Page 125 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

Overview of the Intertestamental Period
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQvPwN4uj9Y

Let’s Practice…

1-2. What are the two sects which originated during the Hasmonean dynasty and were prominent in
Jesus’ time?

3. What is the name of the Seleucid king who desecrated the Temple and attempted to abolish
Judaism?

4. In which year was the temple desecrated?

5. Which prophet talks about the actions of this king (in question 2)? Give the specific verse.

6. How was the desecration of the Temple described in Daniel?

7. Give the name of a local priest who led the Jews into a revolt against the Syrians (Seleucids).

8. What is the name of his prominent son who carried on the military campaign.

9. What does “Maccabees” means?

10. In 165 BCE, the Temple was rededicated, and the Jews celebrated the feast of what?

11-12. Name at least two things that angered the Jews and led to the Maccabean revolt?

13-14. What two main things did the revolt achieve?

Let’s get Personal…

In challenging times, God’s people are called to stand for their faith. Daniel and his friends did it in
Nebuchadnezzar’s day (Daniel 3); the Maccabees did it by resisting Syrian paganism, and several
Christians did it while suffering persecution and martyrdom at the hands of the Romans. What trends in
your culture or part of society can be deemed as challenging to your faith? How can you stand against
such?

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