A History Of Biblical Israel 03 - Persia And Greece

a history of ancient Israel lecture 8 a history of ancient Israel lecture 8 the kingdom of Judah until the time of sakib in this lecture we will focus in sakib in this lecture we will focus in on the southern Kingdom of Judah which on the southern Kingdom of Judah which on the southern Kingdom of Judah which consistently found itself caught between consistently found itself caught between consistently found itself caught between Mighty Empires far to the North in Mighty Empires far to the North in Mighty Empires far to the North in Mesopotamia and far to the south in Mesopotamia and far to the south in Mesopotamia and far to the south in Egypt we will take a look briefly at Egypt we will take a look briefly at Egypt we will take a look briefly at this Southern Kingdom up until the time this Southern Kingdom up until the time this Southern Kingdom up until the time of the Neo Assyrian King AKB who came of the Neo Assyrian King AKB who came of the Neo Assyrian King AKB who came down in the year 701 BCE to spread down in the year 701 BCE to spread down in the year 701 BCE to spread Terror and Havoc during his campaigns in Terror and Havoc during his campaigns in Terror and Havoc during his campaigns in Juda eventually destroying the city of Juda eventually destroying the city of Juda eventually destroying the city of Lish and threatening Jerusalem Lish and threatening Jerusalem Lish and threatening Jerusalem itself let's backtrack then to the time itself let's backtrack then to the time itself let's backtrack then to the time of reabo who came to the throne when he of reabo who came to the throne when he of reabo who came to the throne when he was 41 years old following the death of was 41 years old following the death of was 41 years old following the death of Solomon rabom rules for 17 full years in Solomon rabom rules for 17 full years in Solomon rabom rules for 17 full years in Judah we don't have many details about Judah we don't have many details about Judah we don't have many details about his Reign except an account of his his Reign except an account of his his Reign except an account of his actions in connection with the northern actions in connection with the northern actions in connection with the northern Rebellion that is where the Northern Rebellion that is where the Northern Rebellion that is where the Northern Kingdom of Israel split off from the Kingdom of Israel split off from the Kingdom of Israel split off from the southern Kingdom of Judah as well as an southern Kingdom of Judah as well as an southern Kingdom of Judah as well as an account of his actions in connection account of his actions in connection account of his actions in connection with shak's Invasion from Egypt and to with shak's Invasion from Egypt and to with shak's Invasion from Egypt and to note that there was constant Warfare note that there was constant Warfare note that there was constant Warfare between Israel and Judah that is between between Israel and Judah that is between between Israel and Judah that is between reabo and reabo and reabo and jeroboam now the time between Solomon's jeroboam now the time between Solomon's jeroboam now the time between Solomon's death in about 930 BCE and the death in about 930 BCE and the death in about 930 BCE and the Babylonian Conquest in 586 BCE is the

Babylonian Conquest in 586 BCE is the Babylonian Conquest in 586 BCE is the period that we refer to as the divided period that we refer to as the divided period that we refer to as the divided monarchy or the divided kingdoms this is monarchy or the divided kingdoms this is monarchy or the divided kingdoms this is a period of 350 years which are treated a period of 350 years which are treated a period of 350 years which are treated largely by the Bible as a period of largely by the Bible as a period of largely by the Bible as a period of moral Decline and religious moral Decline and religious moral Decline and religious laxity the history of Israel is dealt laxity the history of Israel is dealt laxity the history of Israel is dealt with in a fairly cursory Manner and the with in a fairly cursory Manner and the with in a fairly cursory Manner and the history of Judah fares only a little bit history of Judah fares only a little bit history of Judah fares only a little bit better throughout the telling of the better throughout the telling of the better throughout the telling of the stories of Israel and Judah in the stories of Israel and Judah in the stories of Israel and Judah in the biblical narrative there is no question biblical narrative there is no question biblical narrative there is no question that the Bible clearly considers Israel that the Bible clearly considers Israel that the Bible clearly considers Israel and Judah to be sister states that is and Judah to be sister states that is and Judah to be sister states that is two branches that share the same ethnic two branches that share the same ethnic two branches that share the same ethnic cultural and religious roots and that cultural and religious roots and that cultural and religious roots and that they had emerged from some sort of they had emerged from some sort of they had emerged from some sort of larger Israelite Kingdom residents of larger Israelite Kingdom residents of larger Israelite Kingdom residents of both kingdoms worshiped the same God both kingdoms worshiped the same God both kingdoms worshiped the same God spoke a similar language and wrote using spoke a similar language and wrote using spoke a similar language and wrote using the same the same the same script but the latest archaeological script but the latest archaeological script but the latest archaeological data doesn't fit this picture data doesn't fit this picture data doesn't fit this picture particularly well there are differences particularly well there are differences particularly well there are differences in everything from the pottery in everything from the pottery in everything from the pottery traditions in the two different kingdoms traditions in the two different kingdoms traditions in the two different kingdoms to the architectural Styles found in to the architectural Styles found in to the architectural Styles found in Israel and in Israel and in Israel and in Judah all of this is influenced by the Judah all of this is influenced by the Judah all of this is influenced by the fact that Israel and Judah although they fact that Israel and Judah although they fact that Israel and Judah although they were fairly close to each other were fairly close to each other were fairly close to each other geographically still had different geographically still had different geographically still had different climates and very different climates and very different climates and very different topographies Pottery Traditions changed topographies Pottery Traditions changed topographies Pottery Traditions changed much more slowly in Juda in part because

much more slowly in Juda in part because much more slowly in Juda in part because Judah lay off the Beaten Track of the Judah lay off the Beaten Track of the Judah lay off the Beaten Track of the main trade routs and it was these trade main trade routs and it was these trade main trade routs and it was these trade rots that brought new Styles new rots that brought new Styles new rots that brought new Styles new techniques and new technology to the techniques and new technology to the techniques and new technology to the Northern Kingdom of Israel which did lie Northern Kingdom of Israel which did lie Northern Kingdom of Israel which did lie astride the main trade routes the astride the main trade routes the astride the main trade routes the Northern Kingdom of Israel the Kings Northern Kingdom of Israel the Kings Northern Kingdom of Israel the Kings there built significantly more there built significantly more there built significantly more Monumental architecture Monumental architecture Monumental architecture down in southern Kingdom of Judah things down in southern Kingdom of Judah things down in southern Kingdom of Judah things were different Israel's rulers were were different Israel's rulers were were different Israel's rulers were looking for ways to impress and looking for ways to impress and looking for ways to impress and intimidate their subjects in part intimidate their subjects in part intimidate their subjects in part because they are in contact with the because they are in contact with the because they are in contact with the other kingdoms across the ancient near other kingdoms across the ancient near other kingdoms across the ancient near East even at the height of its power the East even at the height of its power the East even at the height of its power the southern Kingdom of Judah never southern Kingdom of Judah never southern Kingdom of Judah never commanded the economic resources or even commanded the economic resources or even commanded the economic resources or even the population that was necessary to the population that was necessary to the population that was necessary to pursue grandiose AR architectural pursue grandiose AR architectural pursue grandiose AR architectural projects in many respects Israel's projects in many respects Israel's projects in many respects Israel's sister states were not Judah but rather sister states were not Judah but rather sister states were not Judah but rather Ammon and Moab across the Jordan Ammon and Moab across the Jordan Ammon and Moab across the Jordan River in culture and political River in culture and political River in culture and political development settlement patterns and development settlement patterns and development settlement patterns and climate Judah has more in common with climate Judah has more in common with climate Judah has more in common with Edom across the river in southern Jordan Edom across the river in southern Jordan Edom across the river in southern Jordan than it did with Israel lying to the than it did with Israel lying to the than it did with Israel lying to the north so there has been a new series of north so there has been a new series of north so there has been a new series of questions which have emerged in recent questions which have emerged in recent questions which have emerged in recent years among Scholars an archaeologist years among Scholars an archaeologist years among Scholars an archaeologist concerning the portrayal of the divided concerning the portrayal of the divided concerning the portrayal of the divided kingdoms just as they are questioning kingdoms just as they are questioning kingdoms just as they are questioning the Bible's portrayal of the United the Bible's portrayal of the United the Bible's portrayal of the United monarchy so they are questioning its

monarchy so they are questioning its monarchy so they are questioning its portrayal of the divided kingdoms as portrayal of the divided kingdoms as portrayal of the divided kingdoms as well this is a critical time in the well this is a critical time in the well this is a critical time in the ancient Middle East National boundaries ancient Middle East National boundaries ancient Middle East National boundaries were being decided Archaeology is were being decided Archaeology is were being decided Archaeology is helping to reconstruct the joying for helping to reconstruct the joying for helping to reconstruct the joying for power that was taking place throughout power that was taking place throughout power that was taking place throughout the region there are are numerous the region there are are numerous the region there are are numerous military powers of that day and people military powers of that day and people military powers of that day and people like Ahab and omry and Israel had to like Ahab and omry and Israel had to like Ahab and omry and Israel had to deal with them so did the kings in the deal with them so did the kings in the deal with them so did the kings in the southern Kingdom of Judah but only a southern Kingdom of Judah but only a southern Kingdom of Judah but only a little bit later Israel develops into a little bit later Israel develops into a little bit later Israel develops into a full-blown State already in the 9th full-blown State already in the 9th full-blown State already in the 9th century bcee Judah only follows in the century bcee Judah only follows in the century bcee Judah only follows in the 8th Century BCE that is it looks as if 8th Century BCE that is it looks as if 8th Century BCE that is it looks as if Judah is behind Israel and in indeed Judah is behind Israel and in indeed Judah is behind Israel and in indeed it's only when the Kingdom of Israel it's only when the Kingdom of Israel it's only when the Kingdom of Israel collapses and falls in the year 720 BCE collapses and falls in the year 720 BCE collapses and falls in the year 720 BCE that Judah really takes off in part it that Judah really takes off in part it that Judah really takes off in part it may have been because refugees from the may have been because refugees from the may have been because refugees from the Northern Kingdom of Israel fled South to Northern Kingdom of Israel fled South to Northern Kingdom of Israel fled South to Judah and settled there bringing Judah and settled there bringing Judah and settled there bringing technology architecture and everything technology architecture and everything technology architecture and everything else down to the southern else down to the southern else down to the southern Kingdom so recent investigations has led Kingdom so recent investigations has led Kingdom so recent investigations has led many scholars to concl conclude that many scholars to concl conclude that many scholars to concl conclude that there's a gap of about a century and a there's a gap of about a century and a there's a gap of about a century and a half about 150 years between the time half about 150 years between the time half about 150 years between the time that Israel became a full-fledged State that Israel became a full-fledged State that Israel became a full-fledged State and the time that Judah became a and the time that Judah became a and the time that Judah became a full-fledged state or Kingdom if you

full-fledged state or Kingdom if you full-fledged state or Kingdom if you will we have other clues that Israel will we have other clues that Israel will we have other clues that Israel became a state earlier than did Judah became a state earlier than did Judah became a state earlier than did Judah wine and olive oil production various wine and olive oil production various wine and olive oil production various other things all indicate that Israel other things all indicate that Israel other things all indicate that Israel was ahead of Judah nevertheless once was ahead of Judah nevertheless once was ahead of Judah nevertheless once Israel collapses Judah takes off in part Israel collapses Judah takes off in part Israel collapses Judah takes off in part because there is no real competition because there is no real competition because there is no real competition anymore until anymore until anymore until recently most biblical archaeologists recently most biblical archaeologists recently most biblical archaeologists took the biblical description of Judah took the biblical description of Judah took the biblical description of Judah and Israel at face and Israel at face and Israel at face value they showed Judah as being a fully value they showed Judah as being a fully value they showed Judah as being a fully developed State as early as the time of developed State as early as the time of developed State as early as the time of Solomon but now recent evidence Solomon but now recent evidence Solomon but now recent evidence collected together and published by collected together and published by collected together and published by Israel finklestein and Ne aser Silverman Israel finklestein and Ne aser Silverman Israel finklestein and Ne aser Silverman in in their book The Bible unearth in in their book The Bible unearth in in their book The Bible unearth claims that the supposed evidence may claims that the supposed evidence may claims that the supposed evidence may have been no more than wishful thinking have been no more than wishful thinking have been no more than wishful thinking and that all the things that we and that all the things that we and that all the things that we attributed to Solomon should now be attributed to Solomon should now be attributed to Solomon should now be downed by a century or downed by a century or downed by a century or more Franklin Silverman and other more Franklin Silverman and other more Franklin Silverman and other archaeologists now argue that the early archaeologists now argue that the early archaeologists now argue that the early Kings of Judah were not the equal of the Kings of Judah were not the equal of the Kings of Judah were not the equal of the northern Kings of Israel and that we northern Kings of Israel and that we northern Kings of Israel and that we should be looking looking at these areas should be looking looking at these areas should be looking looking at these areas in a very different way they argue that not a single trace way they argue that not a single trace of literary activity has been found in of literary activity has been found in of literary activity has been found in the 10th Century or even down in the 9th

the 10th Century or even down in the 9th the 10th Century or even down in the 9th century and that Monumental inscriptions century and that Monumental inscriptions century and that Monumental inscriptions and personal objects with names of and personal objects with names of and personal objects with names of individuals appear in Judah only 200 individuals appear in Judah only 200 individuals appear in Judah only 200 years after the time of Solomon that is years after the time of Solomon that is years after the time of Solomon that is in the late 8th Century BCE up until in the late 8th Century BCE up until in the late 8th Century BCE up until then everything is happening up in then everything is happening up in then everything is happening up in Israel and it's only 200 years after the Israel and it's only 200 years after the Israel and it's only 200 years after the time of Solomon that Judah takes time of Solomon that Judah takes time of Solomon that Judah takes off here too archaeological surveys come off here too archaeological surveys come off here too archaeological surveys come into the picture and they indicate that into the picture and they indicate that into the picture and they indicate that until the 8th Century the population of until the 8th Century the population of until the 8th Century the population of the Highlands that is the hills in Judah the Highlands that is the hills in Judah the Highlands that is the hills in Judah was about one tenth of the population was about one tenth of the population was about one tenth of the population found in the similar Highlands up in the found in the similar Highlands up in the found in the similar Highlands up in the north that is the population of Israel north that is the population of Israel north that is the population of Israel May well have been 10 times the May well have been 10 times the May well have been 10 times the population of Judah and indeed if we population of Judah and indeed if we population of Judah and indeed if we recall the distribution of the 12 tribes recall the distribution of the 12 tribes recall the distribution of the 12 tribes of Israel as they're called 10 of the of Israel as they're called 10 of the of Israel as they're called 10 of the tribes are up in the north and only two tribes are up in the north and only two tribes are up in the north and only two of the tribes are down south so we might of the tribes are down south so we might of the tribes are down south so we might not be at all surprised at the evidence not be at all surprised at the evidence not be at all surprised at the evidence that archaeological surveys are showing that archaeological surveys are showing that archaeological surveys are showing now that the population of the Northern now that the population of the Northern now that the population of the Northern Kingdom of Israel may have been 10 times Kingdom of Israel may have been 10 times Kingdom of Israel may have been 10 times the population of the Southern Kingdom the population of the Southern Kingdom the population of the Southern Kingdom of Judah of Judah of Judah it's now clear that Judah really never it's now clear that Judah really never it's now clear that Judah really never enjoyed a golden age after the time of enjoyed a golden age after the time of enjoyed a golden age after the time of Solomon and that it underwent a long and Solomon and that it underwent a long and Solomon and that it underwent a long and gradual development over hundreds of

gradual development over hundreds of gradual development over hundreds of years so for most of the first 200 years years so for most of the first 200 years years so for most of the first 200 years that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was that the Northern Kingdom of Israel was in existence Judah remained in the in existence Judah remained in the in existence Judah remained in the shadows it had rather limited eon omic shadows it had rather limited eon omic shadows it had rather limited eon omic potential it was relatively isolated potential it was relatively isolated potential it was relatively isolated geographically speaking and it was geographically speaking and it was geographically speaking and it was tradition bound at least in comparison tradition bound at least in comparison tradition bound at least in comparison to the Northern Kingdom of Israel but to the Northern Kingdom of Israel but to the Northern Kingdom of Israel but with the rise of the Neo Assyrians over with the rise of the Neo Assyrians over with the rise of the Neo Assyrians over in in in Mesopotamia and their attacks on the Mesopotamia and their attacks on the Mesopotamia and their attacks on the Northern Kingdom of Israel Judah begins Northern Kingdom of Israel Judah begins Northern Kingdom of Israel Judah begins to expand and to become more to expand and to become more to expand and to become more important in the year important in the year important in the year 734 734 734 BCE we get a rather complex political BCE we get a rather complex political BCE we get a rather complex political situation the king of Israel is a man by situation the king of Israel is a man by situation the king of Israel is a man by the name of peka or Pika p e k the name of peka or Pika p e k the name of peka or Pika p e k ah the King of Aram that is Damascus in ah the King of Aram that is Damascus in ah the King of Aram that is Damascus in Syria by the name of resin the two of Syria by the name of resin the two of Syria by the name of resin the two of them conspire to attack Judah and to lay them conspire to attack Judah and to lay them conspire to attack Judah and to lay Siege to Siege to Siege to Jerusalem the king in Jerusalem at that Jerusalem the king in Jerusalem at that Jerusalem the king in Jerusalem at that time is a man by the name of ahaz or time is a man by the name of ahaz or time is a man by the name of ahaz or ahaz he threatened by the king of Israel ahaz he threatened by the king of Israel ahaz he threatened by the king of Israel and the king of Aram turns in and the king of Aram turns in and the king of Aram turns in desperation to tath pesar III the Neo desperation to tath pesar III the Neo desperation to tath pesar III the Neo Assyrian King who had already attacked Assyrian King who had already attacked Assyrian King who had already attacked the Northern Kingdom of Israel he turned

the Northern Kingdom of Israel he turned the Northern Kingdom of Israel he turned to the Neo Assyrians for assistance and to the Neo Assyrians for assistance and to the Neo Assyrians for assistance and emptied out the treasury of the temple emptied out the treasury of the temple emptied out the treasury of the temple in Jerusalem in order to pay the in Jerusalem in order to pay the in Jerusalem in order to pay the necessary bribe the bribe or perhaps the necessary bribe the bribe or perhaps the necessary bribe the bribe or perhaps the tribute that continued to be paid tribute that continued to be paid tribute that continued to be paid subsequently is recorded in a building subsequently is recorded in a building subsequently is recorded in a building inscription of tigth peso III which inscription of tigth peso III which inscription of tigth peso III which simply reads in all the countries which simply reads in all the countries which simply reads in all the countries which I receive the tribute of matiti of I receive the tribute of matiti of I receive the tribute of matiti of ashalon jehoahaz of Judah and then he ashalon jehoahaz of Judah and then he ashalon jehoahaz of Judah and then he goes on to name other people as goes on to name other people as goes on to name other people as well so we see that there are complex well so we see that there are complex well so we see that there are complex political maneuverings in the ancient political maneuverings in the ancient political maneuverings in the ancient near East already by 734 near East already by 734 near East already by 734 BCE now after the year 720 BCE with the BCE now after the year 720 BCE with the BCE now after the year 720 BCE with the conquest of Samaria the capital city of conquest of Samaria the capital city of conquest of Samaria the capital city of Israel and with the fall of the Northern Israel and with the fall of the Northern Israel and with the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel itself Judah found Kingdom of Israel itself Judah found Kingdom of Israel itself Judah found itself surrounded by Neo Assyrian itself surrounded by Neo Assyrian itself surrounded by Neo Assyrian provinces and Neo Assyrian vassals and provinces and Neo Assyrian vassals and provinces and Neo Assyrian vassals and that new situation was going to have that new situation was going to have that new situation was going to have implication for the future that were implication for the future that were implication for the future that were almost too vast to almost too vast to almost too vast to contemplate the Royal Citadel of contemplate the Royal Citadel of contemplate the Royal Citadel of Jerusalem is transformed in a single Jerusalem is transformed in a single Jerusalem is transformed in a single generation from the seat of what was generation from the seat of what was generation from the seat of what was really a rather insignificant local really a rather insignificant local really a rather insignificant local Dynasty into the political and religious Dynasty into the political and religious Dynasty into the political and religious nerve center of a regional nerve center of a regional nerve center of a regional power both because of its dramatic

power both because of its dramatic power both because of its dramatic internal developments and because internal developments and because internal developments and because thousands of refugees from the conquered thousands of refugees from the conquered thousands of refugees from the conquered Kingdom of Israel fled to the South now Kingdom of Israel fled to the South now Kingdom of Israel fled to the South now now here archaeology has been able to now here archaeology has been able to now here archaeology has been able to chart the pace on the scale of chart the pace on the scale of chart the pace on the scale of Jerusalem's sudden Jerusalem's sudden Jerusalem's sudden expansion excavations conducted in expansion excavations conducted in expansion excavations conducted in Jerusalem in recent decades have shown Jerusalem in recent decades have shown Jerusalem in recent decades have shown that Suddenly at the end of the 8th that Suddenly at the end of the 8th that Suddenly at the end of the 8th Century bcee that is after the time of Century bcee that is after the time of Century bcee that is after the time of 720 Jerusalem underwent an unprecedented 720 Jerusalem underwent an unprecedented 720 Jerusalem underwent an unprecedented population explosion there's no other population explosion there's no other population explosion there's no other way to put it a population explosion its way to put it a population explosion its way to put it a population explosion its residential area is expanded from the residential area is expanded from the residential area is expanded from the former narrow Ridge on the East that is former narrow Ridge on the East that is former narrow Ridge on the East that is the city of David and where Solomon had the city of David and where Solomon had the city of David and where Solomon had built to cover the entire Western Ridge built to cover the entire Western Ridge built to cover the entire Western Ridge as well all of the sudden the city as well all of the sudden the city as well all of the sudden the city doubles in size at the very doubles in size at the very doubles in size at the very least a defensive wall a very formidable least a defensive wall a very formidable least a defensive wall a very formidable defensive wall is constructed to include defensive wall is constructed to include defensive wall is constructed to include these new suburbs that's the best way to these new suburbs that's the best way to these new suburbs that's the best way to put it in a matter of decades that is put it in a matter of decades that is put it in a matter of decades that is within a single generation Jerusalem within a single generation Jerusalem within a single generation Jerusalem goes from a modest Highland town of goes from a modest Highland town of goes from a modest Highland town of about 10 or 12 acres in size to a huge about 10 or 12 acres in size to a huge about 10 or 12 acres in size to a huge urban area of 150 acres that is from 10 urban area of 150 acres that is from 10 urban area of 150 acres that is from 10 acres to 150 acres of close densely acres to 150 acres of close densely acres to 150 acres of close densely packed houses workshops and public packed houses workshops and public packed houses workshops and public buildings in demographic terms the buildings in demographic terms the buildings in demographic terms the City's population may have increased as

