Judaism in the Time of Jesus Flashcards
What is the Hasmonaen Dynasty?
Around 150 BC, Judas Maccabaeus and his brothers defend the Jews against the Syrian (Seleucid) overlords. This was the Maccabean Revolt.
Which Hasmonaen prince led the fight against Herod the Great, and in what year was he defeated by Herod and the Romans?
Anitgonus led the fight against Herod in Palestine, and was defeated in 37 BC.
Who was
Herod the Great
Son of Julius Caesar’s friend Antipater, an Idumaean (ie a foreigner) and convert to Judaism. The Roman senate gave him the title “King of the Jews,” but he had to conquer his kingdom by arms. He was resisted by Antigonus and defeated him in 37 BC, conquering Jerusalem/Judea and sending Antigonus to Marc Antony for execution, and then exterminating the Hasmonaean dysnasty. Was hated by the Jews, despite rebuilding the Temple and doing other things to try to curry favor.
What happened to the kingdom on Herod’s death?
In his will he divided it among three of his sons: Herod Archelaus in Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea, Herod Antipas in Galilee and Peraea, and Philip in Batanea, Gaulanitis, and Auranitis.
What happened in Judea after Herod the Great died?
His son Archelaus was given control, but after big local disturbances he was soon deposed by the Romans (Augustus) in 6 BC. Control was given to a Roman procurator based is Caesarea, with the Roman governor in Syria given military and economic control, and the Sanhedrin given control of Jewish affairs.
What is the
Sanhedrin
A Jewish body headed by a high priest. Given control of Jewish internal affairs in Judea after deposition of Herod Archelaus by Augustus in 6 BC.
Three fundamental Jewish beliefs
(1) monotheism
(2) The Messiah
(3) The Law
What did first century Jews believe about
The Messiah
He would be a savior and redeemer, and would come and establish the Kingdom of God and be king over it. The Messiah would come from the King of David’s stock, tolerate no injustice or evil, and make Jerusalem all pure and holy. He would “keep the Gentiles under his yoke that they may serve him,” and “glorify the Lord before all the world”.
quotations from psalms of Solomon
What did first century Jews believe about
The Law
All Jews must follow The Law - any transgression, even unwitting, must be atoned for. Following the law would bring earthly blessings, but the true reward would come at the Last Judgment, when the righteous would be able to enter eternal life. The Law was set forth in holy scriptures, taught by parents to their children, and then in special schools.
Two important Jewish practices
(1) divine worship in The Temple or a synagogue, where holy scripture was expounded in sermons
(2) application of The Law to specific situations was entrusted to scholars known as Scribes, who had a very important role.
Who were the
Hassidim
Also known as Hasideans. They were serious-minded Jews who wanted to build a “fence around the law” to make transgressions impossible. Marked by an attitude of heroic sacrifice, even unto death.
Who were the
Sadducees
Many noble families and priests who stayed away from the Hassidim movement. Believed in rationalism, rejected the ideas of angels and spirits, the resurrection of the dead, etc. They were an influential minority at the time of Jesus.
Who were the
Pharisees
Held in very high esteem by the people. Pharisees means “the separated ones”. They sought to influence the thinking of others, and saw themselves as orthodox. They were a sort of successor movement to the Hasideans. They wanted to lay down the law required for every situation. This was set out in the Mishna and the Talmud. There was a lot of focus on tradition, sort of like a caselaw of the Law, and different schools of interpretation emerged (e.g. Shammai and Hillel). They were supposed to be living models of the Law, and had certain honors (the title “Rabbi”, first places in synagogues, etc.). Arguably not a lot of humility before God, nor sense of being undeserving recipients of grace.
Who were the
Zealots
- different than the Pharisees
- also wanted to observe the law faithfully, but warlike in attitude, ready for martyrdom
- rejected everything pagan, refused to pay tribute to Caesar
- called for holy war against the heathens
What was the
Qumran community
- The Essenes leave public life and go into the wilderness
- began in the time of the Maccabees (100 BC)
