Bridging the Testaments: The History and Theology of God’s People in the Second Temple Period
by: George Athas (Author)
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
Publication Date: 23 Nov. 2023
Language: English
Print Length: 688 pages
ISBN-10: 0310520940
ISBN-13: 9780310520948
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the historical and theological developments between the Old and New Testament.Bridging the end of the Old Testament period and the beginning of the New Testament period, this book surveys the history and theological developments of four significant eras in Israel's post-exilic history: the Late Persian Era (465-331 BC), the Hellenistic Era (332-167 BC), the Hasmonean Era (167-63 BC), and the Roman Era (63-4 BC). In doing so, it does away with the notion that there were four hundred years of prophetic silence before Jesus.Bridging the Testaments outlines the political and social developments of these four periods, with particular focus on their impact upon Judeans and Samarians. Using a wide range of biblical and extra-biblical sources, George Athas reconstructs what can be known about the history of Judah and Samaria in these eras, providing the framework for understanding the history of God's covenant people, and the theological developments that occurred at the end of the Old Testament period, leading into the New Testament. In doing so, Athas shows that the notion of a supposed period of four hundred years of prophetic silence is not supported by the biblical or historical evidence. Finally, an epilogue sketches the historical and theological situation prevailing at the death of Herod in 4 BC, providing important context for the New Testament writings.In this way, the book bridges the Old and New Testaments by providing a historical and theological understanding of the five centuries leading up to the birth of Jesus, tracking a biblical theology through them, and abolishing the notion of a four-century prophetic silence.
About the Author
Review 'Even Old and New Testament experts often ignore or don't pay sufficient attention to the period between the Testaments. George Athas provides a detailed yet accessible account of this fascinating period that helps us understand the biblical material more fully. His presentation of the Persian, Greek, and Roman periods with a focus on Judah is riveting and insightful. I recommend this book to all who are interested in biblical history and theology.' --TREMPER LONGMAN III, distinguished scholar and professor emeritus of biblical studies, Westmont College'For too long students of Scripture have jumped historically from the fall of Jerusalem to the birth of Jesus, skipping some of the key moments in the redemptive story and the key theological role that these wrongly named 'intertestamental' years and texts play in biblical theology. George Athas invites us into this era and its literature, showing how the communities of the Second Temple as well as enduring exile continue the history of redemption that emerges with the same community gathered around the temple in the Gospels and Acts. Historically accurate, carefully presented, Bridging the Testaments is an extremely helpful invitation to what is for many unfortunately the 'dark ages' of Jewish and biblical history.' --MARK J. BODA, professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College'In his volume Bridging the Testaments, Athas exposes the political, cultural, religious, economic, and social realities of the Second Temple period. Through a serious inquiry into biblical and extrabiblical literature written in Hebrew, Aramaic, Persian, Greek, and Latin, the author counters the notions that there was a cessation of Jewish literature that led to a silent intertestamental period. Athas provides an exhaustive description of major events under Persian, Hellenistic, Hasmonean, and Roman rules between 597 BC and 4 BC. As stated by the author, 'these centuries are laden with fascinating twists and turns, close calls, and a cast of enthralling characters.' This masterpiece bridges the gap between the worlds of the Old and New Testaments and paints a clear picture of Second Temple Judaism during the centuries that precede the advent of the Messiah. Highly recommended.' --HÉLÈNE DALLAIRE, Earl S. Kalland professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages and chair of Old Testament department, Denver Seminary
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