Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fulness of the time was come, GOD sent forth HIS SON, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
Between the close of the Old Testament and the opening of the New Testament was a span of time lasting 400 years -- silent years as to divine revelation. After the completion of Nehemiah's historical record and Malachi's prophecy, no voice was heard nor vision seen from Heaven until the LORD GOD spoke through an angel to Zacharias, who was to become the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25 see picture above v.13, 57-80) It is difficult to grasp the vast political, religious, and societal changes that had taken place in the world, and especially in Israel, during this time unless we have at least an elementary grasp of what transpired during this "intertestamental period."
The Old Testament closed with the Medo-Persian Empire firmly in control, while the New Testament opens during the Roman period. Between those two empires was the rule of Alexander the Great, during which time Greek culture and language dominated the people of the land. It was within these "silent" years that the priesthood grew more involved in war and politics and became corrupted, paving the way for the rise of the sects of the Pharisees and Sadducees. In addition, the fourteen writings of the Apocrypha were produced, which, while not part of the inspired canon, are of literary and historical importance. Initially, those who returned from the Babylonian exile probably held their synagogue meetings in homes (Ezekiel 8:1 pictured above; 20:1-3), with worship, prayer, and instruction in the Scriptures being carried out wherever Jews lived. All the while, GOD was preparing the way for HIS divine plan. As the 400 silent years came to an end, "the fulness of the time was come, [and] GOD sent forth HIS SON" (vv.4-5). JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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