City's population may have increased as City's population may have increased as much as 15 times from about 1,000 to much as 15 times from about 1,000 to much as 15 times from about 1,000 to 15,000 15,000 15,000 inhabitants inhabitants inhabitants fanklin and Silverman in their book The fanklin and Silverman in their book The fanklin and Silverman in their book The Bible on Earth go on to provide more Bible on Earth go on to provide more Bible on Earth go on to provide more details and they state that a similar details and they state that a similar details and they state that a similar picture of tremendous population growth picture of tremendous population growth picture of tremendous population growth emerges from the archaeological surveys emerges from the archaeological surveys emerges from the archaeological surveys that have been conducted outside that have been conducted outside that have been conducted outside Jerusalem that is in its Jerusalem that is in its Jerusalem that is in its Hinterland in the districts to the south Hinterland in the districts to the south Hinterland in the districts to the south of the capital city what used to be of the capital city what used to be of the capital city what used to be relatively empty Countryside is now relatively empty Countryside is now relatively empty Countryside is now filled up with new farming settlements filled up with new farming settlements filled up with new farming settlements both large and small what had been both large and small what had been both large and small what had been sleepy little Villages now become real sleepy little Villages now become real sleepy little Villages now become real towns for the first towns for the first towns for the first time Lish for example way to the south time Lish for example way to the south time Lish for example way to the south in the shafah is a good example as well in the shafah is a good example as well in the shafah is a good example as well until the 8th Century Lish was a until the 8th Century Lish was a until the 8th Century Lish was a relatively modest town then sometime relatively modest town then sometime relatively modest town then sometime after about 720 it is surrounded by a after about 720 it is surrounded by a after about 720 it is surrounded by a formidable wall and transferred into a formidable wall and transferred into a formidable wall and transferred into a major administrative Center indeed it be major administrative Center indeed it be major administrative Center indeed it be becomes the second most important city becomes the second most important city becomes the second most important city in Judah so the expansion is astounding in Judah so the expansion is astounding in Judah so the expansion is astounding the population is now huge the the population is now huge the the population is now huge the population of Judah which had long population of Judah which had long population of Judah which had long hovered at just a couple 10,000s 10,000 hovered at just a couple 10,000s 10,000 hovered at just a couple 10,000s 10,000 20,000 30,000 suddenly grew to about 20,000 30,000 suddenly grew to about 20,000 30,000 suddenly grew to about 120,000 people a veritable explosion now

120,000 people a veritable explosion now 120,000 people a veritable explosion now this is all in the wake of a serious this is all in the wake of a serious this is all in the wake of a serious campaigns to the north when they campaigns to the north when they campaigns to the north when they destroyed the northern King of Israel so destroyed the northern King of Israel so destroyed the northern King of Israel so Judah experiences not only very sudden Judah experiences not only very sudden Judah experiences not only very sudden demographic growth but also a real demographic growth but also a real demographic growth but also a real social Evolution it finally becomes a social Evolution it finally becomes a social Evolution it finally becomes a full-fledged state or Kingdom but this full-fledged state or Kingdom but this full-fledged state or Kingdom but this does not happen until this late period does not happen until this late period does not happen until this late period in the 8th Century all of the sudden we in the 8th Century all of the sudden we in the 8th Century all of the sudden we get archaeological indications of State get archaeological indications of State get archaeological indications of State formation Monumental inscriptions seals formation Monumental inscriptions seals formation Monumental inscriptions seals and seal Impressions that is with IND and seal Impressions that is with IND and seal Impressions that is with IND individuals names on them marking individuals names on them marking individuals names on them marking private property Austria Royal private property Austria Royal private property Austria Royal inscriptions for the administration inscriptions for the administration inscriptions for the administration ashler masonry and stone capitals used ashler masonry and stone capitals used ashler masonry and stone capitals used on public buildings mass production of on public buildings mass production of on public buildings mass production of pottery vessels other crafts and Central pottery vessels other crafts and Central pottery vessels other crafts and Central workshops and distribution throughout workshops and distribution throughout workshops and distribution throughout the countryside and then we get the countryside and then we get the countryside and then we get middle-sized towns serving as Regional middle-sized towns serving as Regional middle-sized towns serving as Regional capitals and large scale Industries in capitals and large scale Industries in capitals and large scale Industries in oil olive oil and wine pressing which oil olive oil and wine pressing which oil olive oil and wine pressing which shifted from local private production to shifted from local private production to shifted from local private production to State State State industry all of these and more industry all of these and more industry all of these and more finklestein and Silverman have pointed finklestein and Silverman have pointed finklestein and Silverman have pointed to as evidence for a new development in to as evidence for a new development in to as evidence for a new development in Judah and have used this to argue the Judah and have used this to argue the Judah and have used this to argue the fact that everything that had come fact that everything that had come fact that everything that had come before was nothing and that Judah comes before was nothing and that Judah comes before was nothing and that Judah comes into its own only in the late 8th into its own only in the late 8th into its own only in the late 8th Century bcee after the destruction of Century bcee after the destruction of Century bcee after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel what they

the Northern Kingdom of Israel what they the Northern Kingdom of Israel what they have presented at least to me seems to have presented at least to me seems to have presented at least to me seems to be fairly convincing be fairly convincing be fairly convincing evidence there is also a new evidence of evidence there is also a new evidence of evidence there is also a new evidence of burial Customs which emerges at this burial Customs which emerges at this burial Customs which emerges at this time which suggests that there is a new time which suggests that there is a new time which suggests that there is a new Elite in the social Elite in the social Elite in the social structure we get the beginnings of structure we get the beginnings of structure we get the beginnings of elaborate tombs that are cut into the elaborate tombs that are cut into the elaborate tombs that are cut into the Rock of The Ridges surrounding the city Rock of The Ridges surrounding the city Rock of The Ridges surrounding the city of of of Jerusalem many of these are extremely Jerusalem many of these are extremely Jerusalem many of these are extremely elaborate tombs with ceilings and elaborate tombs with ceilings and elaborate tombs with ceilings and Architectural elements and there is no Architectural elements and there is no Architectural elements and there is no doubt that these are being used for the doubt that these are being used for the doubt that these are being used for the burials of the noble class and high burials of the noble class and high burials of the noble class and high public officials the question is where did all officials the question is where did all the wealth and the apparent movement the wealth and the apparent movement the wealth and the apparent movement towards full State formation come from towards full State formation come from towards full State formation come from the inescapable conclusion Franklin and the inescapable conclusion Franklin and the inescapable conclusion Franklin and Silverman argue is that Judah suddenly Silverman argue is that Judah suddenly Silverman argue is that Judah suddenly cooperated with and even became cooperated with and even became cooperated with and even became integrated into the economy of the Neo integrated into the economy of the Neo integrated into the economy of the Neo Assyrian Empire King ahaz of Judah had Assyrian Empire King ahaz of Judah had Assyrian Empire King ahaz of Judah had already started cooperating with the Neo already started cooperating with the Neo already started cooperating with the Neo Assyrians we saw that with his treaty Assyrians we saw that with his treaty Assyrians we saw that with his treaty back earlier in 734 BC but the most back earlier in 734 BC but the most back earlier in 734 BC but the most dramatic changes came after the collapse dramatic changes came after the collapse dramatic changes came after the collapse of the Northern Kingdom of Israel wealth of the Northern Kingdom of Israel wealth of the Northern Kingdom of Israel wealth begins accumulating in Judah especially begins accumulating in Judah especially begins accumulating in Judah especially in Jerusalem the Kingdom's diplomatic in Jerusalem the Kingdom's diplomatic in Jerusalem the Kingdom's diplomatic and economic policies are determined and economic policies are determined and economic policies are determined here and the institutions of the nation here and the institutions of the nation here and the institutions of the nation are controlled from the capital

are controlled from the capital are controlled from the capital city so Jerusalem becomes the city so Jerusalem becomes the city so Jerusalem becomes the administrative and religious capital of administrative and religious capital of administrative and religious capital of a powerful Kingdom it did not happen a powerful Kingdom it did not happen a powerful Kingdom it did not happen right after the death of Solomon it right after the death of Solomon it right after the death of Solomon it happens 200 years later when the kingdom happens 200 years later when the kingdom happens 200 years later when the kingdom of Judah is awakened from a 200 year of Judah is awakened from a 200 year of Judah is awakened from a 200 year long sleep and enters into a period of long sleep and enters into a period of long sleep and enters into a period of exceptional growth and prosperity its exceptional growth and prosperity its exceptional growth and prosperity its population had swelled from the influx population had swelled from the influx population had swelled from the influx of refugees that were fleeing the of refugees that were fleeing the of refugees that were fleeing the devastated Northern Kingdom of Israel devastated Northern Kingdom of Israel devastated Northern Kingdom of Israel and yet the transformation and yet the transformation and yet the transformation of Jerusalem from a sleepy capital of a of Jerusalem from a sleepy capital of a of Jerusalem from a sleepy capital of a quiet Backwater to the central city of a quiet Backwater to the central city of a quiet Backwater to the central city of a regional Powerhouse wasn't particularly regional Powerhouse wasn't particularly regional Powerhouse wasn't particularly easy because it was surrounded by vassal easy because it was surrounded by vassal easy because it was surrounded by vassal States and provinces of the Neo Assyrian States and provinces of the Neo Assyrian States and provinces of the Neo Assyrian Empire and the last Decades of the 8th Empire and the last Decades of the 8th Empire and the last Decades of the 8th Century BCE saw Judah having to Century BCE saw Judah having to Century BCE saw Judah having to cooperate with that great Empire and its cooperate with that great Empire and its cooperate with that great Empire and its cooperation alternated with periods of cooperation alternated with periods of cooperation alternated with periods of defiance defiance defiance in the year 708 in the year 708 in the year 708 BCE Judah saw a chance to break free BCE Judah saw a chance to break free BCE Judah saw a chance to break free from the Neo Assyrian grip the powerful from the Neo Assyrian grip the powerful from the Neo Assyrian grip the powerful King Sargon II died leaving his throne King Sargon II died leaving his throne King Sargon II died leaving his throne to a young untested son named to a young untested son named to a young untested son named sakar the Neo Assyrian Empire at this sakar the Neo Assyrian Empire at this sakar the Neo Assyrian Empire at this time was preoccupied with troubles off time was preoccupied with troubles off time was preoccupied with troubles off to the East and so the king of Jerusalem to the East and so the king of Jerusalem to the East and so the king of Jerusalem the king of Judah and man named

the king of Judah and man named the king of Judah and man named Hezekiah thought that this might be a Hezekiah thought that this might be a Hezekiah thought that this might be a good time to Rebel he tried to play off good time to Rebel he tried to play off good time to Rebel he tried to play off the two great empires of the day Egypt the two great empires of the day Egypt the two great empires of the day Egypt to the South and Assyria to the north he to the South and Assyria to the north he to the South and Assyria to the north he tried to play them off against each tried to play them off against each tried to play them off against each other it did not particularly work very other it did not particularly work very other it did not particularly work very well we are told in the book of Second well we are told in the book of Second well we are told in the book of Second Kings that Hezekiah rebelled against the Kings that Hezekiah rebelled against the Kings that Hezekiah rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him king of Assyria and would not serve him king of Assyria and would not serve him however this rebellion was not to be successful in these early years of sakb successful in these early years of sakb who came to the throne in 705 who came to the throne in 705 who came to the throne in 705 B.C Hezekiah participated in a B.C Hezekiah participated in a B.C Hezekiah participated in a widespread revolt against Assyrian rule widespread revolt against Assyrian rule widespread revolt against Assyrian rule he withheld the payment of his tribute he withheld the payment of his tribute he withheld the payment of his tribute to Assyria the Revolt was well planned to Assyria the Revolt was well planned to Assyria the Revolt was well planned and was quickly suppressed by sakb and and was quickly suppressed by sakb and and was quickly suppressed by sakb and the Neo Assyrians in the year 70 1 BCE the Neo Assyrians in the year 70 1 BCE the Neo Assyrians in the year 70 1 BCE we have a lot of information concerning we have a lot of information concerning we have a lot of information concerning this Revolt from Biblical sources this Revolt from Biblical sources this Revolt from Biblical sources non-biblical sources and archaeology as non-biblical sources and archaeology as non-biblical sources and archaeology as well this Rebellion is quite familiar to well this Rebellion is quite familiar to well this Rebellion is quite familiar to readers of the Bible but they may not be readers of the Bible but they may not be readers of the Bible but they may not be as familiar with the story from extra as familiar with the story from extra as familiar with the story from extra biblical evidence and from biblical evidence and from biblical evidence and from archaeology the account of Sak's archaeology the account of Sak's archaeology the account of Sak's campaign is given to us in the second campaign is given to us in the second campaign is given to us in the second book of Kings and the second book of book of Kings and the second book of book of Kings and the second book of Chronicles as well as in Sak's own

Chronicles as well as in Sak's own Chronicles as well as in Sak's own accounts we are given the story of the accounts we are given the story of the accounts we are given the story of the confrontation between sakb and Hezekiah confrontation between sakb and Hezekiah confrontation between sakb and Hezekiah it seems that Jerusalem is surrounded it seems that Jerusalem is surrounded it seems that Jerusalem is surrounded and an Assyrian General speaking for his and an Assyrian General speaking for his and an Assyrian General speaking for his King addresses the people and offers King addresses the people and offers King addresses the people and offers them two options basically surrender or them two options basically surrender or them two options basically surrender or Die do not let Hezekiah deceive you for Die do not let Hezekiah deceive you for Die do not let Hezekiah deceive you for he will not be able to deliver you out he will not be able to deliver you out he will not be able to deliver you out of my hand do not let Hezekiah make you of my hand do not let Hezekiah make you of my hand do not let Hezekiah make you rely on God says the general if the rely on God says the general if the rely on God says the general if the people throw down their weapons ads they people throw down their weapons ads they people throw down their weapons ads they will be allowed to live and then will be allowed to live and then will be allowed to live and then deported from Jerusalem away to a land deported from Jerusalem away to a land deported from Jerusalem away to a land like your own like your own like your own land the Assyrian General's arrogance land the Assyrian General's arrogance land the Assyrian General's arrogance stirs Hezekiah to pray and to ask for stirs Hezekiah to pray and to ask for stirs Hezekiah to pray and to ask for divine assistance in defending Jerusalem divine assistance in defending Jerusalem divine assistance in defending Jerusalem according to the book of Isaiah an angel according to the book of Isaiah an angel according to the book of Isaiah an angel of God is sent out that very night and of God is sent out that very night and of God is sent out that very night and kills kills kills 185,000 Assyrians and when the people of 185,000 Assyrians and when the people of 185,000 Assyrians and when the people of Jerusalem awake the next morning it's to Jerusalem awake the next morning it's to Jerusalem awake the next morning it's to a city filled with the dead bodies of a city filled with the dead bodies of a city filled with the dead bodies of Assyrian soldiers sakb the Bible tells Assyrian soldiers sakb the Bible tells Assyrian soldiers sakb the Bible tells us Retreats back to his Capital Nineveh us Retreats back to his Capital Nineveh us Retreats back to his Capital Nineveh where he is subsequently killed by his where he is subsequently killed by his where he is subsequently killed by his sons while sons while sons while praying well there's a lot more to the praying well there's a lot more to the praying well there's a lot more to the story that can be told and we can tell story that can be told and we can tell story that can be told and we can tell it from a couple of different aspects it from a couple of different aspects it from a couple of different aspects for one let's take a look first of all for one let's take a look first of all for one let's take a look first of all at one of sakib's own inscriptions the at one of sakib's own inscriptions the at one of sakib's own inscriptions the so-called prism the six-sided prism of so-called prism the six-sided prism of so-called prism the six-sided prism of sakb reads as follows in his own words sakb reads as follows in his own words sakb reads as follows in his own words as for Hezekiah the Judean who had not

as for Hezekiah the Judean who had not as for Hezekiah the Judean who had not submitted to my yoke I besieged 46 of submitted to my yoke I besieged 46 of submitted to my yoke I besieged 46 of his fortified walled cities and his fortified walled cities and his fortified walled cities and surrounding small towns which were surrounding small towns which were surrounding small towns which were without number using pack down ramps and without number using pack down ramps and without number using pack down ramps and by applying battering rams infantry by applying battering rams infantry by applying battering rams infantry attacks by mines breaches and Siege attacks by mines breaches and Siege attacks by mines breaches and Siege machines I conquered them I took out machines I conquered them I took out machines I conquered them I took out 2,150 people young and old male and 2,150 people young and old male and 2,150 people young and old male and female horses mules donkeys camels female horses mules donkeys camels female horses mules donkeys camels cattle and sheep without number and I cattle and sheep without number and I cattle and sheep without number and I counted them as counted them as counted them as spoil himself Hezekiah I locked him up spoil himself Hezekiah I locked him up spoil himself Hezekiah I locked him up within Jerusalem his Royal City like a within Jerusalem his Royal City like a within Jerusalem his Royal City like a bird in a cage I surrounded him with bird in a cage I surrounded him with bird in a cage I surrounded him with Earthworks and made it Unthinkable for Earthworks and made it Unthinkable for Earthworks and made it Unthinkable for him to exit by The City Gate his cities him to exit by The City Gate his cities him to exit by The City Gate his cities which I had despoiled I cut off from his which I had despoiled I cut off from his which I had despoiled I cut off from his land and gave them to matin king of land and gave them to matin king of land and gave them to matin king of ashdod to P King of echon and to sel the ashdod to P King of echon and to sel the ashdod to P King of echon and to sel the king of Gaza and thus diminished his his king of Gaza and thus diminished his his king of Gaza and thus diminished his his land I imposed upon him in addition to land I imposed upon him in addition to land I imposed upon him in addition to the former tribute yearly payment of the former tribute yearly payment of the former tribute yearly payment of dues and gifts for my dues and gifts for my dues and gifts for my lordship now this sounds an awful lot lordship now this sounds an awful lot lordship now this sounds an awful lot like the account that we've got in the like the account that we've got in the like the account that we've got in the book of Second Kings from the Bible 2 book of Second Kings from the Bible 2 book of Second Kings from the Bible 2 Kings 18 says in the 14th year of King Kings 18 says in the 14th year of King Kings 18 says in the 14th year of King Hezekiah sakb king of Assyria came up Hezekiah sakb king of Assyria came up Hezekiah sakb king of Assyria came up against all the Fortified cities of Juda against all the Fortified cities of Juda against all the Fortified cities of Juda and took them and Hezekiah king of Judah and took them and Hezekiah king of Judah and took them and Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at saying I sent to the king of Assyria at saying I sent to the king of Assyria at saying I have done wrong withdraw from me

have done wrong withdraw from me have done wrong withdraw from me whatever you impose on me I will bear whatever you impose on me I will bear whatever you impose on me I will bear and the king of Assyria required of and the king of Assyria required of and the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah 300 talents of Hezekiah king of Judah 300 talents of Hezekiah king of Judah 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold and silver and 30 talents of gold and silver and 30 talents of gold and Hezekiah gave him all the silver that Hezekiah gave him all the silver that Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord and was found in the house of the Lord and was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the King's house at in the treasuries of the King's house at in the treasuries of the King's house at that time Hezekiah stripped the gold that time Hezekiah stripped the gold that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the Temple of the Lord from the doors of the Temple of the Lord from the doors of the Temple of the Lord and from the doorpost which Hezekiah and from the doorpost which Hezekiah and from the doorpost which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlin and gave it to king of Judah had overlin and gave it to king of Judah had overlin and gave it to the king of the king of the king of Assyria and the king of Assyria sent The Assyria and the king of Assyria sent The Assyria and the king of Assyria sent The Tartan the rarus and the rsha with a Tartan the rarus and the rsha with a Tartan the rarus and the rsha with a great Army from Lish to King Hezekiah at great Army from Lish to King Hezekiah at great Army from Lish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem and they went up and came to Jerusalem and they went up and came to Jerusalem and they went up and came to Jerusalem when they ared they came and Jerusalem when they ared they came and Jerusalem when they ared they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool stood by the conduit of the upper pool stood by the conduit of the upper pool which is on the highway to the Fuller's which is on the highway to the Fuller's which is on the highway to the Fuller's field a similar story is told in the field a similar story is told in the field a similar story is told in the book of 2 Chronicles by the chronicler book of 2 Chronicles by the chronicler book of 2 Chronicles by the chronicler in the Hebrew Bible and we are told as in the Hebrew Bible and we are told as in the Hebrew Bible and we are told as follows after these things and these follows after these things and these follows after these things and these acts of faithfulness sakb king of acts of faithfulness sakb king of acts of faithfulness sakb king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and Assyria came and invaded Judah and Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the Fortified cities encamped against the Fortified cities encamped against the Fortified cities thinking to win them for himself and thinking to win them for himself and thinking to win them for himself and when Hezekiah saw that sakb had come and when Hezekiah saw that sakb had come and when Hezekiah saw that sakb had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem he intended to fight against Jerusalem he intended to fight against Jerusalem he planned with his officers and his mighty planned with his officers and his mighty planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs men to stop the water of the springs men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city and they that were outside the city and they that were outside the city and they helped him a great many people were helped him a great many people were helped him a great many people were gathered and they stopped all the gathered and they stopped all the gathered and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed springs and the brook that flowed springs and the brook that flowed through the land saying why should the through the land saying why should the through the land saying why should the kings of Assyria come and find much

