Page 112 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

but they did own sandals that were likely made of sheepskin or cowhide. 164 In the diaspora, the situation
varied; for example, those in Egypt (both men and women) might have well been exposed to the
wearing of knee-high garments and skirts. There was no considerable change in the Jews’ housing
structure from the time of their restoration (previous chapter). For those in diaspora, it depended on
where they found themselves, either in urban or rural places. It was similar to those in Babylonia.
Meanwhile, limited information is available for those in other territories.

As far as the effects of Hellenization are concerned, one positive can be picked out; the translation of
the Hebrew scriptures in Alexandria (the Septuagint) availed a copy of God’s Word for those in the
diaspora. With Greek becoming the lingua franca (the main language of the lands), this translated Word
of God was now understandable to the many in the diaspora. These developments helped the spreading
of the gospel in the Apostles' era. Jews in the diaspora whose language was replaced now had a
common language with those in Judah.

Trade and economics

The setup of many Greek centers, whether in the Seleucid or Ptolemaic dynasties, was pretty much the
same. They were both propagators of Hellenization. An aristocracy (a group of the Greek elite)
surrounded the rulers. This group owned land and slaves and held key industries and properties.
Mining and farming constituted the spine of industry. It necessitated other industries such as textile,
production of Papyri, and metalwork. Meanwhile, an oil industry flourished in Palestine. Both the
Seleucids and Ptolemies endeavored to introduce new plant species to enhance timber and fruit
production. Although production was increasing, there were fewer inventions as production was mainly
dependent on the manual labor of the slaves. Temples also played an important role in the economy as
they generated taxes.

As already indicated, an economic barrier existed between the peasants and the upper class—the ruling
upper-class controlled taxes and revenues. Almost always, their focus was on the generation of revenue
and barely on the welfare of an average person. This left the peasants of the society and underprivileged
subjects in an impoverished state. Hatred and revolts against the ruling class were an obvious result.
This dislike is even reflected in the gospels when the Romans took over the system.
The Hellenization of the World

Alexander the Great swept across western Asia, extending his territory from his native Greece, down
into Egypt, and east to the border of India. The influence of the Greek culture continued past the first
century B.C. when the Roman Empire took control of Israel. The Pharisees' rival sect, the Sadducees,
welcomed the Greek influence. The Sadducees were wealthy, powerful Jewish aristocrats who openly
worked with their Gentile rulers to maintain peace and ensure a measure of political clout.
All Jews were influenced by Greek culture, however. The Greek language was as well-known as the
native Aramaic, the Jewish leadership changed from the God-ordained priesthood to the Sadducee-
controlled Sanhedrin, and the law of the land more closely reflected Grecian laws than those given
through Moses. Hellenism also expressed itself in minor ways, such as Saul taking the name Paul.
Hellenism had a great influence during the early years of Christianity. Sometimes the influence was felt

164 Vos, H. F. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible manners & customs: how the people of the Bible really lived (p.
362). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson Publishers.

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