Page 316 - Bible History

IV. THE LAST DAYS OF THE KINGDOM OF DA
1. THE EWS ARE RULED BY THE GREEKS
For years after the time of Nehemias, eastern Asia C · was ruled by the Persians. In vain did Egypt, Cyprus, , • Phoenicia and the Greek cities of Asia Minor strive
for independence.
In the land of uda, trouble arose between those Jews who were faithful to the law and to the observ­ ances of their fathers, and those who were careless.
The former kept the commandments and worshiped
God according to the Law of Moses. The latter cared nothing about the law. They married pagan women
and went to Samaria to worship on Mount Garizim.
The high priest represented the Persian governor, and
his authority was respected by the ews who practiced
the true religion. A xan­
The Greeks under Alexander nally defeated the Persian army in battle, and made Asia Greek instead :: of Persian. The ews refused to pay tribute to Alex- an an er, and he marched against Jerusalem. The high E priest went out of the city with all his priests to meet
the conqueror. Alexander recognized in the high priest
the man whom he had seen in a dream, and who proph-
esied the success of his army. He greeted the high priest and went into the city and o ered sacri ce. Alexander allowed the .Jews to live under their own
laws and to worship God according to their conscience.
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