kings of Assyria come and find much kings of Assyria come and find much water he set to work resolutely and water he set to work resolutely and water he set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken built up all the wall that was broken built up all the wall that was broken down and raised Towers upon it and down and raised Towers upon it and down and raised Towers upon it and outside it he built another wall and he outside it he built another wall and he outside it he built another wall and he strengthened the Milo in the city of strengthened the Milo in the city of strengthened the Milo in the city of David he also made weapons and shields David he also made weapons and shields David he also made weapons and shields in abundance Hezekiah closed the upper in abundance Hezekiah closed the upper in abundance Hezekiah closed the upper Outlet of the Waters of guon and Outlet of the Waters of guon and Outlet of the Waters of guon and directed them down to the west side of directed them down to the west side of directed them down to the west side of the city of David thus says the account the city of David thus says the account the city of David thus says the account in the book of 2 in the book of 2 in the book of 2 Chronicles in Second Kings it continues Chronicles in Second Kings it continues Chronicles in Second Kings it continues the rest of the Deeds of Hezekiah and the rest of the Deeds of Hezekiah and the rest of the Deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool all his might and how he made the pool all his might and how he made the pool of saloam and the conduit and brought of saloam and the conduit and brought of saloam and the conduit and brought water into the city are they not written water into the city are they not written water into the city are they not written in the book of Chronicles of the kings in the book of Chronicles of the kings in the book of Chronicles of the kings of of of Judah now what we have here is the Judah now what we have here is the Judah now what we have here is the description of the so-called hezekiah's description of the so-called hezekiah's description of the so-called hezekiah's tunnel which appears to have been dug tunnel which appears to have been dug tunnel which appears to have been dug in Jerusalem at this time in part to in Jerusalem at this time in part to in Jerusalem at this time in part to bring the water in from the guon spring bring the water in from the guon spring bring the water in from the guon spring right into the middle of the city and right into the middle of the city and right into the middle of the city and ecclesiasticus says Hezekiah fortified a ecclesiasticus says Hezekiah fortified a ecclesiasticus says Hezekiah fortified a city bringing water within the walls he city bringing water within the walls he city bringing water within the walls he drilled through the rock with tools of drilled through the rock with tools of drilled through the rock with tools of iron and made sisters for the water the iron and made sisters for the water the iron and made sisters for the water the Assyrian attack on Jerusalem was no Assyrian attack on Jerusalem was no Assyrian attack on Jerusalem was no surprise to Hezekiah he clearly saw it surprise to Hezekiah he clearly saw it surprise to Hezekiah he clearly saw it coming according to sakb own records the coming according to sakb own records the coming according to sakb own records the Assyrians conquered 46 cities in Judah Assyrians conquered 46 cities in Judah Assyrians conquered 46 cities in Judah before ever proceeding to attack

before ever proceeding to attack before ever proceeding to attack Jerusalem Jerusalem was well protected Jerusalem Jerusalem was well protected Jerusalem Jerusalem was well protected though so sakb decided to subdue the though so sakb decided to subdue the though so sakb decided to subdue the City by Siege Hezekiah had no doubt City by Siege Hezekiah had no doubt City by Siege Hezekiah had no doubt prepared for The Siege by laying in vast prepared for The Siege by laying in vast prepared for The Siege by laying in vast stores of food but water presented a stores of food but water presented a stores of food but water presented a more difficult problem the city's water more difficult problem the city's water more difficult problem the city's water supply the guon spring lay outside the supply the guon spring lay outside the supply the guon spring lay outside the city down near the floor of the kedron city down near the floor of the kedron city down near the floor of the kedron valley Hezekiah solved this problem by valley Hezekiah solved this problem by valley Hezekiah solved this problem by building a fantastic tunnel just like building a fantastic tunnel just like building a fantastic tunnel just like the earlier water tunnels at megiddo and the earlier water tunnels at megiddo and the earlier water tunnels at megiddo and hotor which led under the city from the hotor which led under the city from the hotor which led under the city from the spring to a pool this pool was known as spring to a pool this pool was known as spring to a pool this pool was known as the saloam pool on the other side of the saloam pool on the other side of the saloam pool on the other side of town hezekiah's tunnel was dug through town hezekiah's tunnel was dug through town hezekiah's tunnel was dug through 1,750 ft of solid rock and it is a 1,750 ft of solid rock and it is a 1,750 ft of solid rock and it is a remarkable engineering achievement two remarkable engineering achievement two remarkable engineering achievement two teams of diggers started one from either teams of diggers started one from either teams of diggers started one from either end and following a path somehow managed end and following a path somehow managed end and following a path somehow managed to meet in the middle to this day we're to meet in the middle to this day we're to meet in the middle to this day we're not sure how they did it although James not sure how they did it although James not sure how they did it although James Mitchner thinks that he figured it out Mitchner thinks that he figured it out Mitchner thinks that he figured it out and has a chapter in his book The Source and has a chapter in his book The Source and has a chapter in his book The Source describing it but the fact does remain describing it but the fact does remain describing it but the fact does remain as the Bible tells us in 2 Chronicles as the Bible tells us in 2 Chronicles as the Bible tells us in 2 Chronicles Hezekiah closed the upper Outlet of the Hezekiah closed the upper Outlet of the Hezekiah closed the upper Outlet of the Waters of guon and directed them down to Waters of guon and directed them down to Waters of guon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David as we the west side of the city of David as we the west side of the city of David as we have already said sakb Siege of the city was said sakb Siege of the city was ultimately unsuccessful perhaps due in ultimately unsuccessful perhaps due in ultimately unsuccessful perhaps due in part to the building of this part to the building of this part to the building of this tunnel hezekiah's tunnel was

tunnel hezekiah's tunnel was tunnel hezekiah's tunnel was rediscovered in the year 1838 by the rediscovered in the year 1838 by the rediscovered in the year 1838 by the American Explorer and biblical scholar American Explorer and biblical scholar American Explorer and biblical scholar Edward Robinson who crawled through the Edward Robinson who crawled through the Edward Robinson who crawled through the tunnel even though at that point it was tunnel even though at that point it was tunnel even though at that point it was largely silted up then in 1880 some boys largely silted up then in 1880 some boys largely silted up then in 1880 some boys who were swimming in the tunnel near the who were swimming in the tunnel near the who were swimming in the tunnel near the solum pool discovered a now famous solum pool discovered a now famous solum pool discovered a now famous inscription which was soon thereafter inscription which was soon thereafter inscription which was soon thereafter chiseled out of the Rock by thieves chiseled out of the Rock by thieves chiseled out of the Rock by thieves broken into pieces and sold on the black broken into pieces and sold on the black broken into pieces and sold on the black market today it is in the collection of market today it is in the collection of market today it is in the collection of the Istanbul archaeological the Istanbul archaeological the Istanbul archaeological Museum this inscription tells the story Museum this inscription tells the story Museum this inscription tells the story of how the tunnel was dug and it of how the tunnel was dug and it of how the tunnel was dug and it commemorates the completion of the commemorates the completion of the commemorates the completion of the tunnel it reads as follows starting tunnel it reads as follows starting tunnel it reads as follows starting halfway through a sentence breakthrough halfway through a sentence breakthrough halfway through a sentence breakthrough period and this was the account of the period and this was the account of the period and this was the account of the break break break breakthrough while the laborers were breakthrough while the laborers were breakthrough while the laborers were still working with their picks each still working with their picks each still working with their picks each toward the other and while there were toward the other and while there were toward the other and while there were still three cubits to be broken through still three cubits to be broken through still three cubits to be broken through the voice of each was heard calling to the voice of each was heard calling to the voice of each was heard calling to the other because there was and we're the other because there was and we're the other because there was and we're not sure what this word is perhaps a not sure what this word is perhaps a not sure what this word is perhaps a crack or a split or an overlap because crack or a split or an overlap because crack or a split or an overlap because there was an overlap in the Rock to the there was an overlap in the Rock to the there was an overlap in the Rock to the South and the north they could hear each South and the north they could hear each South and the north they could hear each other calling and at the moment of the other calling and at the moment of the other calling and at the moment of the Breakthrough the laborers struck each Breakthrough the laborers struck each Breakthrough the laborers struck each toward the other pick again pick then toward the other pick again pick then toward the other pick again pick then the water flowed from the spring to the the water flowed from the spring to the the water flowed from the spring to the pool for 1200 cubits and the height of pool for 1200 cubits and the height of pool for 1200 cubits and the height of the rock above the heads of the laborers the rock above the heads of the laborers the rock above the heads of the laborers was 100 cubits so this is an amazing

was 100 cubits so this is an amazing was 100 cubits so this is an amazing story of engineering done almost 3,000 story of engineering done almost 3,000 story of engineering done almost 3,000 years ago and it is a story that ranks years ago and it is a story that ranks years ago and it is a story that ranks right up there with the biblical story right up there with the biblical story right up there with the biblical story of hezekiah's Triumph the ultimate of hezekiah's Triumph the ultimate of hezekiah's Triumph the ultimate Triumph where God strikes down the Neo Triumph where God strikes down the Neo Triumph where God strikes down the Neo Assyrian Army and Assyrian Army and Assyrian Army and 185,000 people die in a single night 185,000 people die in a single night 185,000 people die in a single night exactly what took place there Bubonic exactly what took place there Bubonic exactly what took place there Bubonic plague Black Death we don't know but plague Black Death we don't know but plague Black Death we don't know but still we can combine the archaeology still we can combine the archaeology still we can combine the archaeology with the biblical account and conclude with the biblical account and conclude with the biblical account and conclude that sakb was not able to capture that sakb was not able to capture that sakb was not able to capture Jerusalem in 701 Jerusalem in 701 Jerusalem in 701 BCE indeed what probably happened is BCE indeed what probably happened is BCE indeed what probably happened is that he was bribed and released that he was bribed and released that he was bribed and released Jerusalem from The Siege as long as it Jerusalem from The Siege as long as it Jerusalem from The Siege as long as it guaranteed to continue paying tribute guaranteed to continue paying tribute guaranteed to continue paying tribute every every every year the other major city that sakb year the other major city that sakb year the other major city that sakb attacked in 701 BCE is the city of Lish attacked in 701 BCE is the city of Lish attacked in 701 BCE is the city of Lish which was the second most important city which was the second most important city which was the second most important city in Judah unlike Jerusalem however Lish in Judah unlike Jerusalem however Lish in Judah unlike Jerusalem however Lish was not able to hold out and was was not able to hold out and was was not able to hold out and was attacked and destroyed by sakb in that attacked and destroyed by sakb in that attacked and destroyed by sakb in that year of 701 BCE and here we've got no year of 701 BCE and here we've got no year of 701 BCE and here we've got no fewer than four separate and independent fewer than four separate and independent fewer than four separate and independent accounts of the destruction and capture accounts of the destruction and capture accounts of the destruction and capture of Lish first we have the biblical of Lish first we have the biblical of Lish first we have the biblical account secondly we have an account by

account secondly we have an account by account secondly we have an account by sakb himself third we have an account in sakb himself third we have an account in sakb himself third we have an account in pictures which Sakura put up in his pictures which Sakura put up in his pictures which Sakura put up in his Palace back at Nineveh and fourth we Palace back at Nineveh and fourth we Palace back at Nineveh and fourth we have the archaeological have the archaeological have the archaeological evidence leish was the scene of evidence leish was the scene of evidence leish was the scene of excavations for many years directed in excavations for many years directed in excavations for many years directed in large part by David yuishin of Tel Aviv large part by David yuishin of Tel Aviv large part by David yuishin of Tel Aviv University and it has now been published University and it has now been published University and it has now been published in its in its in its entirety we know from the archaeology entirety we know from the archaeology entirety we know from the archaeology that the Assyrians mounted their Siege that the Assyrians mounted their Siege that the Assyrians mounted their Siege of the city from the southwest which of the city from the southwest which of the city from the southwest which makes sense topographically they built a makes sense topographically they built a makes sense topographically they built a large ramp an Assyrian Siege ramp up large ramp an Assyrian Siege ramp up large ramp an Assyrian Siege ramp up which they could push their uh War which they could push their uh War which they could push their uh War engines inside the city at precisely at engines inside the city at precisely at engines inside the city at precisely at this point the judeans defending the this point the judeans defending the this point the judeans defending the City built a counter ramp and City built a counter ramp and City built a counter ramp and archaeology has discovered both the archaeology has discovered both the archaeology has discovered both the Assyrian Siege ramp and the Judean Assyrian Siege ramp and the Judean Assyrian Siege ramp and the Judean counter ramp also discovered in the counter ramp also discovered in the counter ramp also discovered in the archaeological excavations are numerous archaeological excavations are numerous archaeological excavations are numerous remains of these final battles to remains of these final battles to remains of these final battles to capture the capture the capture the city back at Nineveh sakib's capital city back at Nineveh sakib's capital city back at Nineveh sakib's capital city we have the battle of he depicted city we have the battle of he depicted city we have the battle of he depicted in what must be the closest thing to an in what must be the closest thing to an in what must be the closest thing to an ancient movie scene after scene carved ancient movie scene after scene carved ancient movie scene after scene carved into stone beginning with the faanes of into stone beginning with the faanes of into stone beginning with the faanes of infantry marching towards the battle and infantry marching towards the battle and infantry marching towards the battle and ending with the deportation of the

ending with the deportation of the ending with the deportation of the conquered conquered conquered judeans these reliefs were found in judeans these reliefs were found in judeans these reliefs were found in sarb's Palace without arrival at Nineveh sarb's Palace without arrival at Nineveh sarb's Palace without arrival at Nineveh in what is now modern-day in what is now modern-day in what is now modern-day Iraq we can tell by looking at these Iraq we can tell by looking at these Iraq we can tell by looking at these reliefs and by reading the descriptions reliefs and by reading the descriptions reliefs and by reading the descriptions that Lish ultimately fell and that the that Lish ultimately fell and that the that Lish ultimately fell and that the Defenders were deported or Defenders were deported or Defenders were deported or killed and that Lish the second most killed and that Lish the second most killed and that Lish the second most important city in Judah fell it was important city in Judah fell it was important city in Judah fell it was after the capture of Lish that sakb made after the capture of Lish that sakb made after the capture of Lish that sakb made his way up to Jerusalem but Jerusalem in his way up to Jerusalem but Jerusalem in his way up to Jerusalem but Jerusalem in turn did not turn did not turn did not fall what we have instead is Jerusalem fall what we have instead is Jerusalem fall what we have instead is Jerusalem paying a bribe to sakb as we have paying a bribe to sakb as we have paying a bribe to sakb as we have already mentioned and is allowed to already mentioned and is allowed to already mentioned and is allowed to continue as the capital city of the continue as the capital city of the continue as the capital city of the kingdom of Judah however this would not kingdom of Judah however this would not kingdom of Judah however this would not be the last time that Jerusalem came be the last time that Jerusalem came be the last time that Jerusalem came under attack from a foreign power and in under attack from a foreign power and in under attack from a foreign power and in fact the days of Jerusalem and the fact the days of Jerusalem and the fact the days of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah were numbered it would kingdom of Judah were numbered it would kingdom of Judah were numbered it would not last more than another Century at not last more than another Century at not last more than another Century at the most we will see in the next lecture the most we will see in the next lecture the most we will see in the next lecture Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah coming under attack from the new Empire coming under attack from the new Empire coming under attack from the new Empire in the region that is the Neo in the region that is the Neo in the region that is the Neo Babylonians and what happens when the Babylonians and what happens when the Babylonians and what happens when the judeans revolt against 8 a history of ancient Israel lecture N9

8 a history of ancient Israel lecture N9 Neo Babylonians and the end of the Neo Babylonians and the end of the Neo Babylonians and the end of the kingdom of Judah in this lecture we'll be taking a Judah in this lecture we'll be taking a look at the end of the Southern Kingdom look at the end of the Southern Kingdom look at the end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah Judah Rises to great prominance of Judah Judah Rises to great prominance of Judah Judah Rises to great prominance in the 7th Century bcee after its in the 7th Century bcee after its in the 7th Century bcee after its northern neighbor the Kingdom of Israel northern neighbor the Kingdom of Israel northern neighbor the Kingdom of Israel has been destroyed by the Neo Assyrians has been destroyed by the Neo Assyrians has been destroyed by the Neo Assyrians unfortunately for Judah they themselves unfortunately for Judah they themselves unfortunately for Judah they themselves are going to come to an end not much are going to come to an end not much are going to come to an end not much more than a century later when another more than a century later when another more than a century later when another Mighty Empire from Mesopotamia embarks Mighty Empire from Mesopotamia embarks Mighty Empire from Mesopotamia embarks on its own campaign of expansion these on its own campaign of expansion these on its own campaign of expansion these are the ne NE Babylonians Nebuchadnezzar are the ne NE Babylonians Nebuchadnezzar are the ne NE Babylonians Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo Babylonians destroyed and the Neo Babylonians destroyed and the Neo Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem not once but twice burning the Jerusalem not once but twice burning the Jerusalem not once but twice burning the Temple of Solomon to the ground and Temple of Solomon to the ground and Temple of Solomon to the ground and exiling the leading citizens of exiling the leading citizens of exiling the leading citizens of Jerusalem and Judah to the far away city Jerusalem and Judah to the far away city Jerusalem and Judah to the far away city of of of Babylon before we get there however Babylon before we get there however Babylon before we get there however let's take a look at the reign of Josiah let's take a look at the reign of Josiah let's take a look at the reign of Josiah Josiah is one of the last major Kings of Josiah is one of the last major Kings of Josiah is one of the last major Kings of Judah he is one of the last descendants Judah he is one of the last descendants Judah he is one of the last descendants from the House of David to rule from the House of David to rule from the House of David to rule independently in Judah and he by himself independently in Judah and he by himself independently in Judah and he by himself attempts reforms that will take Judah attempts reforms that will take Judah attempts reforms that will take Judah back to the Grand days of David and back to the Grand days of David and back to the Grand days of David and Solomon now one thing we have to realize Solomon now one thing we have to realize Solomon now one thing we have to realize is that during this period towards the is that during this period towards the is that during this period towards the end of the 7th Century bcee Judah is a end of the 7th Century bcee Judah is a end of the 7th Century bcee Judah is a minor player a little player on a huge minor player a little player on a huge minor player a little player on a huge stage which is dominated by the three

stage which is dominated by the three stage which is dominated by the three great NE Eastern powers of the day great NE Eastern powers of the day great NE Eastern powers of the day namely Assyria Babylon and Egypt Judah namely Assyria Babylon and Egypt Judah namely Assyria Babylon and Egypt Judah itself is a contested periphery during itself is a contested periphery during itself is a contested periphery during the last Decades of the 7th century and the last Decades of the 7th century and the last Decades of the 7th century and into the first Decades of the 6th into the first Decades of the 6th into the first Decades of the 6th Century Century Century bcee that is it is on the periphery of bcee that is it is on the periphery of bcee that is it is on the periphery of the Assyrian Empire it is on the the Assyrian Empire it is on the the Assyrian Empire it is on the periphery of the Babylonian Empire and periphery of the Babylonian Empire and periphery of the Babylonian Empire and it is on the periphery of the Egyptian it is on the periphery of the Egyptian it is on the periphery of the Egyptian Empire all three areas thought that they Empire all three areas thought that they Empire all three areas thought that they could claim Judah and all three are could claim Judah and all three are could claim Judah and all three are willing to fight over it this was not a willing to fight over it this was not a willing to fight over it this was not a good time to be a king of Judah of the good time to be a king of Judah of the good time to be a king of Judah of the last five independent Kings descended last five independent Kings descended last five independent Kings descended from the House of David to meet their from the House of David to meet their from the House of David to meet their deaths in direct connection with deaths in direct connection with deaths in direct connection with International struggles and the other International struggles and the other International struggles and the other three die in foreign three die in foreign three die in foreign Exile let's turn to the reign of Josiah Exile let's turn to the reign of Josiah Exile let's turn to the reign of Josiah first he came to the throne of Judah in first he came to the throne of Judah in first he came to the throne of Judah in the year 639 BCE he was all of 8 years the year 639 BCE he was all of 8 years the year 639 BCE he was all of 8 years old halfway through his reign he began a old halfway through his reign he began a old halfway through his reign he began a series of far-reaching series of far-reaching series of far-reaching reforms when a scroll of laws was found reforms when a scroll of laws was found reforms when a scroll of laws was found in the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem in the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem in the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem now there is some question as to what now there is some question as to what now there is some question as to what the scroll of laws was the thinking now the scroll of laws was the thinking now the scroll of laws was the thinking now is that it was probably a copy of the is that it was probably a copy of the is that it was probably a copy of the book of Deuteronomy but we're also book of Deuteronomy but we're also book of Deuteronomy but we're also wondering if it was really discovered wondering if it was really discovered wondering if it was really discovered rather than planted Josiah had realized rather than planted Josiah had realized rather than planted Josiah had realized that the people of Judah had strayed

