oldtestamentroots

    OUR OLD TESTAMENT ROOTS

It is difficult to truly understand our Catholic and Christian culture without an appreciation of our
Old Testament roots. In this page we will look at:

some of the myths that preceded the history of Israel
Biblical history and its periods

the patriarchs
exile and post exile
the judges
the kings
division of the kingdom
the prophets
Babylonian exile
effects of exile
return from exile
Greek invasion
Roman invasion
Maccabean wars
Wisdom literature
Herod and the temple

We will also look at the definition of some terms

MYTHS THAT PRECEDED THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL

Many stories in the Old Testament are actually stories taken from earlier civilizations and cultures.
Even the historical books of the Bible contain some of these myths. Often people confuse myth
with untruth.

While these stories are myths, they contain deep and important truths. They simply are not factual
and historical. If they did not contain these important truths, they would not have survived the test
of history.

No one was actually around when the world was created. At first human beings had to concentrate
on mere survival. By the time anyone had the leisure to think about something other than mere
survival some begin asking some basic questions. How did we get here on this earth? How do we
account for human evil and sin? Why are there different languages? Why do we not always
understand each each other?

The first eleven chapters of Genesis attempt to answer some of these questions and explain the
realities of human existence. The Israelites were not the first people to seek such answers. They
were migrant people. Abraham begins his journey in what is now Iraq, he wanders up to present
day Turkey, down into the areas of Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and eventually into Egypt.

On those many journeys Abraham accumulates land and cattle. He also learns various myths and
experiences various cultures. These are all blended into the religious truths he teaches his
children and grandchildren. They in turn pass the same truths to their children and grandchildren.

It is important to remember there are no books, no schools, no libraries, no churches. Whatever is
taught is taught by word of mouth. Whatever is learned is learned by being heard. Stories play an
important role. When all we have is the spoken word stories are even more important.

Actually there are two accounts of creation. If everything in the Bible must be historically true we
have a problem. Which of these two stories is correct? The older story is actually the second one
that appears in Genesis. In this story God creates man (ADAM) and then generates the rest of
creation to be at the service of man.

God takes clay and breathes his own spirit into the clay and man (ADAM) is created. Then God
plants a garden and provides a river to water it. Then God places man in charge of this world with
the admonition that he may not eat of the fruit in the center of the garden (the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil). God then decides it is not good for man (ADAM)to be alone. God then
creates wild andimals and birds. These do not satisfy man's need for companionship. Man (ADAM)
needs a companion. God takes a rib from man and creates woman (EVE).

The later creation account comes from the priests. It comes at a later period when religion is more
formalized, there are priests and rituals and formal religion. In this account God does not use any
created substance for his creative work. There is no clay, no ribs, no river to water or nourish
creation. Everything is created simply by God's word. God said "Let there be" and it is.

These two accounts produce a religious struggle we have not yet resolved. What is the
relationship between the role of ceation and the role of God? What role do we play in our salvation,
for example, and what role does God play?

The story of sin (ADAM and EVE) is very similar to a Babylonian myth which descibes the origin of
human evil. Here there is no priestly account, only the story that came from an era before the
establishment of the Jewish priesthood.

This story is commonly seen as a story of human pride and arrogance. That it is. It can also be seen
as a lack of faith, not only faith in God, but faith in themselves. If we couple this account with the
people's account of creation we see man and woman made in the image and likeness of God. The
serpent tells Eve if she eats of the fruit she will become like God. She already is the living image of
God. Why does she have to do something to become like God?

What would have happened if after the sin Adam and Eve went to God, and said "We goofed. We're
sorry!" Perhaps, their greater sin is covering up, hiding from God, and imagining that their sin will
somehow have gone unnoticed or go away.

The story of Noe and the flood is another story taken from an earlier tale that originated in Babylon.
Abraham would likely have heard both stories as he journeyed through parts of Babylon. As with
the creation accounts there are two separate accounts, the people's account and the priest's
account. One of the few differences lies in what God sees. According to the people's account God
sees the righteousness of Noe and his family. The priestly account details that God sees all the evil
that is in the world.

The tower of Babel is the final of the pre-historic myths of the early chapters of Genesis. The tower
is remarkably like towers erected in Babylon to their gods. The story describes human activity at
variance with God (sin). Eventually such activity places the participants at odds with each other
and their tongues are confused. They can no longer understand one another.

BIBLICAL HISTORY AND ITS PERIODS

                            THE PATRIARCHS

ABRAHAM

Abraham is called by God from Ur in the land of the Caldeans (present day Iraq). He is promised by
God that he will be the father of many nations. His descendants will be as numerouse as the stars
of the sky. He has great difficulty finding a land in which to stay. As he travels he accumulates cattle
and other resources. He ends up in Egypt where he says that Sarah is his sister. The pharoah
marries her and experiences plagues because he has married Abraham's wife.

Sarah has no children. She allows Abraham to have relations with her maid Hagar. When Hagar
becomes pregnant she begins to taunt Sarah. Sarah orders Abraham to get rid of Ishmael, the son
of Hagar. Later Sarah bears Abraham a son Isaac. Abraham attempts to sacrifice Isaac because he
believes it to be God's will. God intervenes to save Isaac. The priestly accounts adds circumcision
as part of the covenant.

ISAAC

Isaac is a link person. He is the link between Abraham and Jacob also known as Israel who is the
central person among the patriarchs. Isaac had twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Esau is the first born
and by right should receive the birth right. However, their mother Rebecca favors Jacob. She
deceives Isaac so that he gives the birth right to Jacob rather than Esau. Her deception also has
other effects. Jacob is forced to leave so Esau will not kill him. In the process he meets Rachel.
This leads to an intriguing and complicated series of events in which Jacob has twelve sons.

JACOB (ISRAEL)

While in exile Jacob meets Rachel and falls in love with her. He agrees with her father to work
seven years for the hand of Rachel. At the end of the seven years Jacob asks for Rachel as his
wife. He is told that her older sister Leah is not yet married. He is to marry Leah not Rachel. Jacob
marries Leah but agrees to work another seven years for Rachel.

Jacob has ten sons by Leah and her slave girl and the slave girl of Rachel but no children by
Rachel. One night Jacob wrestles with an angel who is unable to prevail over Jacob. This is
interpreted as an experience with God. When Jacob survives this divine encounter his name is
changed to Israel. The name is roughly translated "You contended with divine beings."

Late in life Israel has a son by Rachel. He favors this son, Joseph. The older brothers are envious
of Joseph and attempt to kill him. The brothers decide to sell Joseph to a group of traders who
take him to Egypt. Ironically, the traders are descendants of Ishmael, the one rejected by Sarah and
Abraham. The brothers take Joseph's multi-colored coat and dip it in the blood of an animal they
had slain. They bring the coat to Israel and attempt to convince him that Joseph has been killed by
wild animals.

Israel mourns for his favorite son, Joseph. A few years later Israel has another son (Benjamin) by
Rachel.

JOSEPH

Joseph is sold in slavery to the pharoah and his court. Joseph has an extraordinary ability to
interpret dreams. The pharoah has a series of dreams. Joseph interprets the pharoah's dream.
There will be seven years of good harvest followed by seven years of famine. He advises the
pharoah to tax all crops in the seven good years and to put the grain aside for the seven lean
years. Joseph is placed in charge of this project.

During the famine years his brothers come to Egypt looking for grain and food. Joseph recognizes
them but they did not recognize him. He discovers from them that he has a younger brother,
Benjamin and tries to get them to bring him to Egypt. They may not come back for food without
bringing their brother Benjamin.

Israel will not allow him to go fearing he would die like Joseph. Finally, they are so desparate for
food that Israel agrees to allow Benjamin to go. During this visit Joseph tells them "I am Joseph
your brother." Israel and all the family move to Egypt. There for 200 years they enjoy royal favor
because of Joseph.

The book of Exodus begins about 150-200 years after Joseph. It starts with a summary of the many
descendants of Israel who came to Egypt. Then tells us there was a time when they did not
remember Joseph. The descendants of Israel are industrious and successful. Many of the
Egyptians become successful and lazy. They begin to take advantage of the Israelites. Still the
Israelites remain faithful and industrious. The Israelites continue to propagate children. The
Egyptians begin to restrict the number of children they have.

Soon the Egyptians fear that the Israelites will outnumber them. The pharoah orders a slaughter of
all Israelite males under the age of two. One woman hides her son Moses in the reeds along the
Nile River. He is placed near the spot where the pharoah's daughter bathes. She finds Moses and
takes him. She asks one of the Hebrew woman in her court to take care of Moses. It happens to be
Moses' mother. So Moses escapes death. Actually he has a rather nice life in the pharoah's circle.

