How was Hellenism a cultural and religious threat to Judaism in the inter-testamental times?

Answer 1

The Greek Period, 323-167 B.C.

The Jews in Palestine fared very well under Alexander and Ptolemy. They were not made to change their religious practices and enjoyed much self rule and thus were able to maintain their sense of culture and religion. The Jews situation changed after the Romans defeated Antiochus. Their tax burden increased, as did pressure to adopt Greek practices. Antiochus was succeeded by his son Seleucus IV. When he was murdered, his younger brother became ruler. Antiochus IV was called Epiphanes ('manifest' or 'splendid'), although some called him Epimenes ('mad'). During the early years of his reign, the situation of the Jews became worse. Part of it was due to their being divided. Some of the leaders, especially the priests, encouraged Hellenism. The office of the high priest had been hereditary and was held for life. Jason, the brother of the high priest, offered Antiochus a large sum of money to be appointed high priest and an additional sum to receive permission to build a gymnasium near the temple. This shows the pressure towards Hellenism. When Antiochus returned from Egypt, he found that Jason had driven Menelaus (a priest, but not of the high priestly line) out of the city. He saw this as a full revolt. He allowed his troops to kill many of the Jews and determined to put an end to the Jewish religion. He sacrificed a pig on the alter of the temple. Parents were forbidden to circumcise their children, the sabbath was not to be observed, and all copies of the law were to be burned. To be found with a copy of the law was a capital offense.

Jewish Independence, 167-63 B.C.

Antiochus IV was more concerned with affairs in the eastern part of his empire than with what was taking place in Palestine. He did not commit many troops to the revolt at first. Judas was able to gain control of Jerusalem within three years. The temple was cleansed a rededicated exactly three years after it had been polluted by the king. This is still commemorated by the Jewish feast of Hannukah.

The Roman Period, 63 B.C.- A.D. 70

Under the Romans, the Jews paid heavy taxes; but their religious practices were not changed, however, differences arose between those who were more closely tied to Hebrew or Jewish practices and culture and those identifying themselves more closely with Greek language and culture.

Throughout the Intertestamental Period, proponents of Hellenism nearly wiped out Judaism, destroyed the temple, caused division amoung the Jews, and led the Jews to revolt and war. Some of the benefits of Hellenism included creating a common way of life for many and making Greek a universal language