that the people of Judah had strayed that the people of Judah had strayed from where they should have been and so from where they should have been and so from where they should have been and so he implemented sweeping religious and he implemented sweeping religious and he implemented sweeping religious and political reforms he was able to do this political reforms he was able to do this political reforms he was able to do this based upon the discovery of the scroll based upon the discovery of the scroll based upon the discovery of the scroll in the temple which showed what they in the temple which showed what they in the temple which showed what they should be doing as opposed to what they should be doing as opposed to what they should be doing as opposed to what they were actually doing so in implementing were actually doing so in implementing were actually doing so in implementing these sweeping religious and political these sweeping religious and political these sweeping religious and political reforms Josiah is trying to become reforms Josiah is trying to become reforms Josiah is trying to become another another another David now along with these reforms the David now along with these reforms the David now along with these reforms the political and religious Josiah also was political and religious Josiah also was political and religious Josiah also was actively involved D in expanding judah's actively involved D in expanding judah's actively involved D in expanding judah's territory up to the north and in doing territory up to the north and in doing territory up to the north and in doing so he annexed the capital city of so he annexed the capital city of so he annexed the capital city of Samaria which had been the former Samaria which had been the former Samaria which had been the former capital of the Kingdom of Israel and he capital of the Kingdom of Israel and he capital of the Kingdom of Israel and he also annexed megiddo and the jezrael also annexed megiddo and the jezrael also annexed megiddo and the jezrael valley he was trying to put Judah on a valley he was trying to put Judah on a valley he was trying to put Judah on a road that would take it back to the road that would take it back to the road that would take it back to the greatness of the United monarchy which greatness of the United monarchy which greatness of the United monarchy which had been fully 300 years had been fully 300 years had been fully 300 years earlier unfortunately Josiah ran into earlier unfortunately Josiah ran into earlier unfortunately Josiah ran into some problems namely he ran into the some problems namely he ran into the some problems namely he ran into the Egyptians Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt kills Egyptians Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt kills Egyptians Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt kills Josiah and when Josiah dies his dreams Josiah and when Josiah dies his dreams Josiah and when Josiah dies his dreams for a Judean Renaissance if we can put for a Judean Renaissance if we can put for a Judean Renaissance if we can put it that way were buried with him now it that way were buried with him now it that way were buried with him now Josiah is killed at megiddo in the jezel Josiah is killed at megiddo in the jezel Josiah is killed at megiddo in the jezel valley in the year 609 BCE he has been valley in the year 609 BCE he has been valley in the year 609 BCE he has been on the throne for approximately 30 years on the throne for approximately 30 years on the throne for approximately 30 years so this would make him about 38 years so this would make him about 38 years so this would make him about 38 years old at that time and for many people who

old at that time and for many people who old at that time and for many people who study ancient history and ancient study ancient history and ancient study ancient history and ancient religion the meeting of Josiah and Neco religion the meeting of Josiah and Neco religion the meeting of Josiah and Neco II is considered the most significant of II is considered the most significant of II is considered the most significant of the battles that took place in the the battles that took place in the the battles that took place in the Jezreel Jezreel Jezreel Valley on the surface reconstructing Valley on the surface reconstructing Valley on the surface reconstructing what happened is pretty easy we are told what happened is pretty easy we are told what happened is pretty easy we are told the events in the book of Second Kings the events in the book of Second Kings the events in the book of Second Kings as well as in the book of 2 Chronicles as well as in the book of 2 Chronicles as well as in the book of 2 Chronicles and then there is also a recounting by and then there is also a recounting by and then there is also a recounting by Josephus now if we reconstruct the Josephus now if we reconstruct the Josephus now if we reconstruct the events by combin ing all of the events by combin ing all of the events by combin ing all of the available sources it seems that things available sources it seems that things available sources it seems that things proceeded as proceeded as proceeded as follows in the spring or the summer of follows in the spring or the summer of follows in the spring or the summer of 609 Neco II of Egypt and his army are 609 Neco II of Egypt and his army are 609 Neco II of Egypt and his army are heading heading heading northward up to the city of kimesh they northward up to the city of kimesh they northward up to the city of kimesh they are coming to the aid of their Ally the are coming to the aid of their Ally the are coming to the aid of their Ally the Assyrians and the two of them will fight Assyrians and the two of them will fight Assyrians and the two of them will fight against their common foe the Babylonians against their common foe the Babylonians against their common foe the Babylonians who are on the rise at this point so who are on the rise at this point so who are on the rise at this point so it's going to be the Egyptians and the it's going to be the Egyptians and the it's going to be the Egyptians and the Assyrians against the Assyrians against the Assyrians against the Babylonians the battle is going to be Babylonians the battle is going to be Babylonians the battle is going to be fought up at kimesh in Northern Syria fought up at kimesh in Northern Syria fought up at kimesh in Northern Syria and neco's army had to Traverse the and neco's army had to Traverse the and neco's army had to Traverse the length of Judah in order to get there so length of Judah in order to get there so length of Judah in order to get there so he simply asked permission from Josiah he simply asked permission from Josiah he simply asked permission from Josiah for his army to March through the for his army to March through the for his army to March through the kingdom of Judah and route to Northern kingdom of Judah and route to Northern kingdom of Judah and route to Northern Syria for some reason and we don't know Syria for some reason and we don't know Syria for some reason and we don't know exactly why Josiah said no he refused exactly why Josiah said no he refused exactly why Josiah said no he refused the egyp 's permission to March through

the egyp 's permission to March through the egyp 's permission to March through his lands and instead he marched with his lands and instead he marched with his lands and instead he marched with his army up to the jezrael valley and his army up to the jezrael valley and his army up to the jezrael valley and waited for the Egyptian Army there when waited for the Egyptian Army there when waited for the Egyptian Army there when the Egyptians came into the jezrael the Egyptians came into the jezrael the Egyptians came into the jezrael valley they found the Judean Army valley they found the Judean Army valley they found the Judean Army waiting Josiah climbed into his Chariot waiting Josiah climbed into his Chariot waiting Josiah climbed into his Chariot drove up and down in front of his army drove up and down in front of his army drove up and down in front of his army uh encouraging the men he sounded the uh encouraging the men he sounded the uh encouraging the men he sounded the attack and prepared to watch but just as attack and prepared to watch but just as attack and prepared to watch but just as the battle got underway however an the battle got underway however an the battle got underway however an Egyptian Archer let fly with his arrow Egyptian Archer let fly with his arrow Egyptian Archer let fly with his arrow and hit Josiah either killing him and hit Josiah either killing him and hit Josiah either killing him outright or at the very least mortally outright or at the very least mortally outright or at the very least mortally wounding him so either dead or dying wounding him so either dead or dying wounding him so either dead or dying Josiah is transported out of the battle Josiah is transported out of the battle Josiah is transported out of the battle taken South to Jerusalem where he is taken South to Jerusalem where he is taken South to Jerusalem where he is buried along with his dreams for a buried along with his dreams for a buried along with his dreams for a rejuvenated Judah well it's all very rejuvenated Judah well it's all very rejuvenated Judah well it's all very well and nice except of course for poor well and nice except of course for poor well and nice except of course for poor Josiah but there are grave problems with Josiah but there are grave problems with Josiah but there are grave problems with this uh reconstruction the major this uh reconstruction the major this uh reconstruction the major stumbling block is that each of our stumbling block is that each of our stumbling block is that each of our sources gives a different account as to sources gives a different account as to sources gives a different account as to what actually happened and although we what actually happened and although we what actually happened and although we know that Josiah was killed at megiddo know that Josiah was killed at megiddo know that Josiah was killed at megiddo the question is did he die while the question is did he die while the question is did he die while actually fighting or was he murdered actually fighting or was he murdered actually fighting or was he murdered there before the battle actually took there before the battle actually took there before the battle actually took place we don't know for sure and uh I place we don't know for sure and uh I place we don't know for sure and uh I will not go into the details here you will not go into the details here you will not go into the details here you can go to my book the battles of can go to my book the battles of can go to my book the battles of Armageddon if you're interested what I Armageddon if you're interested what I Armageddon if you're interested what I would simply say though is we probably would simply say though is we probably would simply say though is we probably have to follow the account in Second have to follow the account in Second have to follow the account in Second Kings which which simply says when Neo

Kings which which simply says when Neo Kings which which simply says when Neo met Josiah at megiddo he killed him end met Josiah at megiddo he killed him end met Josiah at megiddo he killed him end of story The chronicler embellishes upon of story The chronicler embellishes upon of story The chronicler embellishes upon this as does Josephus a couple hundred this as does Josephus a couple hundred this as does Josephus a couple hundred years later but I think we'll go with years later but I think we'll go with years later but I think we'll go with the shortest account which simply says the shortest account which simply says the shortest account which simply says that when Neco saw Josiah he killed him that when Neco saw Josiah he killed him that when Neco saw Josiah he killed him there it probably took place before the there it probably took place before the there it probably took place before the battle if there was even a battle in the battle if there was even a battle in the battle if there was even a battle in the first place nevertheless with the death first place nevertheless with the death first place nevertheless with the death of Josiah then Judah begins to suffer a of Josiah then Judah begins to suffer a of Josiah then Judah begins to suffer a period of tremendous turbul period of tremendous turbul period of tremendous turbul and we see Judah caught between the and we see Judah caught between the and we see Judah caught between the great Powers namely Assyria Babylon and great Powers namely Assyria Babylon and great Powers namely Assyria Babylon and Egypt now by the time we get to the Egypt now by the time we get to the Egypt now by the time we get to the period of 605 BCE we've got period of 605 BCE we've got period of 605 BCE we've got Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo Babylonians Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo Babylonians Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo Babylonians emerging as the Prime power in this emerging as the Prime power in this emerging as the Prime power in this region and Judah is going to be under region and Judah is going to be under region and Judah is going to be under the thumb of the Neo Babylonians for the thumb of the Neo Babylonians for the thumb of the Neo Babylonians for about the next 20 years if not Beyond I about the next 20 years if not Beyond I about the next 20 years if not Beyond I said say the next 20 years because in said say the next 20 years because in said say the next 20 years because in 586 we get the destruction of Jerusalem 586 we get the destruction of Jerusalem 586 we get the destruction of Jerusalem but even then the Neo Babylonians but even then the Neo Babylonians but even then the Neo Babylonians continue to rule Judah or what remains continue to rule Judah or what remains continue to rule Judah or what remains of it right down until 539 BCE so of it right down until 539 BCE so of it right down until 539 BCE so overall we will see about 70 years of overall we will see about 70 years of overall we will see about 70 years of Neo Babylonian domination over Neo Babylonian domination over Neo Babylonian domination over Judah now in comparison with other Judah now in comparison with other Judah now in comparison with other periods the written Source material for periods the written Source material for periods the written Source material for this time period is quite a abundant we this time period is quite a abundant we this time period is quite a abundant we have for this period of neo-babylonian

have for this period of neo-babylonian have for this period of neo-babylonian domination both biblical text and domination both biblical text and domination both biblical text and non-biblical text the biblical texts are non-biblical text the biblical texts are non-biblical text the biblical texts are found in the books of Second Kings and 2 found in the books of Second Kings and 2 found in the books of Second Kings and 2 Chronicles as well as in some of the Chronicles as well as in some of the Chronicles as well as in some of the books of the prophets such as Jeremiah books of the prophets such as Jeremiah books of the prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel the book of Jeremiah and Ezekiel the book of Jeremiah and Ezekiel the book of Jeremiah especially gives us some important especially gives us some important especially gives us some important information on this period but we also information on this period but we also information on this period but we also have something from Babylon itself these have something from Babylon itself these have something from Babylon itself these are the so-called Babylonian Chronicles are the so-called Babylonian Chronicles are the so-called Babylonian Chronicles they are not a single document but they are not a single document but they are not a single document but actually rather a genre of literature actually rather a genre of literature actually rather a genre of literature they are presenting to us selective they are presenting to us selective they are presenting to us selective summaries of Royal Reigns probably based summaries of Royal Reigns probably based summaries of Royal Reigns probably based on year-by-year records of events that on year-by-year records of events that on year-by-year records of events that were kept in Babylon only portions of were kept in Babylon only portions of were kept in Babylon only portions of these survive but they include coverage these survive but they include coverage these survive but they include coverage of the years from 616 until 594 BCE and of the years from 616 until 594 BCE and of the years from 616 until 594 BCE and in particular we have uh events from a in particular we have uh events from a in particular we have uh events from a number of the years from Nebuchadnezzar number of the years from Nebuchadnezzar number of the years from Nebuchadnezzar and it is from these so-called and it is from these so-called and it is from these so-called Babylonian Chronicles that we can Babylonian Chronicles that we can Babylonian Chronicles that we can determine the exact dates when determine the exact dates when determine the exact dates when Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem namely Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem namely Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem namely 597 and 586 597 and 586 597 and 586 BCE Nebuchadnezzar comes to the throne BCE Nebuchadnezzar comes to the throne BCE Nebuchadnezzar comes to the throne of the Neo Babylonians in 605 BCE and of the Neo Babylonians in 605 BCE and of the Neo Babylonians in 605 BCE and will rule for the next 43 years down will rule for the next 43 years down will rule for the next 43 years down until the year until the year until the year 562 one of the first things he does is 562 one of the first things he does is 562 one of the first things he does is expand his Empire to the South namely expand his Empire to the South namely expand his Empire to the South namely down into Judah and Beyond we know that

down into Judah and Beyond we know that down into Judah and Beyond we know that he comes down and destroys the cities of he comes down and destroys the cities of he comes down and destroys the cities of ashalon and perhaps ekron in the year ashalon and perhaps ekron in the year ashalon and perhaps ekron in the year 604 and then in 601 he again fights 604 and then in 601 he again fights 604 and then in 601 he again fights against the Egyptians once again the against the Egyptians once again the against the Egyptians once again the Egyptians are led by Neco Egyptians are led by Neco Egyptians are led by Neco II so just as in the earlier battle at II so just as in the earlier battle at II so just as in the earlier battle at kimesh nearly a decade previously now kimesh nearly a decade previously now kimesh nearly a decade previously now we've got the Neo Babylonians and the we've got the Neo Babylonians and the we've got the Neo Babylonians and the Egyptians fighting this time without the Egyptians fighting this time without the Egyptians fighting this time without the Assyrians because they have shuffled off Assyrians because they have shuffled off Assyrians because they have shuffled off the Mortal coil and are no longer a the Mortal coil and are no longer a the Mortal coil and are no longer a player on the major stage as far as we player on the major stage as far as we player on the major stage as far as we can tell from the Babylonian Chronicles can tell from the Babylonian Chronicles can tell from the Babylonian Chronicles which are the primary source of which are the primary source of which are the primary source of information for this battle between the information for this battle between the information for this battle between the Egyptians and the Babylonians in 601 Egyptians and the Babylonians in 601 Egyptians and the Babylonians in 601 neither side was able to claim victory neither side was able to claim victory neither side was able to claim victory it seems to have been a draw with heavy it seems to have been a draw with heavy it seems to have been a draw with heavy casualties on both sides and both sides casualties on both sides and both sides casualties on both sides and both sides withdrew from the battlefield to cover withdrew from the battlefield to cover withdrew from the battlefield to cover and and and regroup at this time in 601 the king of regroup at this time in 601 the king of regroup at this time in 601 the king of Judah is a man named jeim he seems to Judah is a man named jeim he seems to Judah is a man named jeim he seems to have been a fairly faithful vassel of have been a fairly faithful vassel of have been a fairly faithful vassel of the Neo Babylonians since he had come to the Neo Babylonians since he had come to the Neo Babylonians since he had come to the throne a couple years before in the throne a couple years before in the throne a couple years before in 604 we get this information from both 604 we get this information from both 604 we get this information from both the Hebrew Bible and the Babylonian the Hebrew Bible and the Babylonian the Hebrew Bible and the Babylonian Chronicles however it seems that in 601 Chronicles however it seems that in 601 Chronicles however it seems that in 601 after Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo after Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo after Nebuchadnezzar and the Neo Babylonians failed to conquer Egypt Babylonians failed to conquer Egypt Babylonians failed to conquer Egypt outright that jeim saw this as probably

outright that jeim saw this as probably outright that jeim saw this as probably a sign of weakness and so he withheld a sign of weakness and so he withheld a sign of weakness and so he withheld the tribute that he was supposed to pay the tribute that he was supposed to pay the tribute that he was supposed to pay to the Neo to the Neo to the Neo Babylonians now he was probably also Babylonians now he was probably also Babylonians now he was probably also rather pro- Egyptian in his leanings rather pro- Egyptian in his leanings rather pro- Egyptian in his leanings because it seems that he had come to the because it seems that he had come to the because it seems that he had come to the throne of Judah with the help of the throne of Judah with the help of the throne of Judah with the help of the Egyptians rather than with the newly Egyptians rather than with the newly Egyptians rather than with the newly arrived Neo Babylonians in any event arrived Neo Babylonians in any event arrived Neo Babylonians in any event withholding tribute from the Neo withholding tribute from the Neo withholding tribute from the Neo Babylonians is never a good idea and Babylonians is never a good idea and Babylonians is never a good idea and jeim is going to pay the jeim is going to pay the jeim is going to pay the price now Nebuchadnezzar Retreats back price now Nebuchadnezzar Retreats back price now Nebuchadnezzar Retreats back to Babylon after 601 when he fails to to Babylon after 601 when he fails to to Babylon after 601 when he fails to defeat the Egyptians he takes 2 or three defeat the Egyptians he takes 2 or three defeat the Egyptians he takes 2 or three years to get his army back up to full years to get his army back up to full years to get his army back up to full strength and then he takes off again for strength and then he takes off again for strength and then he takes off again for Judah and his purpose here is to bring Judah and his purpose here is to bring Judah and his purpose here is to bring his rebellious vassel namely jeaken back his rebellious vassel namely jeaken back his rebellious vassel namely jeaken back under his under his under his thumb we are told what happens next in thumb we are told what happens next in thumb we are told what happens next in great detail by the Jewish General great detail by the Jewish General great detail by the Jewish General turned Roman historian Josephus who's turned Roman historian Josephus who's turned Roman historian Josephus who's writing about 600 years after the actual writing about 600 years after the actual writing about 600 years after the actual events take place nevertheless he seems events take place nevertheless he seems events take place nevertheless he seems to be relatively accurate in his to be relatively accurate in his to be relatively accurate in his account and what he tells us is that account and what he tells us is that account and what he tells us is that Nebuchadnezzar attacks Jerusalem in the Nebuchadnezzar attacks Jerusalem in the Nebuchadnezzar attacks Jerusalem in the year 598 and puts jeim to death for year 598 and puts jeim to death for year 598 and puts jeim to death for rebelling and for failing to pay tribute rebelling and for failing to pay tribute rebelling and for failing to pay tribute he also exiled many of the leading he also exiled many of the leading he also exiled many of the leading citizens of the city or put them to citizens of the city or put them to citizens of the city or put them to death and Josephus describes exactly

death and Josephus describes exactly death and Josephus describes exactly what happened in great detail let me what happened in great detail let me what happened in great detail let me read you briefly what he says in his read you briefly what he says in his read you briefly what he says in his book Antiquities of the Jews Josephus book Antiquities of the Jews Josephus book Antiquities of the Jews Josephus says the king of Babylon made an says the king of Babylon made an says the king of Babylon made an expedition against jeim when he expedition against jeim when he expedition against jeim when he Nebuchadnezzar had come into the city he Nebuchadnezzar had come into the city he Nebuchadnezzar had come into the city he did not observe the Covenant he had made did not observe the Covenant he had made did not observe the Covenant he had made but he slew such as were in the flower but he slew such as were in the flower but he slew such as were in the flower of their age and such as were of the of their age and such as were of the of their age and such as were of the greatest dignity together with their greatest dignity together with their greatest dignity together with their King jeim whom he commanded to be thrown King jeim whom he commanded to be thrown King jeim whom he commanded to be thrown before the walls without any burial and before the walls without any burial and before the walls without any burial and made his son jeho chin King of the made his son jeho chin King of the made his son jeho chin King of the country and of the city he also took of country and of the city he also took of country and of the city he also took of the principal persons in dignity for the principal persons in dignity for the principal persons in dignity for captives 3,000 in number and led them captives 3,000 in number and led them captives 3,000 in number and led them away to Babylon among which was the away to Babylon among which was the away to Babylon among which was the prophet Ezekiel who was then but young prophet Ezekiel who was then but young prophet Ezekiel who was then but young and this was the end of King jeim when and this was the end of King jeim when and this was the end of King jeim when he had lived 36 years and of them he had lived 36 years and of them he had lived 36 years and of them reigned 11 reigned 11 reigned 11 but jeho chin succeeded him in the but jeho chin succeeded him in the but jeho chin succeeded him in the kingdom and he reigned 3 months and 10 kingdom and he reigned 3 months and 10 kingdom and he reigned 3 months and 10 days so even though Josephus is writing days so even though Josephus is writing days so even though Josephus is writing this about six centuries after the this about six centuries after the this about six centuries after the events happened he seems to be pretty events happened he seems to be pretty events happened he seems to be pretty accurate because the Bible gives us a accurate because the Bible gives us a accurate because the Bible gives us a similar account although a little bit similar account although a little bit similar account although a little bit more ambiguous so what we're told is more ambiguous so what we're told is more ambiguous so what we're told is that after Nebuchadnezzar captured that after Nebuchadnezzar captured that after Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem in 598 he took away 3,000 Jerusalem in 598 he took away 3,000 Jerusalem in 598 he took away 3,000 people into exile in Babylon including people into exile in Babylon including people into exile in Babylon including the prophet Ezekiel this is the first of the prophet Ezekiel this is the first of the prophet Ezekiel this is the first of what will be no fewer than four

what will be no fewer than four what will be no fewer than four deportations all told this becomes known deportations all told this becomes known deportations all told this becomes known as the Babylonian exile in which the as the Babylonian exile in which the as the Babylonian exile in which the leading people of Jerusalem are taken leading people of Jerusalem are taken leading people of Jerusalem are taken away as captives to Babylon the worst away as captives to Babylon the worst away as captives to Babylon the worst though was yet to come because though was yet to come because though was yet to come because Nebuchadnezzar is going to lay seege to Nebuchadnezzar is going to lay seege to Nebuchadnezzar is going to lay seege to Jerusalem at least twice more namely in Jerusalem at least twice more namely in Jerusalem at least twice more namely in 597 and again in 597 and again in 597 and again in 586 so when when jeho Kim is killed his 586 so when when jeho Kim is killed his 586 so when when jeho Kim is killed his uh son jeho chin a very similar name but uh son jeho chin a very similar name but uh son jeho chin a very similar name but one ends in Kim and the other ends in ch one ends in Kim and the other ends in ch one ends in Kim and the other ends in ch i n in English his son jeho chin becomes i n in English his son jeho chin becomes i n in English his son jeho chin becomes the king of Judah now jeho chin at this the king of Judah now jeho chin at this the king of Judah now jeho chin at this time is either 8 or 18 years old we're time is either 8 or 18 years old we're time is either 8 or 18 years old we're not exactly sure the numbers in the not exactly sure the numbers in the not exactly sure the numbers in the accounts are a little bit difficult to accounts are a little bit difficult to accounts are a little bit difficult to interpret the one thing that we know for interpret the one thing that we know for interpret the one thing that we know for sure is that he was king for a very sure is that he was king for a very sure is that he was king for a very short time even by the standards of Jew short time even by the standards of Jew short time even by the standards of Jew at that point Josephus tells us that he at that point Josephus tells us that he at that point Josephus tells us that he rules just about 3 months and it indeed rules just about 3 months and it indeed rules just about 3 months and it indeed seems to be the case somewhere around seems to be the case somewhere around seems to be the case somewhere around the middle of March in the year 597 the middle of March in the year 597 the middle of March in the year 597 Nebuchadnezzar comes back to Judah and Nebuchadnezzar comes back to Judah and Nebuchadnezzar comes back to Judah and we are told the events by three separate we are told the events by three separate we are told the events by three separate sources namely the Babylonian Chronicles sources namely the Babylonian Chronicles sources namely the Babylonian Chronicles the Bible and Josephus now this is nice the Bible and Josephus now this is nice the Bible and Josephus now this is nice because in addition to the Bible then we because in addition to the Bible then we because in addition to the Bible then we have this external the extra biblical have this external the extra biblical have this external the extra biblical account from the Babylonian Chronicles account from the Babylonian Chronicles account from the Babylonian Chronicles which we can use Josephus we might want which we can use Josephus we might want which we can use Josephus we might want to take with a little grain of salt to take with a little grain of salt to take with a little grain of salt because he is writing so much later and

because he is writing so much later and because he is writing so much later and because he probably also is using the because he probably also is using the because he probably also is using the biblical account to a certain degree but biblical account to a certain degree but biblical account to a certain degree but at the very least we've got the Bible at the very least we've got the Bible at the very least we've got the Bible and the Babylonian and the Babylonian and the Babylonian Chronicles and so in the Babylonian Chronicles and so in the Babylonian Chronicles and so in the Babylonian Chronicles we are told in the 7th year Chronicles we are told in the 7th year Chronicles we are told in the 7th year the month of kislev the king of akad the month of kislev the king of akad the month of kislev the king of akad mustered his army and marched to serial mustered his army and marched to serial mustered his army and marched to serial Palestine so in the seventh year of Palestine so in the seventh year of Palestine so in the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar's Reign he is marching to Nebuchadnezzar's Reign he is marching to Nebuchadnezzar's Reign he is marching to Judah once again and the Babylonian Judah once again and the Babylonian Judah once again and the Babylonian Chronicles continue they say he that is Chronicles continue they say he that is Chronicles continue they say he that is Nebuchadnezzar encamped against the city Nebuchadnezzar encamped against the city Nebuchadnezzar encamped against the city of Judah and on the second day of the of Judah and on the second day of the of Judah and on the second day of the month of Adar he captured the city and month of Adar he captured the city and month of Adar he captured the city and seized its king a king of his own choice seized its king a king of his own choice seized its king a king of his own choice he appointed in the city and taking vast he appointed in the city and taking vast he appointed in the city and taking vast tribute he brought it back to tribute he brought it back to tribute he brought it back to Babylon now this recording of the exact Babylon now this recording of the exact Babylon now this recording of the exact date for the capture of Jerusalem the date for the capture of Jerusalem the date for the capture of Jerusalem the second day of the month of Adar which we second day of the month of Adar which we second day of the month of Adar which we would see as the 16th of March 597 BCE would see as the 16th of March 597 BCE would see as the 16th of March 597 BCE is extremely unusual they usually didn't is extremely unusual they usually didn't is extremely unusual they usually didn't record an exact date it probably record an exact date it probably record an exact date it probably reflects the importance of the conquest reflects the importance of the conquest reflects the importance of the conquest of Jerusalem the campaign from start to of Jerusalem the campaign from start to of Jerusalem the campaign from start to finish lasted no more than 3 months and finish lasted no more than 3 months and finish lasted no more than 3 months and this includes the time it would have this includes the time it would have this includes the time it would have taken to march from Babylon to Jerusalem taken to march from Babylon to Jerusalem taken to march from Babylon to Jerusalem which probably took them about two which probably took them about two which probably took them about two months to do about 8 weeks if so the months to do about 8 weeks if so the months to do about 8 weeks if so the city gave in after a Siege which lasted city gave in after a Siege which lasted city gave in after a Siege which lasted no longer than about a month no longer than about a month no longer than about a month total now in the Hebrew Bible we're told

total now in the Hebrew Bible we're told total now in the Hebrew Bible we're told of this capture of Jerusalem but we're of this capture of Jerusalem but we're of this capture of Jerusalem but we're not given any details of the siege not given any details of the siege not given any details of the siege itself the biblical account simply says itself the biblical account simply says itself the biblical account simply says that Nebuchadnezzar himself arrived that Nebuchadnezzar himself arrived that Nebuchadnezzar himself arrived after The Siege was already underway in after The Siege was already underway in after The Siege was already underway in the book of Second Kings it says the book of Second Kings it says the book of Second Kings it says Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon came to Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon came to Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon came to the city while his servants were the city while his servants were the city while his servants were besieging it and jein the king of Judah besieging it and jein the king of Judah besieging it and jein the king of Judah gave himself up to the king of Babylon gave himself up to the king of Babylon gave himself up to the king of Babylon and his mother and his servants and his and his mother and his servants and his and his mother and his servants and his princes and his Palace officials the princes and his Palace officials the princes and his Palace officials the king of Babylon took him prisoner in the king of Babylon took him prisoner in the king of Babylon took him prisoner in the eighth year of his Reign and carried off eighth year of his Reign and carried off eighth year of his Reign and carried off all the Treasures of the house of the all the Treasures of the house of the all the Treasures of the house of the Lord and the Treasures of the King's Lord and the Treasures of the King's Lord and the Treasures of the King's house and cut in pieces all the vessels house and cut in pieces all the vessels house and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord which of gold in the temple of the Lord which of gold in the temple of the Lord which Solomon king of Israel had made as the Solomon king of Israel had made as the Solomon king of Israel had made as the Lord had for for told the biblical Lord had for for told the biblical Lord had for for told the biblical account also tells us that in addition account also tells us that in addition account also tells us that in addition to the king jeho chin Nebuchadnezzar to the king jeho chin Nebuchadnezzar to the king jeho chin Nebuchadnezzar also carried away into Exile some 10,000 also carried away into Exile some 10,000 also carried away into Exile some 10,000 captives from the conquered City the one captives from the conquered City the one captives from the conquered City the one thing that is not mentioned is the Ark thing that is not mentioned is the Ark thing that is not mentioned is the Ark of the Covenant as we have discussed in of the Covenant as we have discussed in of the Covenant as we have discussed in a previous lecture Nebuchadnezzar a previous lecture Nebuchadnezzar a previous lecture Nebuchadnezzar nowhere makes mention of the Ark of the nowhere makes mention of the Ark of the nowhere makes mention of the Ark of the Covenant leading us to believe that it Covenant leading us to believe that it Covenant leading us to believe that it had already disappeared been destroyed had already disappeared been destroyed had already disappeared been destroyed or melted down in some way or form prior or melted down in some way or form prior or melted down in some way or form prior to the capture of to the capture of to the capture of Jerusalem after this after Jerusalem after this after Jerusalem after this after 597 Nebuchadnezzar installs a new King 597 Nebuchadnezzar installs a new King 597 Nebuchadnezzar installs a new King on the throne of Judah to be his puppet

on the throne of Judah to be his puppet on the throne of Judah to be his puppet King this is a man by the name of King this is a man by the name of King this is a man by the name of zedekiah he is a brother of the former zedekiah he is a brother of the former zedekiah he is a brother of the former King jeim and he is a son of the King King jeim and he is a son of the King King jeim and he is a son of the King Josiah so he is royalty but he is Josiah so he is royalty but he is Josiah so he is royalty but he is installed on the throne of Judah as a installed on the throne of Judah as a installed on the throne of Judah as a puppet King Nebuchadnezzar probably puppet King Nebuchadnezzar probably puppet King Nebuchadnezzar probably hoped that zedekiah would obey him and hoped that zedekiah would obey him and hoped that zedekiah would obey him and indeed zedekiah did this at least for indeed zedekiah did this at least for indeed zedekiah did this at least for the first few years of his rule but just the first few years of his rule but just the first few years of his rule but just like his predecessors eventually he too like his predecessors eventually he too like his predecessors eventually he too is going to rebel and just as they had is going to rebel and just as they had is going to rebel and just as they had done he misjudged the power of the Neo done he misjudged the power of the Neo done he misjudged the power of the Neo Babylonians and would pay the price for Babylonians and would pay the price for Babylonians and would pay the price for his his his Rebellion we don't have the Babylonian Rebellion we don't have the Babylonian Rebellion we don't have the Babylonian Chronicles as a source for zedekiah's Chronicles as a source for zedekiah's Chronicles as a source for zedekiah's Rebellion Rebellion Rebellion because they break off after because they break off after because they break off after Nebuchadnezzar's 11th year of rule in Nebuchadnezzar's 11th year of rule in Nebuchadnezzar's 11th year of rule in about 594 or 593 BC so we have to put about 594 or 593 BC so we have to put about 594 or 593 BC so we have to put all of our Reliance on the biblical all of our Reliance on the biblical all of our Reliance on the biblical account and on the later commentary by account and on the later commentary by account and on the later commentary by Josephus for the story of zedekiah's Josephus for the story of zedekiah's Josephus for the story of zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar in rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar in rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar in 586 however taking the place of the 586 however taking the place of the 586 however taking the place of the Babylonian Chronicles is a new source in Babylonian Chronicles is a new source in Babylonian Chronicles is a new source in this particular instance namely archae this particular instance namely archae this particular instance namely archae ology because we have archaeological ology because we have archaeological ology because we have archaeological evidence for the destruction of evidence for the destruction of evidence for the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE we are told that Nebuchadnezzar came BCE we are told that Nebuchadnezzar came BCE we are told that Nebuchadnezzar came down on the 10th day of the 10th month

down on the 10th day of the 10th month down on the 10th day of the 10th month in zedekiah's 9th year of rule this in zedekiah's 9th year of rule this in zedekiah's 9th year of rule this would be equivalent to about January would be equivalent to about January would be equivalent to about January 15th in 587 BCE we have three nearly 15th in 587 BCE we have three nearly 15th in 587 BCE we have three nearly identical accounts in the Bible which identical accounts in the Bible which identical accounts in the Bible which depict the story of this campaign and depict the story of this campaign and depict the story of this campaign and then we've got josephus's history then we've got josephus's history then we've got josephus's history written several centuries later as well written several centuries later as well written several centuries later as well we are told that as Nebuchadnezzar's we are told that as Nebuchadnezzar's we are told that as Nebuchadnezzar's Army swept down from Jerusalem that they Army swept down from Jerusalem that they Army swept down from Jerusalem that they destroyed the cities of Judah one by one destroyed the cities of Judah one by one destroyed the cities of Judah one by one and indeed archaeological evidence found and indeed archaeological evidence found and indeed archaeological evidence found in a number of different cities in Judah in a number of different cities in Judah in a number of different cities in Judah agree with this we have houses with uh agree with this we have houses with uh agree with this we have houses with uh burnt walls toppled over Fallen as if burnt walls toppled over Fallen as if burnt walls toppled over Fallen as if they've been destroyed by Siege engines they've been destroyed by Siege engines they've been destroyed by Siege engines Lish seems to be destroyed once again Lish seems to be destroyed once again Lish seems to be destroyed once again and then it comes to be Jerusalem's turn and then it comes to be Jerusalem's turn and then it comes to be Jerusalem's turn Josephus tells us that The Siege of Josephus tells us that The Siege of Josephus tells us that The Siege of Jerusalem lasts a total of 18 months Jerusalem lasts a total of 18 months Jerusalem lasts a total of 18 months this time either they had managed to put this time either they had managed to put this time either they had managed to put the walls back up or they had learned the walls back up or they had learned the walls back up or they had learned some better tactics because rather than some better tactics because rather than some better tactics because rather than just withstanding for 1 to 3 months as just withstanding for 1 to 3 months as just withstanding for 1 to 3 months as had happened back in 597 now they're had happened back in 597 now they're had happened back in 597 now they're able to last for 18 able to last for 18 able to last for 18 months both Josephus and the biblical months both Josephus and the biblical months both Josephus and the biblical accounts agree though that The Siege accounts agree though that The Siege accounts agree though that The Siege ended ended ended about July 18th in 586 bcee this is the about July 18th in 586 bcee this is the about July 18th in 586 bcee this is the ninth day of the fourth month of ninth day of the fourth month of ninth day of the fourth month of zedekiah's 11th year of rule the biblical accounts as well as rule the biblical accounts as well as Josephus give us some details of this

Josephus give us some details of this Josephus give us some details of this Assault The Siege tactics were the Assault The Siege tactics were the Assault The Siege tactics were the standard ones that were used by the Neo standard ones that were used by the Neo standard ones that were used by the Neo Babylonians everywhere and indeed were Babylonians everywhere and indeed were Babylonians everywhere and indeed were the same ones that have been used by the the same ones that have been used by the the same ones that have been used by the Neo Assyrians earlier Josephus says for Neo Assyrians earlier Josephus says for Neo Assyrians earlier Josephus says for example in the Antiquities of the Jews example in the Antiquities of the Jews example in the Antiquities of the Jews now the king of Babylon was very intent now the king of Babylon was very intent now the king of Babylon was very intent and Earnest upon The Siege of Jerusalem and Earnest upon The Siege of Jerusalem and Earnest upon The Siege of Jerusalem he erected Towers upon great Banks of he erected Towers upon great Banks of he erected Towers upon great Banks of Earth and from them repelled those that Earth and from them repelled those that Earth and from them repelled those that stood upon the walls he also made a stood upon the walls he also made a stood upon the walls he also made a great number of such banks around the great number of such banks around the great number of such banks around the whole city whose height was equal to whole city whose height was equal to whole city whose height was equal to those walls and this Siege they endured those walls and this Siege they endured those walls and this Siege they endured for 18 months until they were destroyed for 18 months until they were destroyed for 18 months until they were destroyed by the famine and by the darts which the by the famine and by the darts which the by the famine and by the darts which the enemy threw at them from the enemy threw at them from the enemy threw at them from the towers so Josephus gives us a detail of towers so Josephus gives us a detail of towers so Josephus gives us a detail of what happened there the biblical account what happened there the biblical account what happened there the biblical account agrees that they built Siege ramps and a agrees that they built Siege ramps and a agrees that they built Siege ramps and a dyke to surround the city and that it dyke to surround the city and that it dyke to surround the city and that it was only after a breach had been made in was only after a breach had been made in was only after a breach had been made in the fortification walls surrounding the fortification walls surrounding the fortification walls surrounding Jerusalem that Nebuchadnezzar and his Jerusalem that Nebuchadnezzar and his Jerusalem that Nebuchadnezzar and his army were able to enter the city the army were able to enter the city the army were able to enter the city the inhabitants had been reduced by famine inhabitants had been reduced by famine inhabitants had been reduced by famine and disease and they offered Little and disease and they offered Little and disease and they offered Little Resistance the archaeology of the city Resistance the archaeology of the city Resistance the archaeology of the city excavated after 1967 particularly in the excavated after 1967 particularly in the excavated after 1967 particularly in the What's called the Jewish quarter of What's called the Jewish quarter of What's called the Jewish quarter of jerus M shows that the biblical accounts jerus M shows that the biblical accounts jerus M shows that the biblical accounts and Josephus were correct in what and Josephus were correct in what and Josephus were correct in what happened there are ruins Ash burnt wood happened there are ruins Ash burnt wood happened there are ruins Ash burnt wood and destructions toppled over walls that and destructions toppled over walls that and destructions toppled over walls that remain from the houses that remain from the houses that remain from the houses that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed you can see

Nebuchadnezzar destroyed you can see Nebuchadnezzar destroyed you can see these in the archaeological record there these in the archaeological record there these in the archaeological record there are also arrowheads Neo Babylonian are also arrowheads Neo Babylonian are also arrowheads Neo Babylonian arrowheads specifically found in the arrowheads specifically found in the arrowheads specifically found in the destruction of these houses from this destruction of these houses from this destruction of these houses from this exact exact exact date the the inhabitants who were date the the inhabitants who were date the the inhabitants who were suffering from famine and disease at suffering from famine and disease at suffering from famine and disease at this time offered very little resistance this time offered very little resistance this time offered very little resistance to the Invaders we are told in the book to the Invaders we are told in the book to the Invaders we are told in the book of Second Kings that on the ninth day of of Second Kings that on the ninth day of of Second Kings that on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so the fourth month the famine was so the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no severe in the city that there was no severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the food for the people of the food for the people of the land and the Book of Lamentations tells land and the Book of Lamentations tells land and the Book of Lamentations tells us the hands of compassionate women have us the hands of compassionate women have us the hands of compassionate women have boiled their own children they became boiled their own children they became boiled their own children they became their food in the destruction of the their food in the destruction of the their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people so lamentation daughter of my people so lamentation daughter of my people so lamentation seems to imply that the famine was so seems to imply that the famine was so seems to imply that the famine was so severe that the people are even eating severe that the people are even eating severe that the people are even eating their own children that is they are their own children that is they are their own children that is they are reduced to reduced to reduced to cannibalism now here archaeology plays a cannibalism now here archaeology plays a cannibalism now here archaeology plays a rather interesting role because in the rather interesting role because in the rather interesting role because in the excavations in the city of Jerusalem the excavations in the city of Jerusalem the excavations in the city of Jerusalem the archaeologists have found no fewer than archaeologists have found no fewer than archaeologists have found no fewer than three toilets and one of the toilets three toilets and one of the toilets three toilets and one of the toilets when they lifted up the lid they were when they lifted up the lid they were when they lifted up the lid they were able to excavate the material shall we able to excavate the material shall we able to excavate the material shall we say that was within the toilet looking say that was within the toilet looking say that was within the toilet looking at the feces underneath a microscope the at the feces underneath a microscope the at the feces underneath a microscope the archaeologists were able to determine a archaeologists were able to determine a archaeologists were able to determine a number of things one is that the people number of things one is that the people number of things one is that the people of Jerusalem in 586 were not eating what

of Jerusalem in 586 were not eating what of Jerusalem in 586 were not eating what we would have expected they were not we would have expected they were not we would have expected they were not eating wheat or barley or the other eating wheat or barley or the other eating wheat or barley or the other grains instead they were eating what we grains instead they were eating what we grains instead they were eating what we would call backyard plants mustard grass would call backyard plants mustard grass would call backyard plants mustard grass dandelion weeds that you usually see dandelion weeds that you usually see dandelion weeds that you usually see growing in your growing in your growing in your backyard here they are not picking them backyard here they are not picking them backyard here they are not picking them and throwing them away they are picking and throwing them away they are picking and throwing them away they are picking them and eating them but the them and eating them but the them and eating them but the archaeologist also found something archaeologist also found something archaeologist also found something interesting when looking at these interesting when looking at these interesting when looking at these remains under the microscope namely that remains under the microscope namely that remains under the microscope namely that the inhabitants of Jerusalem using this the inhabitants of Jerusalem using this the inhabitants of Jerusalem using this toilet were suffering from parasites toilet were suffering from parasites toilet were suffering from parasites specifically from tapeworm and from specifically from tapeworm and from specifically from tapeworm and from whipworm now tapeworm and whipworm are whipworm now tapeworm and whipworm are whipworm now tapeworm and whipworm are parasites that you get when you are parasites that you get when you are parasites that you get when you are living in unsanitary conditions that is living in unsanitary conditions that is living in unsanitary conditions that is you're not washing your hands properly you're not washing your hands properly you're not washing your hands properly or you're using polluted water or in or you're using polluted water or in or you're using polluted water or in some cases that you are watering your some cases that you are watering your some cases that you are watering your plants with water that's again not plants with water that's again not plants with water that's again not sanitary or even fertilizing it using sanitary or even fertilizing it using sanitary or even fertilizing it using human remains rather than some other human remains rather than some other human remains rather than some other kind of kind of kind of fertilizer and also there is evidence fertilizer and also there is evidence fertilizer and also there is evidence then from this tapeworm and whipworm then from this tapeworm and whipworm then from this tapeworm and whipworm that they were not cooking their meat that they were not cooking their meat that they were not cooking their meat properly that is you get these parasites properly that is you get these parasites properly that is you get these parasites when your beef or pork is not cooked when your beef or pork is not cooked when your beef or pork is not cooked properly since we're in Jerusalem I properly since we're in Jerusalem I properly since we're in Jerusalem I would presumed they were cooking beef would presumed they were cooking beef would presumed they were cooking beef rather than pork but nevertheless it rather than pork but nevertheless it rather than pork but nevertheless it looks like we have a a lack of firewood looks like we have a a lack of firewood looks like we have a a lack of firewood and B a lack of proper water when you