Moses becomes distressed at the way his people are being treated. One day God appears to him
and tells him he is to lead his people out of this slavery. Over the course of time Moses makes
several attempts to free his people. None are successful.

One day God orders the people of Israel to kill a lamb, sprinkle its blood on their door, eat the lamb
quickly, and be ready to go. The angel of death passes over during the night and slays the firstborn
of those houses not sprinkled with the blood of the lamb. This breaks the mind of the pharoah who
orders the Israelites to leave. Later he sends his army to pursue the Israelites. But God protects
them and they are able to flee from Egypt.

After leaving Egypt the Israelites have no place to call home. They wander about for forty years in a
desert. Moses leads them during this time. At times the people rebel against Moses. They ask him:
Did you lead us from Egypt so we could die in the wilderness? Every morning the Lord provides
them with manna for food. But the people still rebel.

During this time in the desert Moses has an experience with God on Mount Sinai. God reveals to
him a basic law by which the people are to live (the ten commandments). While Moses is getting
this law from God the people turn to idolatry and build a golden calf which they began to worship.

During this time in the desert many Israelite laws and religious practises evolve. The Ark of the
Covenant is built to carry the tablets of the law from place to place. Levites are installed to carry
the ark. These are the earliest priests. The ten commandments are expanded to cover many of the
situations the people encounter. A census is taken of the membership. A group of 12 spies, one
from each tribe, is established to go out and reconniter towns and nations the Israelites would like
to take over. Under the leadership of Moses the social and religious life of the Israelites is greatly
expanded and developed.

                                    THE JUDGES

After the death of Moses Joshua assumes leadership of the Israelites. Joshua is one of the 12
spies sent out by Moses. A minority of them are in favor of attempting to seize the land of the
Amorites. Moses sides with the majority. By the time of Moses' death Joshua and those who want to
seize the land are the only ones of the original spies still alive. Joshua becomes leader of the
Israelites after Moses' death. Under Joshua the Israelites capture Jericho.

Like most human beings once the people became settled in their land they begin to settle into a
more relaxed life style and see less and less need for God. They begin to adopt the pagan gods
and pagan worship of the people around them. Judges who are really political and military leaders
are appointed to bring the people back to God. The judges are heros and heroines God raised up
to lead the people in times of great peril.

Samuel is the last of the Judges. During his time and at his initiative Saul is anointed the first king
of Israel, Samuel is later to repudiate Saul as king. The period of Judges lasts 100 to 150 years. It
leads to the establishment of kings in Israel.

                                       THE KINGS

In the early to middle part of the eleventh century BC, roughly 200 years after Moses led the people
from Egypt, the people demand a king of their own. Samuel selects Saul as the first king and
anoints him as king. He later repudiates Saul in part because of Saul's failure to carry out a military
campaign ordered by Samuel.

Samuel then anoints David as king. David and Saul clash. David is the first to build a temple to
house the Ark of the Covenant and its tablets of law. David has an affair with the wife of one of his
military officers. Bathsheba tells David she is pregnant as a reult of their affair.

David calls her husband in from battle so he may see his wife and have relations with her. Thus
David can disclaim paternity. The officer refuses to go see her since he needs to get back
immediately into battle. David orders him to be sent into the fiercest part of the battle with no
protection. He is killed and David takes Bathsheba as his wife.

David later repents of his sin. He writes a song of repentance (Psalm 51). Many of the Psalms date
from David's time and are actually attributed to David.

Israel is to know only one more king, Solomon. Solomon is best remembered for his wisdom. The
Queen of Sheba came to seek out his wisdom. Some contemporary scripture scholars suggest she
came as a spy to see how he could be overthrown. Even by the time of Jesus 1000 years later the
idea that she came seeking his wisdom is the commonly accepted truth. Solomon is remembered
for his wisdom. One story told of him is that of two mothers who came to him each claiming she is
the mother of a living baby. Both have babies. One is dead. Solomon orders the living baby to be
cut in half and half given to each mother. When one mother rebels and says give the child to the
other mother, Solomon recognizes that she is the true mother.

Solomon is believed to have written the book of Proverbs as well as a many of the Psalms. Despite
his great wisdom Solomon does not have an easy reign. There are many divisions and conflicts
among the people. Solomon's own son attempts to kill his father. When some of Solomon's loyalists
kill the son, Solomon falls into a deep funk. It is a funk from which he never really recovers. The
trouble is not simply a family feud. Great divisions plague the entire nation. When Solomon dies no
king is able to unite the people. They split into two kingdoms, northern and southern. It is a split
that never heals.

                       DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM

Neither the Northern Kingdom (Israel) nor the Southern Kingdom (Judah)were too loyal to Yahweh.
The division lasted roughly 200 years. In 722 BC the Northern Kingdom (Israel) fell. After that there
was only the Kingdom of Judah.

During this 200 year period three prophets (Amos, Hosea. and Micah) rose up to remind the people
of their infidelity to God. Amos who was from Judah criticized Israel for her infidelity. Hosea who
was from Israel criticized the king and the people for their alienation from Yahweh. He compared
them to an adultereous wife. Micah was from Judah. He reproached the merchants and the rich for
their exploitation of the poor.

About 115 years after the Northern Kingdom fell Babylonian troops began to invade Jerusalem. By
604 BC they had taken over Jerusalem. 6 years later (598 BC) the Chaldean army captured
Jerusalem. Within 11 years the Jews were captive in Babylon.

Between the fall of the Northern Kingdom and the Babylonian Exile several other prophets rose up.
Isaiah rose up just after the fall of Israel (c. 720 BC). Jeremiah in 626 BC. A year later Zephaniah (625
BC). Nahum in 612 BC and Ezekiel in 592 BC.

                                PROPHETS

Prophets have existed throughout human history. There are always persons with an innate ability
to see where human behavior will lead us. Prophets seem to be present especially in times of great
crisis. Often they are not recognized or heeded. Only after the fact is their message noticed.

Much prophetic activity in the Bible happened before, during, and just after the Babylonian Exile.
Prior to the exile Amos, Hosea, Micah, Jeremiah, First Isaiah, Zephaniah, and Nahum foretell the
imminent danger to Israel if she does not repent and change her ways. During the exile Ezekiel,
Zechariah, and Second Isaiah try to hold out hope to the people that God's wrath will be abated and
the kingdom will be restored. After the exile Malachi, Ezra, and Nehemiah denounce the lack of
leadership of the priests, the people's marriage to pagans, and their failure to reestablish a
religious life among themselves. Malachai is believed to be a pen name for someone who did not
care to identify himself. Ezra and Nehemiah are not normally numbered among the prophets. They
were priests who attempt to reform the religious life and worship of the people. Another post exilic
prophet was Third Isaiah.

Although there is only one book of Isaiah in the Bible scripture scholars find three separate time
frames in Isaiah and three different and distinct literary styles. Thus they believe the are three
separate (some even say 4) writers in the book we know as Isaiah.

                             BABYLONIAN EXILE

As early as the later years of the 7th century BC the Northern Kingdom (Judah) was being invaded
and its residents deported. By 604 BC Babylon had taken over Jerusalem. In 598 BC the Caldean
army had captured Jerusalem. By 587 most of the Jews are in captivity in Babylon.

Some of the prophets date from this period. Second Isaiah wrote at this time. Ezekiel dates from
this period. Ezekiel was a priest and one of the first to be exiled. His exile comes in 597 BC, 10
years before the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its residents. Ezekiel foretells that
destruction. No one wants to listen, thinking Jerusalem and its temple are indestrucible. After 587
BC the message of Ezekiel changes from one of imminent doom to hope for rebuilding of the
temple and of the kingdom. A similar change occurs in Second Isaiah.

While in Babylon many of the exiles live a fairly decent life. Many becme merchants and tradesmen.
Scribes are very active preserving old records. Some Jews began to intermarry with the
Babylonians.

For some the exile lasts only 50 years. In 537 BC King Cyprus releases a wave of Jewish captives.
They plan to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. However it is another 80 years before the
majority of them are released.

                             EFFECTS OF EXILE

The Jews never fully recover from the exile. Despite their material success in Babylon, the Jews
lament the loss of their homeland, their temple, and their religious life. Psalm 137 "By the waters of
Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered you, O Jerusalem" dates from this period. It
expresses many of their sentiments.

It is during this period that the idea of rabbi first emerges. The people do not have their temple or
their priest. They attempt to preserve their religious tradition as best they can. They are scattered
throughout Babylon. So they begin to gather in small groups and attempt to preserve and pass on
their religious heritage and faith. It is especially after the return from exile that the concept of
synagogue and rabbi develops.

During the time of Jewish exile in Babylon the Babylonian empire falls to the Persians. The Jews
now come under Persian rule. It is King Cyrus of Persia who releases the first wave of Jews in 537
BC.

                            RETURN FROM EXILE

Four figures stand out in the post exile period: Ezra, Nehemiah, Joel, and Malachi. The writings of
all four are preserved in the Old Testament.

Ezra and Nehemiah are not placed among the prophetic books in the Bible but among the historical
books. However, their message is prophetic. One commentary suggests it is unlikely Israel would
have survived the Greek invasion if it were not for the work of Ezra and Nehemiah. Both write and
act strongly against marriages of Jews and pagans and other pagan influences. Ezra and Nehemiah
are responsible for the promulgation of the law. Joel calls for a period of prayer, fasting and
penance to overcome the sin and religious apathy of the people. Malachi critisizes the pagan
marriages of the Jews and their religious indifference.

Even when they return to Jerusalem the Jews are not free. Persian overlords are in charge of
Jerusalem. Under the Persians many of the Jews both in exile and those who had returned to
Jerusalem prosper. They pay their taxes, serve in the military, and their high priest is accountable
to the Persian government.

At this time a new phenomen develops in Jewish life, the rise of the Samaritans. They are Jews who
marry non Jews. They are more liberal. They have their own temple and their own ritual. They are
seen as a great threat by Ezra and Nehemiah who attempt to get Jews to disavow their foreign
marriages.

                        GREEK INVASION

By 332 BC the Greeks invade and capture Jerusalem from the Persians. They impose Greek
thought and Greek customs. Many in Palestine are intrigued by the philosophy of Aristotle. Youth
are attracted by the gymnasia and the games, the original Olympic Games. It is difficult to restore
Israel to its sense of God's people. They are now attracted by the gods of human knowledge and
the development of the human body. Still there are those who attempt to keep the people focused
on their religious heritage and their relationship with Yahweh.

During this time the scriptures are translated into Greek. The resulting translation is known as the
Septuagint. It is a translation that has remain significant and important even to our own day.

                        MACCABEAN WARS

In 166 BC a group of Jewish guerrillas attempt to overthrow Greek rule. For 23 years they fight a
series of wars known as the Maccabean Wars. This period is chronicled in the First and Second
Book of Maccabees. During this war 1000 Jewish warriors are slaughtered because they refuse to
fight on the Sabbath. This experience causes Jews to relax their strict observance of the Sabbath,
at least for the duration of the war.

Eventually the Maccabean revolt brings much of Palestine back under Jewish control. But they pay
a price. In order to assure that the Persians or another foreign group do not once again take over
their land, the Jews make a treaty with the Romans. The Romans will protect the Jews from any
foreign invasion.

                             ROMAN INVASION

The Maccabean treaty with Rome does not assure that Rome will not invade Jerusalem. By 128 BC
the Romans invade Jerusalem. By 63 BC the Romans control Jerusalem and establish some of the
Jewish rebels as a puppet government.

                                     HEROD

Herod and his descendants (several of whom also bore the name Herod) rule the Land up until the
birth of Jesus Christ. Herod builds the temple in Jerusalem. The temple took 46 years to build. It
was a vast undertaking even by today's standards. It was roughly one quarter of a mile long and a
quarter of a mile wide. It would cover several square blocks of a good size city. Herod and his
descendants exercise a great deal of control over the Jewish high priests and over temple activity.

Herod also builds pagan temples. Throughout the Herodian rule there is animosity and rebellion
among the Jews. This is reflected several times in the gospels. Herod is at best a half breed Jew.
Even though Herod is controlled by Rome, many prefer his rule to out and out Roman rule.

Definition of some Old Testament words

ark of the covenant

A large box (sometimes called a tabernacle q.v.) which is carried around by the Israelites as they
move from place to place. The ark of the covenant symbolizes the presence of God among them. It
is mounted on poles and carried by the levites (q.v.) at the head of the procession.

The ark precedes the Israelites as they journey in the desert. It precedes them for seven days as
they march around Jericho blasting trumpets and shouting. On the eighth day the walls of Jericho
fall and the Israelites march in.

The ark contains the tablets of the law (q.v.). On the top is mounted on each end a cherubim. (q.v.)
The wings of the two cherubim cover the kapporet, a gold plate which symbolizes God's presence
and mercy.

Cherubim

One of the choirs of angels. In the scriptures they serve as the custodian of sacred places. They do
not serve as messengers of God. It is the cherubim who guard the garden of Eden after the sin of
Adam and Eve.

