The Divine Mandates. Morris A. Inch
their role as a chosen people, set apart for God’s service.
“You are right!” the people exclaimed. “We must do as you say.” Opposition was minimal (cf. v. 15).
“Comparatively few had availed themselves of the opportunity either then or on later occasions, and sixty years later large numbers of Jews remained in the eastern half of the Persian empire, many in the great imperial cities of Persia itself.”28 While little is known of them, the text of Esther provides an interesting insight.
“Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen” (Esther 2:17). He was not aware of her Israelite identity, nor did she volunteer the information.
Given the opportunity to intercede on behalf of her oppressed people, she made the most of it. “On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them” (Esther 9:10). Culminating in the annual celebration of Purim. And providing a convenient place to take leave of the entries that comprise the Old Testament, in anticipation of what would follow.
12. Inch, Scripture as Story, 18.
13. Hartley, Genesis, 83.
14. Derek Kidner, Genesis, 109.
15. Inch, Scripture as Story, 26.
16. Hartley, Genesis, 237.
17. Cole, Exodus, 64.
18. Walton and Matthews, Genesis-Deuteronomy, 91–92.
19. Wright, Deuteronomy, 52.
20. Harris et al., Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 18.
21. Hess, Joshua, 104–105.
22. Harris et al., Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 123.
23. Evans, 1 and 2 Samuel, 41–42.
24. Ibid., 50.
25. Heschel, The Prophets, 4.
26. Inch, Scripture as Story, 85.
27. Klein, Israel in Exile, 3.
28. Baldwin, Esther, 17.
Prophecy Fulfilled
Qualifications aside, the interim between the old and new testament has aptly been described as the silent years. “It seemed as if God had tired of speaking to those who continued to turn a deaf ear toward him. The school of the prophets has withered an on the vine. While this was a relief for some, it seemed a tragedy for others.”29 As for the latter, “For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit” (Psa. 28:1)
The silent years were certainly not uneventful. Philip of Macedon initiated the Hellenic League as a rival to Persia. He was succeeded by his youthful son Alexander. Alexander subsequently extended his empire from the Balkans south to Egypt and east to India. Eleven years after his invasion of Asia Minor, he lay dead at the age of thirty-three. Hellenism would survive its militant advocate.
“Hellenism played to mixed reviews. Some saw it as a serious threat to prized religious traditions, their identity as Jews being at stake. Others welcomed Hellenism as a liberating force from ethnic constraints, so much so that their tradition proved an embarrassment.”30 Antiochus IV brought matters to a head. In a dramatic encounter outside Alexandria, a Roman envoy demanded that he cut short his invasion of Egypt. With visions of grandeur shattered and prestige diminished, he bitterly retreated. Along the way, he decided to take out his frustration on Jerusalem, and solidity his southern flank. His mandate promulgating Hellenism and prohibiting Judaism was enforced with utmost severity.
This gave rise to the Maccabean revolt. Increasing numbers of Jews joined in the insurrection. They were eventually able to recover Jerusalem. The altar dedicated to Jupiter was removed and replaced by an alternative devoted to the worship of Yahweh. Subsequently freed from taxation, it was considered tantamount to independence.
The religious idealism of the Maccabees began to decline. When news of the deteriorating conditions reached Rome, Pompey decided to intervene. As expressed by Josephus, Judea was made tributary to the Romans.
Herod the Great was the son of the Idumean governor Antipater. He was appointed tetrarch of Judea in 41 BC. His building projects were legion. He zealously protected himself against any usurper. His atrocities are well documented. The state was set for the advent of Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Once when Zechariah’s division was serving at the temple, an angel appeared to him. “Do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard,” the visitor reassured him. “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:13, 17). Bringing to mind the prophecy of Malachi in this regard (cf. 4:5–6).
God also sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married. “Greetings, you who are highly favored!” the visitor said to her (Luke 1:28). Mary was understandably troubled by his words, and wondered as to their meaning. “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,” Gabriel continued. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” As an expression of obedient trust.
Now when John was birthed, Zechariah rejoiced: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God.” The child matured, and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness prior to his public ministry. Implying that God was preparing for the demanding task that lay ahead.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph went up from Nazareth to Bethlehem, because he belonged to the line of David. Mary accompanied him, while expecting the birth of her child. While they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn. She wrapped him in cloths, and they placed him in a manger—since there was not room for them in the inn. This was likely an enclosure for the animals, adjacent to the family accommodations.
There were