The intertestamental period is the period of time between the last writings of the Old Testament (Malachi) up to the beginning of the events in the New Testament that were written about in the Book of Mathew. It is also known as the “between the testaments” or “400 silent years” period. During these 400 years God was considered to be silent in that he provided no new prophetic word to his people.
Intertestamental Period Changes For The Jewish People
The nation and people of Israel experienced many political, religious, and social changes during these 400 silent years. Much of it was predicted by the prophet Daniel (example Daniel 8:14). Historical writings from extra-biblical sources give us much of the details from this period of time in history in which there were no biblical writings.
Some of the more notable changes for the Jewish people during this time included being ruled by the Persians, Alexander the Great and the Greeks, and eventually Rome. Their common language changed from Hebrew to Greek and Aramaic. Also, the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into the Greek language, known as the Septuagint.
The Silence Comes To An End
From the Persian Era to the Roman Era of the intertestamental period, the Jews became a conquered and oppressed people. However, even in God’s silence Scripturally speaking, he was setting the stage for his ultimate plan to be carried out in the birth of Jesus Christ. God ended his silence by providing us with the New Testament. It is in these New Testament verses where we find God wrapping himself in human flesh as Jesus Christ and dying for our sins. We also find he made a way for us to be with him for eternity in heaven by simply following his Plan of Salvation!
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