and B a lack of proper water when you and B a lack of proper water when you add to this the fact that they're eating add to this the fact that they're eating add to this the fact that they're eating backyard plants rather than real food it backyard plants rather than real food it backyard plants rather than real food it definitely gives you a picture of a town definitely gives you a picture of a town definitely gives you a picture of a town Under Siege and one that had been under Under Siege and one that had been under Under Siege and one that had been under siege for a number of months fortunately siege for a number of months fortunately siege for a number of months fortunately the one thing that was not found in this the one thing that was not found in this the one thing that was not found in this toilet were any human remains that is toilet were any human remains that is toilet were any human remains that is lamentation seems to have been lamentation seems to have been lamentation seems to have been exaggerating to a certain extent and the exaggerating to a certain extent and the exaggerating to a certain extent and the people of Jerusalem or at least the ones people of Jerusalem or at least the ones people of Jerusalem or at least the ones using this toilet had not been reduced using this toilet had not been reduced using this toilet had not been reduced to eating their children which is at to eating their children which is at to eating their children which is at least some sort of good news now the least some sort of good news now the least some sort of good news now the biblical accounts tell us that zedekiah biblical accounts tell us that zedekiah biblical accounts tell us that zedekiah fled from Jerusalem under the cover of fled from Jerusalem under the cover of fled from Jerusalem under the cover of Darkness but that he was caught near Darkness but that he was caught near Darkness but that he was caught near Jericho and was brought before Jericho and was brought before Jericho and was brought before Nebuchadnezzar he was condemned to be Nebuchadnezzar he was condemned to be Nebuchadnezzar he was condemned to be blinded but first he was forced to blinded but first he was forced to blinded but first he was forced to witness the killing of his own sons and witness the killing of his own sons and witness the killing of his own sons and having seen his sons killed before him having seen his sons killed before him having seen his sons killed before him his eyes were then put out so that their his eyes were then put out so that their his eyes were then put out so that their death was the last sight that he ever death was the last sight that he ever death was the last sight that he ever saw zedekiah is then Bound in Chains and saw zedekiah is then Bound in Chains and saw zedekiah is then Bound in Chains and is taken away as a prisoner into exile is taken away as a prisoner into exile is taken away as a prisoner into exile to Babylon along with many of his to Babylon along with many of his to Babylon along with many of his leading leading leading citizens citizens citizens it seems that there was a delay of it seems that there was a delay of it seems that there was a delay of approximately 1 month between the fall approximately 1 month between the fall approximately 1 month between the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the of Jerusalem and the destruction of the of Jerusalem and the destruction of the city and of the Temple of city and of the Temple of city and of the Temple of Solomon some Scholars have suggested Solomon some Scholars have suggested Solomon some Scholars have suggested that the Neo Babylonians used this month that the Neo Babylonians used this month that the Neo Babylonians used this month to loot the city and to deport its

to loot the city and to deport its to loot the city and to deport its inhabitants as the biblical text reports inhabitants as the biblical text reports inhabitants as the biblical text reports for example in the book of Second Kings for example in the book of Second Kings for example in the book of Second Kings were told in the fifth month on the were told in the fifth month on the were told in the fifth month on the seventh day of the month which was the seventh day of the month which was the seventh day of the month which was the 19th year of King Nebuchadnezzar king of 19th year of King Nebuchadnezzar king of 19th year of King Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon nebuzaradan the captain of The Babylon nebuzaradan the captain of The Babylon nebuzaradan the captain of The Bodyguard a servant of the king came to Bodyguard a servant of the king came to Bodyguard a servant of the king came to Jerusalem and he burned the house of the Jerusalem and he burned the house of the Jerusalem and he burned the house of the Lord and the King's house and all the Lord and the King's house and all the Lord and the King's house and all the houses of Jerusalem every great house he houses of Jerusalem every great house he houses of Jerusalem every great house he burned down and all the army of the Neo burned down and all the army of the Neo burned down and all the army of the Neo Babylonians who were with the captain of Babylonians who were with the captain of Babylonians who were with the captain of the Guard broke down the walls around the Guard broke down the walls around the Guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem we get similar accounts in the Jerusalem we get similar accounts in the Jerusalem we get similar accounts in the book of 2 Chronicles and in the book of book of 2 Chronicles and in the book of book of 2 Chronicles and in the book of Jeremiah there are some discrepancies in Jeremiah there are some discrepancies in Jeremiah there are some discrepancies in the biblic iCal accounts as to when the biblic iCal accounts as to when the biblic iCal accounts as to when exactly these events took place but the exactly these events took place but the exactly these events took place but the destruction of the temple is destruction of the temple is destruction of the temple is traditionally said to have taking place traditionally said to have taking place traditionally said to have taking place on the 9th of a that is August 16th in on the 9th of a that is August 16th in on the 9th of a that is August 16th in the year 586 the year 586 the year 586 BCE archaeology has confirmed that the BCE archaeology has confirmed that the BCE archaeology has confirmed that the destruction of the city was complete destruction of the city was complete destruction of the city was complete there are no Mansions or palaces that there are no Mansions or palaces that there are no Mansions or palaces that remain standing the Temple of Solomon is remain standing the Temple of Solomon is remain standing the Temple of Solomon is destroyed its Treasures are looted and destroyed its Treasures are looted and destroyed its Treasures are looted and carried off to Babylon carried off to Babylon carried off to Babylon there is no more Temple of there is no more Temple of there is no more Temple of Solomon the account in the book of 2 Solomon the account in the book of 2 Solomon the account in the book of 2 Chronicles is brief and to the point and Chronicles is brief and to the point and Chronicles is brief and to the point and all the vessels of the house of God all the vessels of the house of God all the vessels of the house of God great and small and the Treasures of the great and small and the Treasures of the great and small and the Treasures of the house of the Lord and the Treasures of house of the Lord and the Treasures of house of the Lord and the Treasures of the king and of his princes all these he

the king and of his princes all these he the king and of his princes all these he Nebuchadnezzar brought back to Babylon Nebuchadnezzar brought back to Babylon Nebuchadnezzar brought back to Babylon the description in the book of Second the description in the book of Second the description in the book of Second Kings is a bit more detailed but it says Kings is a bit more detailed but it says Kings is a bit more detailed but it says essentially the same thing essentially the same thing essentially the same thing now considering that Nebuchadnezzar had now considering that Nebuchadnezzar had now considering that Nebuchadnezzar had attacked and besieged Jerusalem several attacked and besieged Jerusalem several attacked and besieged Jerusalem several times during his Reign it's not times during his Reign it's not times during his Reign it's not surprising that he finally dealt surprising that he finally dealt surprising that he finally dealt decisively with the city and burnt the decisively with the city and burnt the decisively with the city and burnt the city to the ground this is probably not city to the ground this is probably not city to the ground this is probably not impulsive revenge and indeed some impulsive revenge and indeed some impulsive revenge and indeed some Scholars say that the destruction of Scholars say that the destruction of Scholars say that the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple of Solomon Jerusalem and of the Temple of Solomon Jerusalem and of the Temple of Solomon was a calculated act with political was a calculated act with political was a calculated act with political goals and the idea was to remove the goals and the idea was to remove the goals and the idea was to remove the House of David from Government after House of David from Government after House of David from Government after they had proved disloyal time and again the immediate results of the again the immediate results of the Babylonian Conquest are clear most of Babylonian Conquest are clear most of Babylonian Conquest are clear most of the country was destroyed by the foreign the country was destroyed by the foreign the country was destroyed by the foreign Invaders and many of the leading Invaders and many of the leading Invaders and many of the leading citizens were LED off into Exile we will citizens were LED off into Exile we will citizens were LED off into Exile we will spend the next lecture taking a look spend the next lecture taking a look spend the next lecture taking a look briefly at the events which occurred briefly at the events which occurred briefly at the events which occurred during the Babylonian exile and then during the Babylonian exile and then during the Babylonian exile and then when the leading citizens of Jerusalem when the leading citizens of Jerusalem when the leading citizens of Jerusalem were allowed to come back home to Judah were allowed to come back home to Judah were allowed to come back home to Judah and what exactly happened happened to and what exactly happened happened to and what exactly happened happened to them during the following Persian and them during the following Persian and them during the following Persian and Greek periods after listening to lecture n a periods after listening to lecture n a student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor student posed this question to Professor kleene what is the story behind Josiah's kleene what is the story behind Josiah's kleene what is the story behind Josiah's murder the story of the death of Josiah murder the story of the death of Josiah murder the story of the death of Josiah is a fascinating murder mystery I go is a fascinating murder mystery I go is a fascinating murder mystery I go into detail in it in my book the battles

into detail in it in my book the battles into detail in it in my book the battles of Armageddon but let me briefly of Armageddon but let me briefly of Armageddon but let me briefly recapitulate what we've got here we have recapitulate what we've got here we have recapitulate what we've got here we have essentially eyewitness accounts of what essentially eyewitness accounts of what essentially eyewitness accounts of what happened but like a a modern-day crime happened but like a a modern-day crime happened but like a a modern-day crime scene each of the accounts from the scene each of the accounts from the scene each of the accounts from the eyewitnesses differs slightly for eyewitnesses differs slightly for eyewitnesses differs slightly for example in the book of Second Kings it example in the book of Second Kings it example in the book of Second Kings it says in his day Pharaoh Neco king of says in his day Pharaoh Neco king of says in his day Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to Egypt went up to the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates King Josiah went to the river Euphrates King Josiah went to the river Euphrates King Josiah went to meet him and Pharaoh Neco slew him at meet him and Pharaoh Neco slew him at meet him and Pharaoh Neco slew him at megiddo when he saw him his servants megiddo when he saw him his servants megiddo when he saw him his servants carried him dead in a chariot from carried him dead in a chariot from carried him dead in a chariot from megiddo brought him to Jerusalem and megiddo brought him to Jerusalem and megiddo brought him to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb in comparison buried him in his own tomb in comparison buried him in his own tomb in comparison we have a longer account found in the we have a longer account found in the we have a longer account found in the book of 2 Chronicles which says says as book of 2 Chronicles which says says as book of 2 Chronicles which says says as follows after all this when Josiah had follows after all this when Josiah had follows after all this when Josiah had set the temple in order King Neco of set the temple in order King Neco of set the temple in order King Neco of Egypt went up to fight at kimesh on the Egypt went up to fight at kimesh on the Egypt went up to fight at kimesh on the Euphrates and Josiah went out against Euphrates and Josiah went out against Euphrates and Josiah went out against him but Neko sent envoys to him saying him but Neko sent envoys to him saying him but Neko sent envoys to him saying what have I to do with you king of Judah what have I to do with you king of Judah what have I to do with you king of Judah I am not coming against you today but I am not coming against you today but I am not coming against you today but against the house with which I am at war against the house with which I am at war against the house with which I am at war and God has commanded me to hurry CE and God has commanded me to hurry CE and God has commanded me to hurry CE opposing God who is with me so that he opposing God who is with me so that he opposing God who is with me so that he will not destroy you but Josiah would will not destroy you but Josiah would will not destroy you but Josiah would not turn away from him but disguised not turn away from him but disguised not turn away from him but disguised himself in order to fight with him he himself in order to fight with him he himself in order to fight with him he did not listen to the words of Neco from did not listen to the words of Neco from did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God but joined battle in the mouth of God but joined battle in the mouth of God but joined battle in the plain of megiddo The Archers shot the plain of megiddo The Archers shot the plain of megiddo The Archers shot King Josiah and the King said to his King Josiah and the King said to his King Josiah and the King said to his servants take me away for I am badly servants take me away for I am badly servants take me away for I am badly wounded so his servants took him out of wounded so his servants took him out of wounded so his servants took him out of the Chariot and carried him in a second the Chariot and carried him in a second the Chariot and carried him in a second Chariot and brought him to Jerusalem

Chariot and brought him to Jerusalem Chariot and brought him to Jerusalem there he died and was buried in the there he died and was buried in the there he died and was buried in the tombs of his ancestors all Judah and tombs of his ancestors all Judah and tombs of his ancestors all Judah and Jerusalem mourn for Josiah and it goes Jerusalem mourn for Josiah and it goes Jerusalem mourn for Josiah and it goes on but that's the gist of it now where on but that's the gist of it now where on but that's the gist of it now where did the chronicler get this longer and did the chronicler get this longer and did the chronicler get this longer and more detailed version of the more detailed version of the more detailed version of the story it's perhaps possible that he made story it's perhaps possible that he made story it's perhaps possible that he made use of some of the details that are in use of some of the details that are in use of some of the details that are in the Book of Jeremiah but it's also the Book of Jeremiah but it's also the Book of Jeremiah but it's also possible that he had access to another possible that he had access to another possible that he had access to another set of documents that provided him with set of documents that provided him with set of documents that provided him with additional details but which are now additional details but which are now additional details but which are now lost to us there would be no reason to lost to us there would be no reason to lost to us there would be no reason to doubt the chronicler's more detailed doubt the chronicler's more detailed doubt the chronicler's more detailed version of events in which Josiah is version of events in which Josiah is version of events in which Josiah is killed during the battle rather than killed during the battle rather than killed during the battle rather than before it except for the fact that it before it except for the fact that it before it except for the fact that it can be pretty easily shown that the can be pretty easily shown that the can be pretty easily shown that the chronicler embellished or exaggerated chronicler embellished or exaggerated chronicler embellished or exaggerated other stories that are found elsewhere other stories that are found elsewhere other stories that are found elsewhere in his narrative and in fact several of in his narrative and in fact several of in his narrative and in fact several of his stories sound strangely similar to his stories sound strangely similar to his stories sound strangely similar to episodes that occurred several hundred episodes that occurred several hundred episodes that occurred several hundred years earlier so we might not want to years earlier so we might not want to years earlier so we might not want to take the chronicler at face value in any take the chronicler at face value in any take the chronicler at face value in any event what matters most for us is that event what matters most for us is that event what matters most for us is that Josiah is killed at megiddo however it Josiah is killed at megiddo however it Josiah is killed at megiddo however it happened whether it was before the happened whether it was before the happened whether it was before the battle or during the battle really battle or during the battle really battle or during the battle really doesn't matter because when he died his doesn't matter because when he died his doesn't matter because when he died his uh Judean Renaissance his reforms all of uh Judean Renaissance his reforms all of uh Judean Renaissance his reforms all of his attempts at getting back to a his attempts at getting back to a his attempts at getting back to a kingdom reminiscent of David and Solomon kingdom reminiscent of David and Solomon kingdom reminiscent of David and Solomon died with him and in fact were buried died with him and in fact were buried died with him and in fact were buried with him this is the end of Juda as we with him this is the end of Juda as we with him this is the end of Juda as we know it the kings that come after Josiah know it the kings that come after Josiah know it the kings that come after Josiah are all puppet kings that are placed are all puppet kings that are placed are all puppet kings that are placed there on the throne by either Egypt or

a history of ancient Israel lecture 10 a history of ancient Israel lecture 10 Persians and Greeks in Judea in this lecture we will begin with Judea in this lecture we will begin with a brief account of the Babylonian exile a brief account of the Babylonian exile a brief account of the Babylonian exile and then move to the periods of Persian and then move to the periods of Persian and then move to the periods of Persian domination followed by Greek domination domination followed by Greek domination domination followed by Greek domination of the land and end up with the of the land and end up with the of the land and end up with the establishment of the independent establishment of the independent establishment of the independent hasmonean Kingdom by by the hasmonean Kingdom by by the hasmonean Kingdom by by the macbes the immediate results of the macbes the immediate results of the macbes the immediate results of the conquest of Judah by the ne Babylonians conquest of Judah by the ne Babylonians conquest of Judah by the ne Babylonians are pretty clear much of the country was are pretty clear much of the country was are pretty clear much of the country was destroyed by the foreign Invaders as we destroyed by the foreign Invaders as we destroyed by the foreign Invaders as we have said and the archaeology agrees have said and the archaeology agrees have said and the archaeology agrees with the accounts found in the Bible and with the accounts found in the Bible and with the accounts found in the Bible and elsewhere what we're told also is that elsewhere what we're told also is that elsewhere what we're told also is that while the fair number of the uh leading while the fair number of the uh leading while the fair number of the uh leading citizens were killed off that even more citizens were killed off that even more citizens were killed off that even more were taken away and led into Exile we were taken away and led into Exile we were taken away and led into Exile we are told in the book of Second Kings and are told in the book of Second Kings and are told in the book of Second Kings and I quote and the rest of the people who I quote and the rest of the people who I quote and the rest of the people who are left in the city and the deserters are left in the city and the deserters are left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon who had deserted to the king of Babylon who had deserted to the king of Babylon together with the rest of the multitude together with the rest of the multitude together with the rest of the multitude nebuzaradan the captain of the Guard nebuzaradan the captain of the Guard nebuzaradan the captain of the Guard carried into Exile he took into Exile in carried into Exile he took into Exile in carried into Exile he took into Exile in Babylon those who had escaped from The Babylon those who had escaped from The Babylon those who had escaped from The Sword and they became servants to him Sword and they became servants to him Sword and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment and to his sons until the establishment and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia and this is of the kingdom of Persia and this is of the kingdom of Persia and this is indeed exactly what what indeed exactly what what indeed exactly what what happened so the Exile in Babylon lasts happened so the Exile in Babylon lasts happened so the Exile in Babylon lasts for about 50 years it's only 50 years in

for about 50 years it's only 50 years in for about 50 years it's only 50 years in a way from 586 to 539 bcee but it had an a way from 586 to 539 bcee but it had an a way from 586 to 539 bcee but it had an enormous impact not only in the history enormous impact not only in the history enormous impact not only in the history of the Jewish people but also on the of the Jewish people but also on the of the Jewish people but also on the evolution of religious thought and other evolution of religious thought and other evolution of religious thought and other things for the Western World for example things for the Western World for example things for the Western World for example it's during this period this 50-year it's during this period this 50-year it's during this period this 50-year period that the pentat and the period that the pentat and the period that the pentat and the deuteronomistic history of the Hebrew deuteronomistic history of the Hebrew deuteronomistic history of the Hebrew Bible were probably edited into their Bible were probably edited into their Bible were probably edited into their final form and we get religious final form and we get religious final form and we get religious practices that evolved into what was practices that evolved into what was practices that evolved into what was going to become second temple Judaism going to become second temple Judaism going to become second temple Judaism and ultimately even early and ultimately even early and ultimately even early Christianity now in terms of the Exile Christianity now in terms of the Exile Christianity now in terms of the Exile and the deportation it takes place in and the deportation it takes place in and the deportation it takes place in four different phases we have four different phases we have four different phases we have deportations in the Years 598 597 586 deportations in the Years 598 597 586 deportations in the Years 598 597 586 and and and 582 all told it looks like there are 582 all told it looks like there are 582 all told it looks like there are just under 15,000 people who are taken just under 15,000 people who are taken just under 15,000 people who are taken off to Babylon we've got about 3,000 in off to Babylon we've got about 3,000 in off to Babylon we've got about 3,000 in 598 10,000 in 598 10,000 in 598 10,000 in 597 just under a, in 586 and then about 597 just under a, in 586 and then about 597 just under a, in 586 and then about 745 in the year 745 in the year 745 in the year 582 for instance the book of Jeremiah 582 for instance the book of Jeremiah 582 for instance the book of Jeremiah for 582 says and I quote in the 23rd for 582 says and I quote in the 23rd for 582 says and I quote in the 23rd year of year of year of Nebuchadnezzar nebuzaradan the captain Nebuchadnezzar nebuzaradan the captain Nebuchadnezzar nebuzaradan the captain of the Guard carried away captive of the of the Guard carried away captive of the of the Guard carried away captive of the Jews Jews Jews 745 persons now there's no reason to 745 persons now there's no reason to 745 persons now there's no reason to doubt such an accurate number overall if doubt such an accurate number overall if doubt such an accurate number overall if you add together the four deportations

you add together the four deportations you add together the four deportations we get we get we get 14,600 judeans now it may be that as many as judeans now it may be that as many as 20,000 people were actually deported 20,000 people were actually deported 20,000 people were actually deported Scholars have estimated that there were Scholars have estimated that there were Scholars have estimated that there were probably about 75,000 people living in probably about 75,000 people living in probably about 75,000 people living in Judah at the time that the Neo Judah at the time that the Neo Judah at the time that the Neo Babylonians invaded including about Babylonians invaded including about Babylonians invaded including about 15,000 people in Jerusalem themselves if 15,000 people in Jerusalem themselves if 15,000 people in Jerusalem themselves if this is accurate and 20,000 were taken this is accurate and 20,000 were taken this is accurate and 20,000 were taken off that would mean that about 70% of off that would mean that about 70% of off that would mean that about 70% of the population still remained in Judah the population still remained in Judah the population still remained in Judah even after the final set of deportations even after the final set of deportations even after the final set of deportations in in in 582 nevertheless people talk about the 582 nevertheless people talk about the 582 nevertheless people talk about the empty land they claim that there was empty land they claim that there was empty land they claim that there was nobody living in Judah during the time nobody living in Judah during the time nobody living in Judah during the time of the Babylonian exile this indeed of the Babylonian exile this indeed of the Babylonian exile this indeed seems to now be quite wrong even though seems to now be quite wrong even though seems to now be quite wrong even though the city and the country were devastated the city and the country were devastated the city and the country were devastated by the Neo Babylonians it does look like by the Neo Babylonians it does look like by the Neo Babylonians it does look like people stayed on the people stayed on the people stayed on the land what we get here in the Babylonian land what we get here in the Babylonian land what we get here in the Babylonian exile is a case where a number of Jews exile is a case where a number of Jews exile is a case where a number of Jews are living outside the country of Judah are living outside the country of Judah are living outside the country of Judah not only do we have them in not only do we have them in not only do we have them in Babylon but we also have people down in Babylon but we also have people down in Babylon but we also have people down in Egypt for example Jeremiah the prophet Egypt for example Jeremiah the prophet Egypt for example Jeremiah the prophet Jeremiah goes off to Egypt rather than Jeremiah goes off to Egypt rather than Jeremiah goes off to Egypt rather than to Babylon and we are told of to Babylon and we are told of to Babylon and we are told of Correspondence that he keeps between the

