The Jews distinguished between the books written before the cessation of prophecy (Malachi is the last of the minor prophetic books) and those books that followed. The canon for the Old Testament (also called the Hebrew Canon) was likely compiled between 167 and 67 BC, the Hasmonean Dynasty period. Understanding this period can help unlock many of the controversies going on in Jesus’ day. For one thing, many things were written on the resurrection of the dead, much to the chagrin of the Sadducees. The intertestamental period also saw Judaism begin to take the shape it had in Jesus’ period. That’s why the references can sometimes differ in their words compared to the original Hebrew. This is the Hebrew Bible translation that the New Testament authors quote in their letters. This translation became known as the Septuagint, which means the seventy writers. As a result, the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek. Thanks to Alexander, Greek was the language of the day. Many scholars believe that the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) was compiled and agreed upon during this time. The revolution resulted in the Jewish people having their own kingdom, known as the Hasmonean dynasty, for 100 years. The revolution was a success, led by Judas “The Hammer” Maccabaeus (Maccabaeus means hammer). This was not received well by the Jews and resulted in what is known as the Maccabean revolt. One particularly hostile king, Antiochus Epiphanes, went so far as to set up an altar to Zeus and offer a pig in the Holy of Holies. The Seleucids were not fond of Jewish religious practice. Named for one of Alexander’s generals, the Seleucid empire stretched through most of modern-day Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. What Does Deuterocanonical Mean?ĭeuterocanonical means “second canon,” in the same way the book of Deuteronomy means the “second law.” The deuterocanonical books of the Bible are not viewed as divinely inspired by Jews or most Protestants.ĭuring this time, the Jewish people were conquered and reconquered by a division of Alexander the Great’s kingdom known as the Seleucids. The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts (3 and 4 Maccabees) as well as Psalm 151, none of which appear in the Apocrypha. Supporters of purgatory and indulgences often refer to the book of 2 Maccabees. Many of the more controversial doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church find their basis in the Apocrypha. Most of the deuterocanonical books are also known as the Apocrypha, which means hidden writings because they were added to the end of most Bibles. Only the Eastern Orthodox Church accepts this. A Psalm supposedly written by David after he defeated Goliath. Bel and the Dragon, two stories condemning idolatry added at the end of chapter 12. Includes prayers and praises said by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego while inside the furnace. Begins with the story of Susanna, a Jewish woman falsely accused of adultery but acquitted by Daniel. These sections were moved to the end of the book by Jerome in his translation of the Bible into Latin, which may indicate his lack of trust in their authenticity. The interpretation of Mordecai’s dream ( Esther 10:4-11:1) After Esther 8:12, Artexerxes’ edict on behalf of the Jews. An elaboration on Esther 5:1-2 discusses how the king was angry at Esther’s intrusion and how God softened the king’s heart toward Esther. After Esther 4:17, The prayers of Mordecai and Esther. After Esther 3:13, the text of Artaxerxes’ edict. A spring grows into a great river when the righteous nation cries to God. In the dream, two dragons are ready to fight. Mordecai’s dream, which is before Esther 1:1 in the Greek text. Major additions and explanations, which detail: Adds references to the divine name (Esther is the only Old Testament book that doesn’t mention God by name) They also involve additions to three books accepted in the biblical canon. There are 12 deuterocanonical books: Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Sirach (or the writings of Ben Sirah), 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, 3 Maccabees, 4 Maccabees, Wisdom (Ecclesiasticus), Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Esdras, and 2 Esdras. How Many Deuterocanonical Books Are There?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |