1. Captivity, Return, and Years of Silence
A Remnant Shall Return
Captivity, Return, and Years of Silence

2. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Remember important passages…
– Dan 2:40-44; 7:23-27

3. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History

4. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Now time to factor this kingdom into the story
– Emergence of Roman global empire onto the
world stage completes our preparation for next
quarter’s studies N.T. events (life of Christ)
– This lesson primarily focuses on how the
history transitions from the Greek influence to
Roman rule, and how Judea fared during this
transition

5. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
A quick review…
– Judean independence from Syria in 142 B.C.
– Emergence of Jewish sects to remain separate
from Hellenism (Pharisees, Sadduccees)
– Last son of Mattathias Hasmones (Simon)
assassinated in 134 B.C.
– His son John Hyrcanus became High Priest
– Nothing much left of old Syrian empire
– Events that help bring Rome to center stage:
- Parthia (E of Syria) continues to grow

6. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
A quick review…
– Events that help bring Rome to center stage:
- Rome (far W) continues to watch Syria & the Jews battle
- Eventually Rome will control entire
Mediterranean basin
- Parthia took control of Mesopotamia… Rome took all of Asia Minor (129 B.C.)

7. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
John Hyrcanus
– Became High Priest in 134 B.C.
– Subdued Idumeans (Edomites)
– Died in 105 B.C.
– Succeeded by son Aristobolus
– He died 1 year later…was succeeded by his
½ brother Alexandra Jannaeus (who married
Aristobolus’ widow Salome)

8. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Alexander Jannaeus (103 – 76 B.C.)
– Civil ruler & High Priest (Hasmonean)
– Left Judean rule to Salome
– Had 2 sons (Hyrcanus II & Aristobolus)
– Hyrcanus II was made High Priest…Aristobolus
was made commander
– Salome died in 67 B.C.
– Aristobolus wasted no time in ousting milder
brother Hyrcanus II from high priesthood and
seizing complete control of Judea

9. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Aristobolus
– An Idumean governor named Antipater
becomes very important during this time
– His son (also named Antipater) cultivates a
friendship with the ousted Hyrcanus II
– He lined up support for Hyrcanus II from
Aretas, king of the Nabateans

10. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History

11. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Aristobolus
– With the help of Aretas, Hyrcanus II re-enters
Jerusalem with forces and defeats his brother

12. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Pompey
– Roman general with authority from Senate to
conquer all eastern shores of Mediterranean
– He succeeded in conquering old Syrian region,
and Rome annexed Syria in 64 B.C.
– His sights were now set on heading south down
the shoreline toward Judea (63 B.C.)

13. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History

14. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Hyrcanus II re-instated as High Priest…his “friend” Antipater is faithfully at his side
– However, Antipater realized Rome was where
his real ticket to power resided
Meanwhile, enter Julius Caesar onto the stage
– He becomes a dominant figure, eventually
challenging & defeating Pompey
– Pompey flees to Egypt…Caesar follows
– Caesar is in danger in Egypt…Antipater comes
to his aid

15. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Antipater (an Idumean)
– Named Procurator of Judea by Caesar
– Hyrcanus II re-confirmed as High Priest
– Antipater has 2 sons
– Herod (military prefect in Galilee) and
Phasael (military prefect in Judea)
– Poisoned in 43 B.C.
– Caesar had been assassinated in 44 B.C. (Ides
of March)…Mark Antony & Octavian (Caesar’s
nephew) defeated the conspirators
– Mark Antony controlled Judea

16. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Mark Antony
– Appointed Antipater’s 2 sons (Herod & Phasael)
joint rulers in Judea
– Antigonus (son of Aristobolus [defeated brother
of Hyrcanus II]) began contending for office of
High Priest…joined forces with Parthians
– Hyrcanus II removed from office & mutilated
– Phasael captured…committed suicide in prison
– Herod escaped safely to Rome

17. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Eventually Octavian & Mark Antony cannot co-exist
Octavian defeats Mark Antony…becomes emperor
Roman Senate confers upon him title of “Caesar Augustus” Lk 2:1

18. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History
Herod (37-4 B.C.)
– Eventually gained control of all of Palestine
– Antigonus was captured, brought to Rome
– Mark Antony beheaded him at Herod’s request
– Took title of “Herod the Great”
– Made “King” of Judea ( Herod - Edomite) Mt 2:3; Gen. 27:40
– Convinced Rome to allow Jews their religious
freedom… otherwise, a repeat of Maccabean
Revolt was possible
– Family played a major role in N.T. story (to both Jews & Christians)

19. Lesson 22: The Roman Empire and Jewish History