Correspondence that he keeps between the Correspondence that he keeps between the Exiles that are taken off to Babylon and Exiles that are taken off to Babylon and Exiles that are taken off to Babylon and himself and his people down in Egypt so himself and his people down in Egypt so himself and his people down in Egypt so we have for example Jeremiah Down in we have for example Jeremiah Down in we have for example Jeremiah Down in Egypt but we've got Ezekiel up in Egypt but we've got Ezekiel up in Egypt but we've got Ezekiel up in Babylon and between these two prophets Babylon and between these two prophets Babylon and between these two prophets we get uh a nice little account of what we get uh a nice little account of what we get uh a nice little account of what life was like out side of Judah at this life was like out side of Judah at this life was like out side of Judah at this time there are also some non-biblical time there are also some non-biblical time there are also some non-biblical texts that shed light on the life and texts that shed light on the life and texts that shed light on the life and the status of the Jews living off in the status of the Jews living off in the status of the Jews living off in Exile we have for example among the Neo Exile we have for example among the Neo Exile we have for example among the Neo Babylonian materials some Royal copor Babylonian materials some Royal copor Babylonian materials some Royal copor texts that talk about jein in Exile one texts that talk about jein in Exile one texts that talk about jein in Exile one text mentions rations that are given to text mentions rations that are given to text mentions rations that are given to him so that he can him so that he can him so that he can eat and then numerous documents in eat and then numerous documents in eat and then numerous documents in Aramaic from Egypt give us evidence Aramaic from Egypt give us evidence Aramaic from Egypt give us evidence about the the people living down in about the the people living down in about the the people living down in Egypt the most significant of these are Egypt the most significant of these are Egypt the most significant of these are the so-called elephantine papy these are the so-called elephantine papy these are the so-called elephantine papy these are documents that were found in the late documents that were found in the late documents that were found in the late 1800s at elephantine Island opposite 1800s at elephantine Island opposite 1800s at elephantine Island opposite Aswan in Egypt and they came from a Aswan in Egypt and they came from a Aswan in Egypt and they came from a Jewish military Jewish military Jewish military settlement the documents themselves settlement the documents themselves settlement the documents themselves present us with many of the legal and present us with many of the legal and present us with many of the legal and religious conditions that existed in religious conditions that existed in religious conditions that existed in this colony of Jews down in Egypt most this colony of Jews down in Egypt most this colony of Jews down in Egypt most of these documents date to the Persian of these documents date to the Persian of these documents date to the Persian period that is in the fifth and fourth period that is in the fifth and fourth period that is in the fifth and fourth centuries BCE but they can be used to centuries BCE but they can be used to centuries BCE but they can be used to reconstruct the life in Egypt during the reconstruct the life in Egypt during the reconstruct the life in Egypt during the Babylonian period because the community

Babylonian period because the community Babylonian period because the community was already in existence at that was already in existence at that was already in existence at that time now contrary to some understandings time now contrary to some understandings time now contrary to some understandings the people that are living off in the people that are living off in the people that are living off in Babylon do not seem to have been living Babylon do not seem to have been living Babylon do not seem to have been living in terrible conditions there was no in terrible conditions there was no in terrible conditions there was no opposition to them or no limitation opposition to them or no limitation opposition to them or no limitation because of their religion or their their because of their religion or their their because of their religion or their their origin they were simply treated as were origin they were simply treated as were origin they were simply treated as were the Exiles from any other Nation they the Exiles from any other Nation they the Exiles from any other Nation they were settled all over the place in were settled all over the place in were settled all over the place in Babylonia they received land that they Babylonia they received land that they Babylonia they received land that they could Farm sites that they could rebuild could Farm sites that they could rebuild could Farm sites that they could rebuild and settle they paid taxes they served and settle they paid taxes they served and settle they paid taxes they served in the military became involved in in the military became involved in in the military became involved in various commercial activities could even various commercial activities could even various commercial activities could even own property and slaves and occasionally own property and slaves and occasionally own property and slaves and occasionally even became quite wealthy so the Exile even became quite wealthy so the Exile even became quite wealthy so the Exile in Babylon was not NE necessarily that in Babylon was not NE necessarily that in Babylon was not NE necessarily that bad of an event except of course that bad of an event except of course that bad of an event except of course that they were no longer living in Jerusalem they were no longer living in Jerusalem they were no longer living in Jerusalem and Judah so they were relatively free and Judah so they were relatively free and Judah so they were relatively free they certainly were not slaves they they certainly were not slaves they they certainly were not slaves they would not have been under any pressure would not have been under any pressure would not have been under any pressure to assimilate for example and they were to assimilate for example and they were to assimilate for example and they were able to continue to practice their able to continue to practice their able to continue to practice their religion now one thing to keep in mind religion now one thing to keep in mind religion now one thing to keep in mind in terms of the deportation and the in terms of the deportation and the in terms of the deportation and the people left behind we've got three sets people left behind we've got three sets people left behind we've got three sets of Jews now one set has been deported of Jews now one set has been deported of Jews now one set has been deported off to Babylon one set has fled into off to Babylon one set has fled into off to Babylon one set has fled into Exile in Egypt and one set has stayed Exile in Egypt and one set has stayed Exile in Egypt and one set has stayed behind in Judah so we've got three behind in Judah so we've got three behind in Judah so we've got three distinct populations of judeans the

distinct populations of judeans the distinct populations of judeans the elite were in Babylon the lower classes elite were in Babylon the lower classes elite were in Babylon the lower classes had been left behind in Judah and then had been left behind in Judah and then had been left behind in Judah and then there were those off in there were those off in there were those off in Egypt so one question is going to remain Egypt so one question is going to remain Egypt so one question is going to remain when the Jews are allowed to go back to when the Jews are allowed to go back to when the Jews are allowed to go back to Judah and Jerusalem who are the Judah and Jerusalem who are the Judah and Jerusalem who are the so-called real Jews who's actually in so-called real Jews who's actually in so-called real Jews who's actually in charge are they the ones who were taken charge are they the ones who were taken charge are they the ones who were taken off to Babylon are they the people who off to Babylon are they the people who off to Babylon are they the people who had fled to Egypt or are they the ones had fled to Egypt or are they the ones had fled to Egypt or are they the ones who had stayed behind in Judah and never who had stayed behind in Judah and never who had stayed behind in Judah and never left when we get to the middle years of left when we get to the middle years of left when we get to the middle years of the 6th Century BCE we get the rise of a the 6th Century BCE we get the rise of a the 6th Century BCE we get the rise of a new power in the ancient near East these new power in the ancient near East these new power in the ancient near East these are the Persians they are going to are the Persians they are going to are the Persians they are going to quickly establish the largest near quickly establish the largest near quickly establish the largest near Eastern Empire that had ever existed Eastern Empire that had ever existed Eastern Empire that had ever existed until that time the person behind the until that time the person behind the until that time the person behind the rise of the new Empire is Cyrus the rise of the new Empire is Cyrus the rise of the new Empire is Cyrus the Great Cyrus II he is going to take over Great Cyrus II he is going to take over Great Cyrus II he is going to take over all the lands that have been previously all the lands that have been previously all the lands that have been previously occupied by the Neo Assyrians and the occupied by the Neo Assyrians and the occupied by the Neo Assyrians and the Neo Babylonians plus the Neo Babylonians plus the Neo Babylonians plus the Egyptians for over 200 years the Egyptians for over 200 years the Egyptians for over 200 years the Persians are going to be in charge of Persians are going to be in charge of Persians are going to be in charge of the area that we have been discussing the area that we have been discussing the area that we have been discussing namely the lands which used to be the namely the lands which used to be the namely the lands which used to be the kingdom of of Israel and the kingdom of kingdom of of Israel and the kingdom of kingdom of of Israel and the kingdom of Judah they are going to rule the Judah they are going to rule the Judah they are going to rule the Persians will rule this area from the Persians will rule this area from the Persians will rule this area from the time that they capture Babylon in 539 time that they capture Babylon in 539 time that they capture Babylon in 539 until the time that Alexander the Great until the time that Alexander the Great until the time that Alexander the Great comes through in 332

comes through in 332 comes through in 332 BCE so essentially from our point of BCE so essentially from our point of BCE so essentially from our point of view the people of Judah and Israel have view the people of Judah and Israel have view the people of Judah and Israel have traded one Overlord for another first traded one Overlord for another first traded one Overlord for another first they had been under the thumb of the Neo they had been under the thumb of the Neo they had been under the thumb of the Neo Assyrians then under the domination of Assyrians then under the domination of Assyrians then under the domination of the Neo Babylon iians and now they are the Neo Babylon iians and now they are the Neo Babylon iians and now they are under the control of the Persians it under the control of the Persians it under the control of the Persians it will not end there because from the will not end there because from the will not end there because from the Persians they will go to the hands of Persians they will go to the hands of Persians they will go to the hands of the Greeks and from there into the hands the Greeks and from there into the hands the Greeks and from there into the hands of the Romans with only small interludes of the Romans with only small interludes of the Romans with only small interludes of Independence in of Independence in of Independence in between in September of between in September of between in September of 539 the Persians defeated the Babylonian 539 the Persians defeated the Babylonian 539 the Persians defeated the Babylonian Army soon thereafter the Persians take Army soon thereafter the Persians take Army soon thereafter the Persians take the city of Babylon and we are told as the city of Babylon and we are told as the city of Babylon and we are told as follows in a text left to us from the follows in a text left to us from the follows in a text left to us from the Persians on the 16th day that would be Persians on the 16th day that would be Persians on the 16th day that would be October in 539 October in 539 October in 539 BCE the army of Cyrus entered Babylon BCE the army of Cyrus entered Babylon BCE the army of Cyrus entered Babylon without a without a without a battle on the 29th of October Cyrus battle on the 29th of October Cyrus battle on the 29th of October Cyrus himself entered Babylon there was peace himself entered Babylon there was peace himself entered Babylon there was peace in the city while Cyrus spoke his in the city while Cyrus spoke his in the city while Cyrus spoke his greeting to all of Babylon with the greeting to all of Babylon with the greeting to all of Babylon with the capture of this Capital City capture of this Capital City capture of this Capital City Babylon everything fell to the Persians Babylon everything fell to the Persians Babylon everything fell to the Persians the Neo Babylonians are no more Hail to the Neo Babylonians are no more Hail to the Neo Babylonians are no more Hail to the new Power the the new Power the the new Power the Persians now it is not an accident that Persians now it is not an accident that Persians now it is not an accident that history has remembered Cyrus as a great

history has remembered Cyrus as a great history has remembered Cyrus as a great Liberator that is an image that both he Liberator that is an image that both he Liberator that is an image that both he and his officials sought to Foster now and his officials sought to Foster now and his officials sought to Foster now what he is what he is what he is doing in capturing the city of Babylon doing in capturing the city of Babylon doing in capturing the city of Babylon Cyrus allows all of the people that have Cyrus allows all of the people that have Cyrus allows all of the people that have been taken prisoner and sent into Exile been taken prisoner and sent into Exile been taken prisoner and sent into Exile by the Neo Babylonians to go home that by the Neo Babylonians to go home that by the Neo Babylonians to go home that is he allows the judeans to go back to is he allows the judeans to go back to is he allows the judeans to go back to Jerusalem but it's not only them all Jerusalem but it's not only them all Jerusalem but it's not only them all exiled people are allowed to go back exiled people are allowed to go back exiled people are allowed to go back home by Cyrus so he is portrayed as the home by Cyrus so he is portrayed as the home by Cyrus so he is portrayed as the restorer of the gods and their restorer of the gods and their restorer of the gods and their sanctuaries he's portrayed as The sanctuaries he's portrayed as The sanctuaries he's portrayed as The Gatherer of the dispersed and is Gatherer of the dispersed and is Gatherer of the dispersed and is following in the footsteps of people following in the footsteps of people following in the footsteps of people like king hamurabi of Babylon of more like king hamurabi of Babylon of more like king hamurabi of Babylon of more than a thousand years earlier so he's than a thousand years earlier so he's than a thousand years earlier so he's got got got propaganda that he disseminates he plays propaganda that he disseminates he plays propaganda that he disseminates he plays the role of the the role of the the role of the Liberator and from our point of view he Liberator and from our point of view he Liberator and from our point of view he allows the judeans to go back allows the judeans to go back allows the judeans to go back home he in fact issues proclamations home he in fact issues proclamations home he in fact issues proclamations that allow the various groups to go back that allow the various groups to go back that allow the various groups to go back home we are told specifically what he home we are told specifically what he home we are told specifically what he said in regard to the judeans in the said in regard to the judeans in the said in regard to the judeans in the book of Ezra in the Bible book of Ezra in the Bible book of Ezra in the Bible which contains two decrees dated to the which contains two decrees dated to the which contains two decrees dated to the so-called first year of Cyrus this would so-called first year of Cyrus this would so-called first year of Cyrus this would be the year 539 BCE it's not actually be the year 539 BCE it's not actually be the year 539 BCE it's not actually Cyrus's first name but they're dating Cyrus's first name but they're dating Cyrus's first name but they're dating everything from his capture of the city everything from his capture of the city everything from his capture of the city of

of of Babylon and in these two decrees it Babylon and in these two decrees it Babylon and in these two decrees it talks about returning the judeans back talks about returning the judeans back talks about returning the judeans back to Jerusalem now one is written in to Jerusalem now one is written in to Jerusalem now one is written in Aramaic it's described as the official Aramaic it's described as the official Aramaic it's described as the official record of Cyrus's edict as preserved record of Cyrus's edict as preserved record of Cyrus's edict as preserved back in the Royal archives in Persia in back in the Royal archives in Persia in back in the Royal archives in Persia in this decree he actually says that the this decree he actually says that the this decree he actually says that the temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt and he gives the dimensions and the and he gives the dimensions and the and he gives the dimensions and the specifications of what it should look specifications of what it should look specifications of what it should look like says that Royal money should be like says that Royal money should be like says that Royal money should be used for the project and says that the used for the project and says that the used for the project and says that the vessels which had been stolen from the vessels which had been stolen from the vessels which had been stolen from the Temple of Solomon and taken to Babylon Temple of Solomon and taken to Babylon Temple of Solomon and taken to Babylon should be sent back so among other should be sent back so among other should be sent back so among other things it says things it says things it says in the first year of Cyrus the king in the first year of Cyrus the king in the first year of Cyrus the king Cyrus the king issued a decree Cyrus the king issued a decree Cyrus the king issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem concerning the house of God at Jerusalem concerning the house of God at Jerusalem let the house be rebuilt the place where let the house be rebuilt the place where let the house be rebuilt the place where sacrifices are offered and burnt sacrifices are offered and burnt sacrifices are offered and burnt offerings are brought its height shall offerings are brought its height shall offerings are brought its height shall be 60 cubits and its breadth 60 cubits be 60 cubits and its breadth 60 cubits be 60 cubits and its breadth 60 cubits with three courses of great stones and with three courses of great stones and with three courses of great stones and one course of Timber let the cost be one course of Timber let the cost be one course of Timber let the cost be paid from the Royal Treasury and also paid from the Royal Treasury and also paid from the Royal Treasury and also let the gold and silver vessels of the let the gold and silver vessels of the let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar took house of God which Nebuchadnezzar took house of God which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that is in Jerusalem out of the temple that is in Jerusalem out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon be restored and and brought to Babylon be restored and and brought to Babylon be restored and brought back to the temple which is in brought back to the temple which is in brought back to the temple which is in Jerusalem each to its place you shall Jerusalem each to its place you shall Jerusalem each to its place you shall put them back in the house of God so we put them back in the house of God so we put them back in the house of God so we get the story then of the Jews returning

get the story then of the Jews returning get the story then of the Jews returning back to back to back to Jerusalem we are also given a second Jerusalem we are also given a second Jerusalem we are also given a second decree this one written in Hebrew rather decree this one written in Hebrew rather decree this one written in Hebrew rather than Aramaic we're told by Ezra that it than Aramaic we're told by Ezra that it than Aramaic we're told by Ezra that it was a decree that was distributed in was a decree that was distributed in was a decree that was distributed in writing throughout the entire Kingdom writing throughout the entire Kingdom writing throughout the entire Kingdom and we are told that Cyrus was charged and we are told that Cyrus was charged and we are told that Cyrus was charged by God to reconstruct the temple in by God to reconstruct the temple in by God to reconstruct the temple in Jerusalem It also says permission is Jerusalem It also says permission is Jerusalem It also says permission is granted to anyone wishing to return to granted to anyone wishing to return to granted to anyone wishing to return to work on the work on the work on the rebuilding in this decree it reads as rebuilding in this decree it reads as rebuilding in this decree it reads as follows in the first year of Cyrus King follows in the first year of Cyrus King follows in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia that the word of the Lord by of Persia that the word of the Lord by of Persia that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be the mouth of Jeremiah might be the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished the Lord stirred up the accomplished the Lord stirred up the accomplished the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of Persia so that spirit of Cyrus King of Persia so that spirit of Cyrus King of Persia so that he made a proc clamation throughout all he made a proc clamation throughout all he made a proc clamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing his kingdom and also put it in writing his kingdom and also put it in writing thus says Cyrus King of Persia the Lord thus says Cyrus King of Persia the Lord thus says Cyrus King of Persia the Lord the god of Heaven has given me all the the god of Heaven has given me all the the god of Heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has charged kingdoms of the earth and he has charged kingdoms of the earth and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem me to build him a house at Jerusalem me to build him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah whoever is among you which is in Judah whoever is among you which is in Judah whoever is among you of all of his people may his God be with of all of his people may his God be with of all of his people may his God be with him and let him go up to Jerusalem which him and let him go up to Jerusalem which him and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the is in Judah and rebuild the house of the is in Judah and rebuild the house of the Lord the god of Israel he is the god who Lord the god of Israel he is the god who Lord the god of Israel he is the god who is in Jerusalem so with this cus not is in Jerusalem so with this cus not is in Jerusalem so with this cus not only brings an end to the Babylonian only brings an end to the Babylonian only brings an end to the Babylonian exile but allows the judeans to rebuild exile but allows the judeans to rebuild exile but allows the judeans to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem this will become the Temple in Jerusalem this will become the Temple in Jerusalem this will become what we call the second temple here is what we call the second temple here is what we call the second temple here is when we run into problems because when when we run into problems because when when we run into problems because when the Exiles return back to Jerusalem we

the Exiles return back to Jerusalem we the Exiles return back to Jerusalem we have the situation of rival groups of have the situation of rival groups of have the situation of rival groups of judeans each thinking that they should judeans each thinking that they should judeans each thinking that they should be in charge eventually after much be in charge eventually after much be in charge eventually after much squabbling the temple is going to be squabbling the temple is going to be squabbling the temple is going to be complet Ed and rededicated in about 515 complet Ed and rededicated in about 515 complet Ed and rededicated in about 515 BCE so it takes more than 20 years to BCE so it takes more than 20 years to BCE so it takes more than 20 years to rebuild the Temple in the meantime Cyrus rebuild the Temple in the meantime Cyrus rebuild the Temple in the meantime Cyrus had been killed in battle back in 530 had been killed in battle back in 530 had been killed in battle back in 530 BCE had been succeeded by his son cambes BCE had been succeeded by his son cambes BCE had been succeeded by his son cambes cises invaded Egypt added it to his cises invaded Egypt added it to his cises invaded Egypt added it to his Empire in 525 and eventually then daras Empire in 525 and eventually then daras Empire in 525 and eventually then daras comes to the throne of the Persian comes to the throne of the Persian comes to the throne of the Persian Empire in the meantime the people in Empire in the meantime the people in Empire in the meantime the people in Judah and Jerusalem have their Temple Judah and Jerusalem have their Temple Judah and Jerusalem have their Temple once again approximately 70 years after once again approximately 70 years after once again approximately 70 years after the first one had been destroyed by the first one had been destroyed by the first one had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar during the Persian period Nebuchadnezzar during the Persian period Nebuchadnezzar during the Persian period what had been the kingdoms of Israel and what had been the kingdoms of Israel and what had been the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are now part of the Persian Empire Judah are now part of the Persian Empire Judah are now part of the Persian Empire they are one of the provinces ruled by a they are one of the provinces ruled by a they are one of the provinces ruled by a governor with a small Court Reporting governor with a small Court Reporting governor with a small Court Reporting back to the king in Persia but for the back to the king in Persia but for the back to the king in Persia but for the most part the Juda dians seem to have most part the Juda dians seem to have most part the Juda dians seem to have been left on their own under Persian been left on their own under Persian been left on their own under Persian rule it is during this period that the rule it is during this period that the rule it is during this period that the word Jews actually first comes into play word Jews actually first comes into play word Jews actually first comes into play coming from yahood the Persian word for coming from yahood the Persian word for coming from yahood the Persian word for the judeans and so now we can actually the judeans and so now we can actually the judeans and so now we can actually refer to the people living in this

refer to the people living in this refer to the people living in this region as Jews rather than judeans or region as Jews rather than judeans or region as Jews rather than judeans or Israelites or Israelites or Israelites or Hebrews now the period of Persian rule Hebrews now the period of Persian rule Hebrews now the period of Persian rule as I've mentioned lasts for about 200 as I've mentioned lasts for about 200 as I've mentioned lasts for about 200 years from the late 6th Century down years from the late 6th Century down years from the late 6th Century down into the 4th Century it is a relatively into the 4th Century it is a relatively into the 4th Century it is a relatively quiet period for the Jews and for quiet period for the Jews and for quiet period for the Jews and for Jerusalem but it comes to an end when Jerusalem but it comes to an end when Jerusalem but it comes to an end when Alexander the Great and the Greeks Alexander the Great and the Greeks Alexander the Great and the Greeks appear on the scene this is going to appear on the scene this is going to appear on the scene this is going to take place in late in the 4th Century take place in late in the 4th Century take place in late in the 4th Century BCE Alexander conquers the Persians in a BCE Alexander conquers the Persians in a BCE Alexander conquers the Persians in a series of battles that take place series of battles that take place series of battles that take place between 334 and 323 and he takes control between 334 and 323 and he takes control between 334 and 323 and he takes control of most of the Persian Empire including of most of the Persian Empire including of most of the Persian Empire including the province that they called yahud that the province that they called yahud that the province that they called yahud that is Judea Judah and Israel there are is Judea Judah and Israel there are is Judea Judah and Israel there are tales that say that Alexander visited tales that say that Alexander visited tales that say that Alexander visited Jerusalem Josephus says Alexander quote Jerusalem Josephus says Alexander quote Jerusalem Josephus says Alexander quote when he had taken Gaza made haste to go when he had taken Gaza made haste to go when he had taken Gaza made haste to go up to Jerusalem when he went up into the up to Jerusalem when he went up into the up to Jerusalem when he went up into the temple he offered sacrifice to God temple he offered sacrifice to God temple he offered sacrifice to God according to the high priest's Direction according to the high priest's Direction according to the high priest's Direction and magnificently treated both the high and magnificently treated both the high and magnificently treated both the high priest and the priests we've got similar priest and the priests we've got similar priest and the priests we've got similar stories in the Babylonian townwood and stories in the Babylonian townwood and stories in the Babylonian townwood and elsewhere but all of this seems to elsewhere but all of this seems to elsewhere but all of this seems to actually be apocryphal it does not look actually be apocryphal it does not look actually be apocryphal it does not look like Alexander actually went to like Alexander actually went to like Alexander actually went to Jerusalem rather after he had captured Jerusalem rather after he had captured Jerusalem rather after he had captured Gaza he went directly down to Egypt and