Dead Sea Scrolls

In 1947 a series of writings and scrolls were found in a cave near Qumran. They contain
manuscripts from Isaiah and other prophets. They also contain manuscripts of a religious group
believed to be the Essenes. (q.v.)

Elders

Oldest members of the chief families and clans. Elders were members of the sanhedrin. (q.v.)

Essenes

A pious group of Jews who date from at least the first century BC. They hold very radical beliefs of
an imminent final battle between the force of good and the forces of evil. They attempt to purify
their lives so they will be ready for that final battle. Many believe that John the Baptist was a
member or at least had association with an Essene group.They are credited with the development
of the Dead Sea Scrolls (q.v.)

heretic

Officially the term is not used in the Old Testament. It is a New Testament idea which refers to
persons who attempt to twist the truth to suit their own fancy. Although the word is not used the
concept appears in the Old Testament which provides us with several examples of the religious
ideas of a group being rejected because they are contrary to accepted teaching and thought. In the
earliest days of the Christian church Christians and Jews trade the accusation of heresy, each
regarding the other as heretical.

Herodians

A political group which exists at the time of Jesus Christ. They are mentioned three times in the
gospels. In all three instances they plot with the Pharisees to kill Jesus or to trap him in his
speech. They prefer the oppressive rule of Herod, seen by them as home rule, to that of the
Romans.

high priest

The most important person in post-exilic Jerusalem. He is head of the Sanhedrin (q.v.) He is the
chief reprentative of the people to the foreign powers which control Jerusalem. The office is in
control of the foreign powers which rule Jerusalem. The office is held by a few prominent families.

levite

Levi is one of sons of Israel. After the Exodus Moses appoints his brother Aaron as priest (q.v.).
Aaron is from the tribe of Levi. So all later priests had to come from the tribe of Levi. Over the
years the Levites take on other roles: medical advisors to community, administrators of justice.
They have no income so they are supported by a tithe. After the exile not all levites are considered
priests. In his reform Ezra insists that those who want to be priests prove they descend from Aaron.

midrash

Originally midrash meant a collection of rabbinic (cf. rabbi) tradition. Midrash contains scriptural
interpretation of the rabbis. This form of midrash first appears about the fourth century BC.
Midrash becomes important when the synagogue (q.v.) replaces the temple (q.v.) as the focal point
of Jewish religious activity.

Today midrash has taken on a new meaning. It refers to a form of scriptural writing which attempts
to place a new meaning or interpretation on an older text. This is common in the gospels where the
authors attempt to match the words and deeds of Jesus with some Old Testament activity.

mishna

Legal opinions of respected rabbis (q.v.) which are handed down orally for many years. The mishna
forms much of the Talmud. (q.v.)Much of this core teaching dates from about 200 BC. Unlike
midrash (q.v.) mishna makes no attempt to interpret the scripture. Misna flows out of the Greek
influence. As a result of that influence local synagogues (q.v.) begin to organize and record the
teachings of local rabbis.

oral tradition

Tradition and teachings that are not written down but passed on by word of mouth. Many stories in
the Old Testament are at least originally oral tradition. Many teachings of local rabbis (q.v.) and
contained in the Talmud (q.v.) are oral tradition.

pharisee

A party or sect within Judaism. Unlike the Sadducees (q.v.) who are connected with the temple
(q.v.) and its worship, the Pharisees are a lay group. They are heirs of Ezra rather than the
prophets. They see Judaism as a religion centered exclusively on the law. They interpret the law in
the strictest possible way.

They often come from more affluent families. They are trusted by the people. They are often elected
to high positions such as the sanhedrin (q.v.) They ally themsleves often with the Scribes (q.v.).
They are most hostile to Jesus.

priest

Priesthood appears in almost every time and place connected with Biblical history. It is not a
concept peculiar to the Israelites. Priests are most often associated with temple(q.v.) worship.
Prior to the time Soloman constructs the temple priests function at various sanctuaries throughout
Israel. Traditionally there are three functions performed by the priests: 1) give oracles 2) instruct in
the law 3) offer sacrifice.

rabbi

Anyone well versed in the law would be considered a rabbi. The term usually is synonymous with
teacher or master. It is a title sometimes given to Jesus. It is one he rejects and admonishes his
followers to also reject.

remnant theology

A philosophy which develops after the return from the Babylonian Exile. According to this belief
God no longer regards Israel as a chosen people. Being Jewish does not necessarily mean that
you are chosen by God and special to God. Only a small core of them, a faithful remnant enjoy God's
favor. It is a great deviation from traditional Jewish theology. It comes as a response to the
infidelity of the people, to their marriage with outsiders, and other sins of the people. Remnant
theology spawns secret sects and cults which have mysterious rituals designed to assure its users
that they will be among the remnant.

