend of the Jews. It was a powerful monarch, relativ
ely satisfied with their ambitions.
Herod, recognizing a stranger, had not the courage to exercise sumosacerdócio, t
hen named the place for a Jew of Babylon called Ananel. Alexandra, mother of his
wife Mariamne and Aristobulus did not like the appointment and devised a plan t
o Aristobulus who was invested with the task of the priest. The Jews were exulta
nt at the investiture. A boy of 16 years, performing so well the high priesthood
, with so much dignity, awakened the jealousy of Herod, who sought opportunity t
o terminate it. The appointed day arrived. Alexandra Herod gave a banquet in Jer
icho. While other young Aristobulus and bathed, the high priest was drowned. Dis
aster, they said, but the fact is that Aristobulus was murdered by Herod, who na
med to the post, again Ananel. The king sent his victim to prepare a pompous fun
eral. The people, however, was not fooled. Herod was called to Laodicea Antonio.
The tyrant feared the urgent call of his master, but was willing to face anythi
ng. Ordered his brother Joseph that the first news of his death, the killing of
Mariana. Herod brought rare and precious gifts to Antonio. This gave the talk an
d pretensions of Herod, who soon returned, because of Mariana and Salome, had ki
lled his brother Joseph and Alexandra jail. In the year 31 BC Jerusalem was viol
ently shaken by an earthquake. It is estimated around 10 or 20 thousand casualti
es. Confusion reigned in the city. Cleopatra asked that faced Herod Malco, Arab
leader. Herod achieved great victory over the Arabs. The application of Cleopatr
a rid the king of Judea to follow Antonio to Actium. Antonio defeated, Herod was
meet with Octavius, having previously run Hyrcanus and sent a strong and Marian
a Alexandra. Reached the favor of Octavius. He returned to Palestine with new la
urels. When Octavius was heading to Egypt, Herod found him at Ptolemais. Fed the
 Roman armies and gave the dictator of Italy a gift of 800 talents of gold. Redu
ced to the Roman province of Egypt, Octavius gave Herod the territories that Ant
onio gave to Cleopatra. Thus, Herod saw their domains dilated. His kingdom compr
ised the territory that now belonged to the twelve tribes of Israel, more Induma
. The country is divided into four districts: 1. Judea, which stretched from the
confines of Egypt and the desert to the South line from Joppa, 2. Samaria, whos
e dividing line ran through the northern plateau of Esdraelon, finding the sea s
outh of Dora;
3. Galilee, high and low, stretching north to the parallel of Hermon, sliced thr
ough the sea of Phoenicia in the narrow, reaching almost Caramel and Dora 4. Per
ea, who is the Transjordan. Subdivided into: a) Perea itself, between Arno and J
abbok b) Galaditis, the former Gilead, c) Bethany, d) Gaulonites e) or Ituraea A
uranitis, ancient Bashan f) Trachonitis, land Hauran g) Agilena between the east
ern hills of the Ante-Lebanon; h) Decapolis, a name originally given to ten citi
es in the first district in Roman times, then covered the eastern and western Se
a of Galilee. Herod had large areas, but did not respect the conscience of the J
ews, banned the name of the Lord of the land and began to molest the children of
Israel. Everything prospered in the days of Herod,€But his reign was marked by
family tragedies. Mariana Alexandra and managed to get a guard told them the sec
ret of Herod, his adultery. Salome, the second time, denounced the sister, then
kill Herod sends his beloved wife. After killing his wife Mariana, surrendered t
o great works, as if to deflect the guilt that plagued him the flesh and spirit.
Herod was now everything to please the Emperor. Gave a strong hand to the Helle
nistic party in Jerusalem. The Jews adopted Greek customs and Romans. At Mount S
t., where David brought the Ark, Herod rose theater and amphitheater, where game
s were held in honor of the Emperor. There have multiplied the dramatic and musi
cal contests; racing cars and horses, bloody battles between gladiators, wild an
imals, athletics, and other imitations of the Greeks and Romans. The Jews were a
larmed by the theaters and Herod showed them that there were no idols. Several p
eople, opponents of Herod was dead, his hands were covered in innocent blood. No
t only in Judea were practiced injustices, but worldwide. Soon he was stricken b
y a serious illness sapped his physical, and remorse for her crimes undermined t
he soul. Among the great works that he devoted himself was the temple built by Z
erubbabel the temple where he spent most of his life and resources of the state.
The temple was all marble, a Greco-Roman style, was that this temple was still
unfinished when Jesus began his ministry. Work began in 17 BC and were only comp
leted in 55 AD, five years before being destroyed by Titus, the Roman general, i
n the year 4 AD ano70 before our era, succumbed, dominated by physical suffering
and mental terror, that for so many years off the symbol of inhumanity. Already
at
eve of Herod died, Judea is visited by three characters from the East to worship
a boy who was born King of the Jews.
CONCLUSION: The Period Interbíblico is one of the least known, despite its many
lessons, the events in its 400 year history. This ignorance is due to the fact t
hat our Bible says nothing about it, just ignore it. Malachi closed the propheti
c cycle, and after him, nothing more was said, then the period between the two T
estaments are silenced, getting lost in the history of the chosen people. This w
as a time of great heroes and dangerous battles, many, many deaths, great tyrant
s, great rebellion. It was a period marked by the dream of freedom, where few ha
ve dared to fight for this dream, but the greed and corruption has tainted the m
ain virtues of man. The unbridled quest for power has destroyed many families an
d nations decimated, they forfeited their identity being submitted to government
for foreigners who do not understand their culture, much less respected their v
alues. Period Interbíblico was preparatory to the arrival of the Messiah. For th
e world was full of sin, and people clamored for hope, cried out for salvation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: • • • Pentecostal Study Bible, translated by King James, Revised a
nd corrected edition of 1995. CPAD. Personal Application Study Bible, translated
 by King James, Revised and corrected edition of 1995. CPAD. Mesquita, Antonio N
eves de. Peoples and nations of the ancient world, a story of the Old Testament.
4th ed. New York: Board of Religious Education and Publications, 1983. • Tognin
i, Eneas. Interbíblico Period: 400 years of prophetic silence. 6th ed. São Paulo
: Editions Bookstore and Stationery Praises Heart, 1987.