The Egyptian Era (323–198 B.C.)

The Egyptian Era (323–198 B.C.)

Historical Situation

With the death of Alexander in 323 B.C., the Greek empire became divided among four generals: Ptolemy, Lysimachus, Cassander, and Selenus. These were Daniel’s “four kingdoms” that took the place of the “large horn” (Dan. 8:21, 22).

Ptolemy Soter, the first of the Ptolemaic dynasty, received Egypt and soon dominated nearby Israel. He dealt severely with the Jews at first, but toward the end of his reign and on into the rule of Ptolemy Philadelphus, his successor, the Jews were treated favorably. It was during this time that the Septuagint was authorized.

The Jews prospered until near the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty, when conflicts between Egypt and Syria escalated. Israel again was caught in the middle. When the Syrians defeated Egypt in the Battle of Panion in 198 B.C., Judea was annexed to Syria.

Religious Developments

The policy of toleration followed by the Ptolemies, by which Judaism and Hellenism coexisted peacefully, seriously undermined the Jewish faith. It brought a gradual infiltration of Greek influence and an almost unnoticed assimilation of the Greek way of life.

Hellenism’s emphasis on beauty, shape, and movement encouraged Jews to neglect Jewish religious rites that were aesthetically unappealing. Thus worship was influenced to become more external than internal, a notion that had a lasting impact upon Judaism.

Two religious parties emerged: the Hellenizing party, which was pro-Syrian, and the orthodox Jews, in particular the Hasidim or “Pious Ones” (predecessors of the Pharisees). A struggle for power between these two groups resulted in a polarization of the Jews along political, cultural, and religious lines. This same conflict led to the attack of Antiochus Epiphanes in 168 B.C.