Jewish History: From Exile to the Second Temple's Fall Flashcards
What was the Assyrian policy used to prevent rebellion?
The Assyrian policy of mass deportation was used to prevent rebellion by scattering conquered peoples, including the ten northern tribes of Israel.
What happened to the ten tribes of Israel after the Assyrian conquest?
They were exiled and became known as the ‘Lost Tribes of Israel.’
How did the Assyrians’ destruction of Israel impact Judah?
Judah became a vassal state but maintained independence for a time under King Hezekiah.
Who lived during the Assyrian period and warned against relying on foreign alliances?
The prophet Isaiah lived during the Assyrian period and warned against relying on foreign alliances for protection.
What is considered a turning point in Jewish history?
The Babylonian Exile is considered a turning point in Jewish history because it marked the beginning of Diaspora Judaism, with communities living outside their homeland.
What role did the prophet Jeremiah play during the Babylonian conquest?
He warned of the coming destruction, called for repentance, and encouraged the exiles to seek peace in Babylon.
What major literary works or traditions emerged during the Babylonian Exile?
Parts of the Hebrew Bible, such as the final compilation of the Torah, and early synagogue practices.
What is commemorated annually on Tisha B’Av?
The destruction of the First Temple is commemorated annually on the Jewish day of mourning known as Tisha B’Av.
Who is referred to as a Messiah in the Bible for allowing the Jewish people to return?
The Persian King Cyrus the Great is referred to in the Bible as a Messiah (anointed one) for allowing the Jewish people to return and rebuild the Temple.
What was the primary administrative system used by the Persian Empire?
A system of satraps (provincial governors) with local autonomy.
Which books describe the rebuilding of the Second Temple during the Persian period?
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the walls of Jerusalem during the Persian period.
How did Persian Zoroastrianism influence Jewish thought?
Some scholars suggest it influenced Jewish ideas of angels, dualism (good vs. evil), and apocalyptic visions.
What happened after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE?
His empire was divided, and the Jews came under the control of the Ptolemies (Egypt) and later the Seleucids (Syria).
How did the Ptolemies govern the Jewish people differently than the Seleucids?
The Ptolemies were more tolerant, while the Seleucids enforced Hellenization, leading to conflict.
What practices did Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlaw?
Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practices such as circumcision, Sabbath observance, and the dietary laws.
What significant event during Greek rule sparked the Maccabean Revolt?
Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar to Zeus.
Who led the Maccabean Revolt?
The Maccabean Revolt was led by the family of Mattathias, whose son Judas Maccabeus became the central military leader.
What Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple?
Hanukkah.
What symbol became associated with Jewish resistance during the Maccabean Revolt?
The menorah, representing the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
Who began the Hasmonean Dynasty?
The Hasmonean Dynasty began with Simon Maccabeus, who declared himself high priest and ruler.
Why did the Hasmonean Dynasty face internal conflict?
Disputes over Hellenization, power struggles, and corruption.
Which Jewish sects emerged during the Hasmonean Dynasty?
The Jewish sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes emerged.
What eventually led to the end of the Hasmonean Dynasty?
Internal strife and Roman intervention.
Who conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE?
The Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE, ending Jewish independence.
How did Herod the Great impact Jewish history?
He renovated the Second Temple, expanding it into one of the most impressive structures of its time.
When did the Jewish Great Revolt against Rome begin and end?
The Jewish Great Revolt against Rome began in 66 CE and ended with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
What is Masada, and why is it significant?
A fortress where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans in 73 CE.
What period spanned from 516 BCE to 70 CE?
The Second Temple period spanned from 516 BCE (Temple rebuilt) to 70 CE (Temple destroyed).
Compare and contrast the Babylonian and Roman destructions of the Temple.
Babylonian: Exile to Babylon, destruction of the First Temple (586 BCE). Roman: Jewish diaspora, destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE).
How did the concept of Messiah develop in Jewish thought?
The concept of Messiah (anointed one) in Jewish thought developed in response to foreign oppression, particularly under the Babylonians and Romans.
Summarize the Jewish experience under foreign empires from 730 BCE to 70 CE.
From Assyrian conquest and exile to Babylonian destruction, Persian restoration, Greek Hellenization, Hasmonean independence, and Roman domination, the Jewish people endured cycles of oppression and resilience.
Match the empire with its defining events.
Assyrians: Conquest of the northern kingdom (Israel). Babylonians: Destruction of the First Temple. Persians: Rebuilding the Temple. Greeks: Hellenization and Maccabean Revolt. Romans: Destruction of the Second Temple.