Gaza he went directly down to Egypt and Gaza he went directly down to Egypt and did not go off on a side trip to did not go off on a side trip to did not go off on a side trip to Jerusalem under Alexander the Greek Jerusalem under Alexander the Greek Jerusalem under Alexander the Greek Empire eventually stretched across most Empire eventually stretched across most Empire eventually stretched across most of the ancient near East of the ancient near East of the ancient near East but when he died in 323 having named no but when he died in 323 having named no but when he died in 323 having named no successor the Empire collapsed and was successor the Empire collapsed and was successor the Empire collapsed and was split up among his split up among his split up among his generals when Jerusalem and Judea came generals when Jerusalem and Judea came generals when Jerusalem and Judea came under Greek rule this Begins the period under Greek rule this Begins the period under Greek rule this Begins the period that we know of as the helenistic age it that we know of as the helenistic age it that we know of as the helenistic age it will last for approximately three will last for approximately three will last for approximately three centuries from 323 until the year 30 centuries from 323 until the year 30 centuries from 323 until the year 30 BCE this is a period which begins with BCE this is a period which begins with BCE this is a period which begins with Alexander's death in Babylon in 323 and Alexander's death in Babylon in 323 and Alexander's death in Babylon in 323 and it is a Time characterized by it is a Time characterized by it is a Time characterized by upheaval Alexander's successors are upheaval Alexander's successors are upheaval Alexander's successors are going to fight over his Empire for the going to fight over his Empire for the going to fight over his Empire for the next 300 years in part we're going to next 300 years in part we're going to next 300 years in part we're going to see feuds between the tmes in Egypt and see feuds between the tmes in Egypt and see feuds between the tmes in Egypt and the SIDS in the Levant that is in the the SIDS in the Levant that is in the the SIDS in the Levant that is in the area of Israel and Judah the tommies in area of Israel and Judah the tommies in area of Israel and Judah the tommies in Egypt regarded Jerusalem and the Egypt regarded Jerusalem and the Egypt regarded Jerusalem and the surrounding territory as their own the surrounding territory as their own the surrounding territory as their own the solids in the ancient near East regarded solids in the ancient near East regarded solids in the ancient near East regarded Jerusalem and its surrounding territory Jerusalem and its surrounding territory Jerusalem and its surrounding territory as their own so once again we have our as their own so once again we have our as their own so once again we have our area being a contested area being a contested area being a contested periphery Jerusalem itself is going to periphery Jerusalem itself is going to periphery Jerusalem itself is going to be Ground Zero for more than 20 be Ground Zero for more than 20 be Ground Zero for more than 20 conflicts that take place during these

conflicts that take place during these conflicts that take place during these 300 300 300 years we need not go into detail on years we need not go into detail on years we need not go into detail on these battles if you're interested you these battles if you're interested you these battles if you're interested you can go read my book called Jerusalem can go read my book called Jerusalem can go read my book called Jerusalem besieged let us skip down to the year besieged let us skip down to the year besieged let us skip down to the year about 167 BCE when a salid king one of about 167 BCE when a salid king one of about 167 BCE when a salid king one of the Greek Kings named Antiochus IV the Greek Kings named Antiochus IV the Greek Kings named Antiochus IV captures Jerusalem once he takes the captures Jerusalem once he takes the captures Jerusalem once he takes the city and its inhabitance he orders parts city and its inhabitance he orders parts city and its inhabitance he orders parts of the city wall to be torn down orders of the city wall to be torn down orders of the city wall to be torn down orders a new Fortress called the Acra a new Fortress called the Acra a new Fortress called the Acra AK to be built in which he installs a AK to be built in which he installs a AK to be built in which he installs a Garrison of soldiers to keep the city in Garrison of soldiers to keep the city in Garrison of soldiers to keep the city in order and he introduces a number of order and he introduces a number of order and he introduces a number of measures that are seen as fairly measures that are seen as fairly measures that are seen as fairly burdensome in particular Antiochus IV burdensome in particular Antiochus IV burdensome in particular Antiochus IV institutes a series of restrictions on institutes a series of restrictions on institutes a series of restrictions on Jewish religious practices for example Jewish religious practices for example Jewish religious practices for example he forbade ritual circumcision he he forbade ritual circumcision he he forbade ritual circumcision he forbade the observance of the Sabbath forbade the observance of the Sabbath forbade the observance of the Sabbath and he forbade the observance of various and he forbade the observance of various and he forbade the observance of various religious festivals he also forced the religious festivals he also forced the religious festivals he also forced the Jews to eat pork and to worship idols Jews to eat pork and to worship idols Jews to eat pork and to worship idols namely representations of Greek gods the namely representations of Greek gods the namely representations of Greek gods the people who did not obey were savagely people who did not obey were savagely people who did not obey were savagely beaten up or were killed some were beaten up or were killed some were beaten up or were killed some were strangled others were crucified and strangled others were crucified and strangled others were crucified and we're even told that Antiochus ordered we're even told that Antiochus ordered we're even told that Antiochus ordered his delegates to pollute the temple in his delegates to pollute the temple in his delegates to pollute the temple in Jerusalem and to call it the Temple of

Jerusalem and to call it the Temple of Jerusalem and to call it the Temple of Olympian Zeus instead Josephus in his Olympian Zeus instead Josephus in his Olympian Zeus instead Josephus in his book Antiquities of the Jews tells us book Antiquities of the Jews tells us book Antiquities of the Jews tells us that Antiochus placed an altar within that Antiochus placed an altar within that Antiochus placed an altar within the temple itself and killed pigs upon the temple itself and killed pigs upon the temple itself and killed pigs upon it sacrificed it sacrificed it sacrificed pigs now this is not something that you pigs now this is not something that you pigs now this is not something that you should do inside the temple in Jerusalem should do inside the temple in Jerusalem should do inside the temple in Jerusalem antiochus's motives were to civilize the antiochus's motives were to civilize the antiochus's motives were to civilize the Jews and to make them into good Greeks Jews and to make them into good Greeks Jews and to make them into good Greeks but the Jews saw things but the Jews saw things but the Jews saw things differently following Antiochus IV's differently following Antiochus IV's differently following Antiochus IV's decrees and his pollution of the Temple decrees and his pollution of the Temple decrees and his pollution of the Temple we get what we now refer to as the maban we get what we now refer to as the maban we get what we now refer to as the maban Rebellion this is plain and simple a Rebellion this is plain and simple a Rebellion this is plain and simple a rebellion by the people of Judea against rebellion by the people of Judea against rebellion by the people of Judea against the Greek overlords they want to push the Greek overlords they want to push the Greek overlords they want to push the Greeks out and take back their lands the Greeks out and take back their lands the Greeks out and take back their lands to form their own independent kingdoms to form their own independent kingdoms to form their own independent kingdoms the story is found in the book of First the story is found in the book of First the story is found in the book of First and 2 and 2 and 2 macbes what we are told is that the macbes what we are told is that the macbes what we are told is that the Rebellion starts up in about 167 BC Rebellion starts up in about 167 BC Rebellion starts up in about 167 BC it is a rebellion against Antiochus it is a rebellion against Antiochus it is a rebellion against Antiochus IV and the incidents that set off the IV and the incidents that set off the IV and the incidents that set off the Rebellion include the flogging of an old Rebellion include the flogging of an old Rebellion include the flogging of an old Scribe by the name of eleazer he was Scribe by the name of eleazer he was Scribe by the name of eleazer he was flogged to death because he refused to flogged to death because he refused to flogged to death because he refused to eat pork in another case a mother and eat pork in another case a mother and eat pork in another case a mother and her seven young children were killed for

her seven young children were killed for her seven young children were killed for refusing to worship a Greek refusing to worship a Greek refusing to worship a Greek Idol and in a third incident two mothers Idol and in a third incident two mothers Idol and in a third incident two mothers who had just circumcised their newborn who had just circumcised their newborn who had just circumcised their newborn son were driven through the city and son were driven through the city and son were driven through the city and then thrown to their desks from the top then thrown to their desks from the top then thrown to their desks from the top of a large building but the final straw of a large building but the final straw of a large building but the final straw came when Antiochus erected the altar to came when Antiochus erected the altar to came when Antiochus erected the altar to the Pagan God Zeus in the temple on the the Pagan God Zeus in the temple on the the Pagan God Zeus in the temple on the 25th of December in 168 Antiochus 25th of December in 168 Antiochus 25th of December in 168 Antiochus offered a pig to Zeus on this altar of offered a pig to Zeus on this altar of offered a pig to Zeus on this altar of God and that was the final straw the God and that was the final straw the God and that was the final straw the Jewish reaction was to Rebel this is the Jewish reaction was to Rebel this is the Jewish reaction was to Rebel this is the famous Rebellion known as the maban famous Rebellion known as the maban famous Rebellion known as the maban Revolt a Revolt which gives us the Revolt a Revolt which gives us the Revolt a Revolt which gives us the holiday of Hanukkah today the story is well known to many today the story is well known to many people let me run through it very very people let me run through it very very people let me run through it very very quickly though to refresh your memories quickly though to refresh your memories quickly though to refresh your memories the maban Rebellion begins in about 167 the maban Rebellion begins in about 167 the maban Rebellion begins in about 167 BCE led by Judas macabus from the family BCE led by Judas macabus from the family BCE led by Judas macabus from the family of hmon that is Judas the Hammer he of hmon that is Judas the Hammer he of hmon that is Judas the Hammer he leads the rebels they fight against the leads the rebels they fight against the leads the rebels they fight against the Greeks a number of different times in Greeks a number of different times in Greeks a number of different times in four or 5 years eventually they gain a four or 5 years eventually they gain a four or 5 years eventually they gain a peace treaty and get the prohibitions peace treaty and get the prohibitions peace treaty and get the prohibitions against the Jewish religious practices against the Jewish religious practices against the Jewish religious practices to be lifted included in this is the to be lifted included in this is the to be lifted included in this is the recapture of the temple and the recapture of the temple and the recapture of the temple and the rededication of it in December of 165

rededication of it in December of 165 rededication of it in December of 165 164 during the cleaning and dedication 164 during the cleaning and dedication 164 during the cleaning and dedication of the temple they found a little thing of the temple they found a little thing of the temple they found a little thing of oil which looked like it was only of oil which looked like it was only of oil which looked like it was only enough to light the flame of the great enough to light the flame of the great enough to light the flame of the great manora for a single day but miraculously manora for a single day but miraculously manora for a single day but miraculously it lasted for eight full days until more it lasted for eight full days until more it lasted for eight full days until more sacred oil could be found and it is from sacred oil could be found and it is from sacred oil could be found and it is from this that today we celebrate Hanukkah this that today we celebrate Hanukkah this that today we celebrate Hanukkah and the Festival of and the Festival of and the Festival of Lights with the successful maban Lights with the successful maban Lights with the successful maban Rebellion the judeans the Jews are going Rebellion the judeans the Jews are going Rebellion the judeans the Jews are going to set up their own independent Kingdom to set up their own independent Kingdom to set up their own independent Kingdom however it doesn't happen right away it however it doesn't happen right away it however it doesn't happen right away it takes approximately 20 more years for takes approximately 20 more years for takes approximately 20 more years for the hasmoneans to win their battle the hasmoneans to win their battle the hasmoneans to win their battle against the Greeks and it's not until against the Greeks and it's not until against the Greeks and it's not until 142 that we get a new independent 142 that we get a new independent 142 that we get a new independent Dynasty called the hasmonean kingdom in Dynasty called the hasmonean kingdom in Dynasty called the hasmonean kingdom in which Jews are going to rule themselves which Jews are going to rule themselves which Jews are going to rule themselves as an independent Kingdom for for the as an independent Kingdom for for the as an independent Kingdom for for the first time in several first time in several first time in several centuries this haonan Kingdom will last centuries this haonan Kingdom will last centuries this haonan Kingdom will last from about 142 down until 63 BCE that is from about 142 down until 63 BCE that is from about 142 down until 63 BCE that is just under a 100 years and it comes to just under a 100 years and it comes to just under a 100 years and it comes to an abrupt end when the Romans in the an abrupt end when the Romans in the an abrupt end when the Romans in the form of pompy pompy the great come into form of pompy pompy the great come into form of pompy pompy the great come into Jerusalem in the year 63 and make all of Jerusalem in the year 63 and make all of Jerusalem in the year 63 and make all of Judah Israel and even Syria into a Roman

Judah Israel and even Syria into a Roman Judah Israel and even Syria into a Roman province by the name of province by the name of province by the name of Palestina the story of the Honan Palestina the story of the Honan Palestina the story of the Honan Rebellion the maban Revolt has been Rebellion the maban Revolt has been Rebellion the maban Revolt has been greatly simplified over the years and greatly simplified over the years and greatly simplified over the years and probably has nothing to do with what probably has nothing to do with what probably has nothing to do with what really happened but we are told the really happened but we are told the really happened but we are told the events in first macbes where it says as events in first macbes where it says as events in first macbes where it says as follows Judah the son who was called follows Judah the son who was called follows Judah the son who was called macabus took command all of his brothers macabus took command all of his brothers macabus took command all of his brothers and all who had joined his father helped and all who had joined his father helped and all who had joined his father helped him they gladly fought for Israel he him they gladly fought for Israel he him they gladly fought for Israel he extended the glory of his people like a extended the glory of his people like a extended the glory of his people like a giant he put on his breastplate he giant he put on his breastplate he giant he put on his breastplate he girded on his armor of war and waged girded on his armor of war and waged girded on his armor of war and waged battles protecting the host by his sword battles protecting the host by his sword battles protecting the host by his sword he was like a lion in his deeds like a he was like a lion in his deeds like a he was like a lion in his deeds like a lion's Cub roaring for prey he searched lion's Cub roaring for prey he searched lion's Cub roaring for prey he searched out and pursued the Lawless he burned out and pursued the Lawless he burned out and pursued the Lawless he burned those who troubled his people Lawless those who troubled his people Lawless those who troubled his people Lawless men shrank back for fear of him all the men shrank back for fear of him all the men shrank back for fear of him all the evildoers were confounded and evildoers were confounded and evildoers were confounded and deliverance prospered by his hand he deliverance prospered by his hand he deliverance prospered by his hand he went through the cities of Judah he went through the cities of Judah he went through the cities of Judah he destroyed the ungodly out of the land destroyed the ungodly out of the land destroyed the ungodly out of the land thus he turned away wrath from Israel he thus he turned away wrath from Israel he thus he turned away wrath from Israel he was renowned to the ends of the Earth he was renowned to the ends of the Earth he was renowned to the ends of the Earth he gathered in those who were gathered in those who were gathered in those who were perishing we will not go through the perishing we will not go through the perishing we will not go through the details of the maban Rebellion suffice details of the maban Rebellion suffice details of the maban Rebellion suffice it to say that most Scholars agreed that it to say that most Scholars agreed that it to say that most Scholars agreed that it was more than just a struggle for it was more than just a struggle for it was more than just a struggle for Religious Freedom it was also a struggle Religious Freedom it was also a struggle Religious Freedom it was also a struggle for National Liberation as well as for

for National Liberation as well as for for National Liberation as well as for for political Independence and for political Independence and for political Independence and ultimately it became a struggle for the ultimately it became a struggle for the ultimately it became a struggle for the establishment of a free Jewish establishment of a free Jewish establishment of a free Jewish State as a result the zionists in the State as a result the zionists in the State as a result the zionists in the 1800s just about a century ago very much 1800s just about a century ago very much 1800s just about a century ago very much liked to refer back to the macbes as the liked to refer back to the macbes as the liked to refer back to the macbes as the only successful rebellion in which an only successful rebellion in which an only successful rebellion in which an independent Jewish state had been set up independent Jewish state had been set up independent Jewish state had been set up and they likened their work just about a and they likened their work just about a and they likened their work just about a hundred years ago to the events that hundred years ago to the events that hundred years ago to the events that took place during the maban Rebellion took place during the maban Rebellion took place during the maban Rebellion thus for example Theodore Herzel the thus for example Theodore Herzel the thus for example Theodore Herzel the father of modern Zionism said at one father of modern Zionism said at one father of modern Zionism said at one point in this pamplet called the Jewish point in this pamplet called the Jewish point in this pamplet called the Jewish State therefore I believe that a State therefore I believe that a State therefore I believe that a wondrous breed of Jews will spring up wondrous breed of Jews will spring up wondrous breed of Jews will spring up from the earth the macbes will rise from the earth the macbes will rise from the earth the macbes will rise again he said this in the year again he said this in the year again he said this in the year 1896 jabotinsky uh a bit more warlike of 1896 jabotinsky uh a bit more warlike of 1896 jabotinsky uh a bit more warlike of a Zionist agreed with Herzel he said yes a Zionist agreed with Herzel he said yes a Zionist agreed with Herzel he said yes they have Arisen the the children of they have Arisen the the children of they have Arisen the the children of those whose ancestor was Judah Lion of those whose ancestor was Judah Lion of those whose ancestor was Judah Lion of the mccabes they have indeed Arisen and the mccabes they have indeed Arisen and the mccabes they have indeed Arisen and so we see the maban Rebellion being used so we see the maban Rebellion being used so we see the maban Rebellion being used in relatively modern propagandistic in relatively modern propagandistic in relatively modern propagandistic statements as incentive and precedent to statements as incentive and precedent to statements as incentive and precedent to establishing the state the modern state establishing the state the modern state establishing the state the modern state of of of Israel however like all good things it Israel however like all good things it Israel however like all good things it must come to an end eventually and at must come to an end eventually and at must come to an end eventually and at one point when we're down in the first

one point when we're down in the first one point when we're down in the first century we have uh quarrels over the century we have uh quarrels over the century we have uh quarrels over the city of Jerusalem as happened very city of Jerusalem as happened very city of Jerusalem as happened very frequently during its history and pompy frequently during its history and pompy frequently during its history and pompy the great Roman general who happened to the great Roman general who happened to the great Roman general who happened to be in the area was invited in to be in the area was invited in to be in the area was invited in to arbitrate the dispute he ended up arbitrate the dispute he ended up arbitrate the dispute he ended up attacking Jerusalem and then once he had attacking Jerusalem and then once he had attacking Jerusalem and then once he had captured the city committed a remarkable captured the city committed a remarkable captured the city committed a remarkable sacrilege when he entered the temple and sacrilege when he entered the temple and sacrilege when he entered the temple and the holy of holies Josephus tells us the holy of holies Josephus tells us the holy of holies Josephus tells us that he saw quote all which was unlawful that he saw quote all which was unlawful that he saw quote all which was unlawful for any other men to see but only the for any other men to see but only the for any other men to see but only the high priest the golden table the holy high priest the golden table the holy high priest the golden table the holy Candlestick the pouring vessels and a Candlestick the pouring vessels and a Candlestick the pouring vessels and a great quantity of spices and 2,000 great quantity of spices and 2,000 great quantity of spices and 2,000 talant of sacred talant of sacred talant of sacred money the Romans were in Judea to stay money the Romans were in Judea to stay money the Romans were in Judea to stay the region soon became Roman territory the region soon became Roman territory the region soon became Roman territory and it was eventually incorporated into and it was eventually incorporated into and it was eventually incorporated into the Roman province called Syria the Roman province called Syria the Roman province called Syria Palestina this is where our name Palestina this is where our name Palestina this is where our name Palestine comes from from the Roman name Palestine comes from from the Roman name Palestine comes from from the Roman name for its province of Syria for its province of Syria for its province of Syria Palestina however even then it's going Palestina however even then it's going Palestina however even then it's going to take a while for the area to come to take a while for the area to come to take a while for the area to come under Roman rule but in the end when we under Roman rule but in the end when we under Roman rule but in the end when we take a look back at the maban Rebellion take a look back at the maban Rebellion take a look back at the maban Rebellion we can say that yes it was successful we can say that yes it was successful we can say that yes it was successful but that the independent Kingdom which but that the independent Kingdom which but that the independent Kingdom which was established as a result of the was established as a result of the was established as a result of the Rebellion lasted just under a century Rebellion lasted just under a century Rebellion lasted just under a century now this is going to be the only now this is going to be the only now this is going to be the only uccessful Rebellion by the Jews against

uccessful Rebellion by the Jews against uccessful Rebellion by the Jews against overlords in the next lectures we will overlords in the next lectures we will overlords in the next lectures we will look at the Roman inhabitation of this look at the Roman inhabitation of this look at the Roman inhabitation of this area and then eventually take a look at area and then eventually take a look at area and then eventually take a look at not one but two revolts by the Jews not one but two revolts by the Jews not one but two revolts by the Jews against the Romans both of which ended against the Romans both of which ended against the Romans both of which ended in defeat and in defeat and in defeat and disaster