Sadducees

A political religious group which forms in opposition to the Greek ideas which invade Jewish
thought during the time of Greek influence. The Sadducees reject the oral tradition (q.v.) of the
rabbis. They accept only the written law of Moses. They reject belief in angels, demons, and
resurrection after death.

Samaritans

Jews who marry outside their own group. They are looked down upon, regarded as heretics (q.v.)
and schismatics. (q.v.) So they are outcast. Anyone who associates with a Samaritan risks facing
similar rejection. Jesus Christ is criticized because of his association with Samaritans. When he
sends his disciples out he warns them not to go into Samaritan towns.

sanhedrin

The supreme religious ruling body in Jerusalem. The first written mention of the sanhedrin is about
230 BC. The sanhedrin is composed of 70 members plus a presiding officer who is the high priest
(q.v.) currently in power. Membership comes from three groups, the elders, (q.v.) the high priests,
(q.v.) and the scribes. (q.v.) It is not certain what authority the sanhedrin has. It has no power to
execute anyone. This is clear from the passion accounts of the gospels. It execises authority over
schismatics (q.v.) as is clear in Acts were they send Paul to bring schismatic Jews back to
Jerusalem. They apparently have little authority over local synagogues. (q.v.)

schismatic

The formal refusal of a person or a group to recognize the authority of a church. The term is often
confused with heretic. (q.v.) Like heretic, it is a New Testament concept rather than an Old
Testament one. However, like heretic the reality is also present in Old Testament times.

scribe

Scribes are often one of the few persons in the community able to read and write. It is the scribe
who writes down all events of a community and preserves their history. Scribes keep financial
records and anything written or transcribed.

In New Testament times scribes ally with pharisees (q.v.) in opposition to Jesus Christ.

synagogue

At the time of the Babylonian Exile it is impossible for Jews to go to Jerusalem to worship at the
temple. Small gathering places (synagogues) begin to emerge in places of exile. There the people
are able to come together to reflect on the scripture and attempt to keep the faith alive in
environments not conducive to the preservation of their faith. No sacrifices are offered in the
synagogues. A rabbi (q.v.) presides over the synagogue. The local synagogue often preserves the
teachings of the local rabbi.

tabernacle

The large, splendiferous place in the most sacred of part of the temple. (q.v.) In the tabernacle is
kept the tablets of the law. (q.v.) The tabernacle is covered with a magnificent veil. No one is to see
the presence of God which the tablets of the law (q.v.) symbolized. A large sanctuary lamp burns
continually to remind everyone of the presence of God in the tabernacle. Christian practise of a
tabernacle housing the unused hosts stems from this Old testament practise.

tablets of the law

The tablets on which the original version of the ten commandments was written. They were carried
around in the Ark of the Covenant. (q.v.) Later, these tablets were placed in the temple. (q.v.)

talmud

Interpretations of the law made by various rabbis. (q.v.) The core of the Talmud is the mishna (q.v.)
which originates about 200 BC.

temple

The sacred building in Jerusalem where sacrifices are offered to God. The temple contains a Holy
of Holies where only the high priest is allowed to enter. In the temple atonement is made to God for
the sins of the people. In the temple, rabbis,(q.v.) pharisees, (q.v.) saducees (q.v.) and other
religious leaders gather to discuss the scriptures, the Talmud (q.v.) and other religious matters.

The first temple is built by King David when he realizes it was not right for him to live in a
magnificent house while the tablets of the law (q. v.) are being carried around in a portable ark.

The temple is destroyed many times and defiled frequently. About 60-70 years before the birth of
Jesus Christ Herod builds a magnificent temple which took 46 years to build. This temple would
make many contemporary shopping malls look small. That temple is destroyed in 70 AD.

theophany

The word literally means a manifestation of God. It may be used for any event (usually a
splendiferous event) which reveals the presence of God. It is used most often to refer to the
thunder, lightning, and other events which surrounded Moses' visit to Mount Sinai when he
receives the ten commandments.

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