Jewish History: From Exile to the Second Temple's Fall

Question 1

What was the Assyrian policy used to prevent rebellion?

Answer 1

The Assyrian policy of mass deportation was used to prevent rebellion by scattering conquered peoples, including the ten northern tribes of Israel.

Question 2

What happened to the ten tribes of Israel after the Assyrian conquest?

Answer 2

They were exiled and became known as the ‘Lost Tribes of Israel.’

Question 3

How did the Assyrians’ destruction of Israel impact Judah?

Answer 3

Judah became a vassal state but maintained independence for a time under King Hezekiah.

Question 4

Who lived during the Assyrian period and warned against relying on foreign alliances?

Answer 4

The prophet Isaiah lived during the Assyrian period and warned against relying on foreign alliances for protection.

Question 5

What is considered a turning point in Jewish history?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What role did the prophet Jeremiah play during the Babylonian conquest?

Answer 6

He warned of the coming destruction, called for repentance, and encouraged the exiles to seek peace in Babylon.

Question 7

What major literary works or traditions emerged during the Babylonian Exile?

Answer 7

Parts of the Hebrew Bible, such as the final compilation of the Torah, and early synagogue practices.

Question 8

What is commemorated annually on Tisha B’Av?

Answer 8

The destruction of the First Temple is commemorated annually on the Jewish day of mourning known as Tisha B’Av.

Question 9

Who is referred to as a Messiah in the Bible for allowing the Jewish people to return?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

What was the primary administrative system used by the Persian Empire?

Answer 10

A system of satraps (provincial governors) with local autonomy.

Question 11

Which books describe the rebuilding of the Second Temple during the Persian period?

Answer 11

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the walls of Jerusalem during the Persian period.

Question 12

How did Persian Zoroastrianism influence Jewish thought?

Answer 12

Some scholars suggest it influenced Jewish ideas of angels, dualism (good vs. evil), and apocalyptic visions.

Question 13

What happened after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE?

Answer 13

His empire was divided, and the Jews came under the control of the Ptolemies (Egypt) and later the Seleucids (Syria).

Question 14

How did the Ptolemies govern the Jewish people differently than the Seleucids?

Answer 14

The Ptolemies were more tolerant, while the Seleucids enforced Hellenization, leading to conflict.

Question 15

What practices did Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlaw?

Answer 15

Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practices such as circumcision, Sabbath observance, and the dietary laws.

Question 16

What significant event during Greek rule sparked the Maccabean Revolt?

Answer 16

Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar to Zeus.

Question 17

Who led the Maccabean Revolt?

Answer 17

The Maccabean Revolt was led by the family of Mattathias, whose son Judas Maccabeus became the central military leader.

Question 18

What Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple?

Answer 18

Hanukkah.

Question 19

What symbol became associated with Jewish resistance during the Maccabean Revolt?

Answer 19

The menorah, representing the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.

Question 20

Who began the Hasmonean Dynasty?

Answer 20

The Hasmonean Dynasty began with Simon Maccabeus, who declared himself high priest and ruler.

Question 21

Why did the Hasmonean Dynasty face internal conflict?

Answer 21

Disputes over Hellenization, power struggles, and corruption.

Question 22

Which Jewish sects emerged during the Hasmonean Dynasty?

Answer 22

The Jewish sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes emerged.

Question 23

What eventually led to the end of the Hasmonean Dynasty?

Answer 23

Internal strife and Roman intervention.

Question 24

Who conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE?

Answer 24

The Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE, ending Jewish independence.

Question 25

How did Herod the Great impact Jewish history?

Answer 25

He renovated the Second Temple, expanding it into one of the most impressive structures of its time.

Question 26

When did the Jewish Great Revolt against Rome begin and end?

Answer 26

The Jewish Great Revolt against Rome began in 66 CE and ended with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.

Question 27

What is Masada, and why is it significant?

Answer 27

A fortress where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans in 73 CE.

Question 28

What period spanned from 516 BCE to 70 CE?

Answer 28

The Second Temple period spanned from 516 BCE (Temple rebuilt) to 70 CE (Temple destroyed).

Question 29

Compare and contrast the Babylonian and Roman destructions of the Temple.

Answer 29

Babylonian: Exile to Babylon, destruction of the First Temple (586 BCE). Roman: Jewish diaspora, destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE).

Question 30

How did the concept of Messiah develop in Jewish thought?

Answer 30

The concept of Messiah (anointed one) in Jewish thought developed in response to foreign oppression, particularly under the Babylonians and Romans.

Question 31

Summarize the Jewish experience under foreign empires from 730 BCE to 70 CE.

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

Match the empire with its defining events.

Answer 32

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.