Why was there such a long silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament prophets? The majority of Christians believe there was a silence of prophecy for 400 years prior to birth of Jesus. Many biblical scholars find themselves in heated debates over the subject. But ... Who's ? Right.
The "400 years of silence" or the "intertestimental period", is in reference to a biblical silence in which there were no known prophets to share the word of God with mankind. From Malachi [the last book in the Old Testament] to Matthew [the first book in the New Testament], the Creator remained mysteriously quiet. But why?
While biblical scripture does not detail the period between c/430 BC and c/40 AD, this particular era is referenced in other books, such as, "The Jewish War" (c/75 AD) and "Antiquities of the Jews" (c/94 AD) by the 1st century AD historian, Flavius Josephus.
The Known History of the "400 Years"
The Prophet Malachi set the stage with his biblical prediction of Elijah's return in reference to Jesus (Malachi 4:5-6) circa 430 BC. During this era of time the Jews had returned from Medo-Persia and rebuilt their second temple under the influence of King Cyrus and the guidance of Ezra. In 332 BC, the Greek Empire conquered the Persians and laid claim to the Jewish homeland followed by the Egyptian occupation in 312 BC. It was during this epoch of time the Old Testament was translated into Greek (known as the Septuagint). However, the Jews continued to practice their temple rituals and the Law of Moses until Syria captured Jerusalem in 204 BC. The Maccabean Revolt lasted from 167-160 BC in which Mattathias [Maccabee] the Hasmonean, sparked the revolt against the Seleucid Empire after Antiochus IV desecrated the Holy of Holies (the most sacred part of the Jewish temple) and issued a decree forbidding Jewish religious traditions and practices. The Hasmoneans temporarily fled the scene, but later returned after regrouping. After the death of his father (Mattathias Maccabee), Judah Maccabee led an army of Jewish dissidents to victory over the Seleucid dominion in guerrilla warfare around 160 BC. The Romans conquered the Israeli homeland by 63 BC, and continued to reign over the region throughout the dawning of the AD era, which led to the events of the New Testament.
It was a bloody 400 years of wars and skirmishes, but it is interesting to note some of the events during the 400 years fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Significantly, Daniel had spoke of future empires that resembled those of the Greek and Roman dynasties (Daniel 7, 9). There were several apocryphal books written during this time, as well:
The Supreme Creator was definitely active in world history during the 400 years, causing major political and military upheavals to occur. But, the Jews do not have similar views on this "biblical silence", as the Tanakh (Old Testament) had other periods of biblical silence, such as:
The Known History of the "400 Years"
The Prophet Malachi set the stage with his biblical prediction of Elijah's return in reference to Jesus (Malachi 4:5-6) circa 430 BC. During this era of time the Jews had returned from Medo-Persia and rebuilt their second temple under the influence of King Cyrus and the guidance of Ezra. In 332 BC, the Greek Empire conquered the Persians and laid claim to the Jewish homeland followed by the Egyptian occupation in 312 BC. It was during this epoch of time the Old Testament was translated into Greek (known as the Septuagint). However, the Jews continued to practice their temple rituals and the Law of Moses until Syria captured Jerusalem in 204 BC. The Maccabean Revolt lasted from 167-160 BC in which Mattathias [Maccabee] the Hasmonean, sparked the revolt against the Seleucid Empire after Antiochus IV desecrated the Holy of Holies (the most sacred part of the Jewish temple) and issued a decree forbidding Jewish religious traditions and practices. The Hasmoneans temporarily fled the scene, but later returned after regrouping. After the death of his father (Mattathias Maccabee), Judah Maccabee led an army of Jewish dissidents to victory over the Seleucid dominion in guerrilla warfare around 160 BC. The Romans conquered the Israeli homeland by 63 BC, and continued to reign over the region throughout the dawning of the AD era, which led to the events of the New Testament.
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Tobi --------------------------------------------------225-175 BCSome scholars and theologians of biblical studies believe while the 400 years of biblical silence revealed no new revelations from the Creator, the necessary preparations for the coming of the Messiah was fulfilled. As the AD era dawned, the count down to the coming of Messiah began. Israel was undergoing major change; the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes came to positions of political and religious influence. Israel was ready for a Messiah. According to the Christians, the stage was now set for Jesus Christ to come. Galatians 4:4-5 states, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."
Ben Sira (Sirach) ---------------------------------200-175 BC
Bel and the Dragon ------------------------------200-100 BC
Greek Esther -------------------------------------- 200-1 BC
Prayer of Azariah --------------------------------200-1 BC
1 Maccabees ----------------------------------------150-100 BC
2 Maccabees ----------------------------------------150-100 BC
1 Esdras --------------------------------------------- 100 BC-100 AD
Prayer of Manasseh ----------------------------- 100-1 BC
3 Maccabees ----------------------------------------100-1 BC
4 Maccabees ----------------------------------------100-1 BC
The Supreme Creator was definitely active in world history during the 400 years, causing major political and military upheavals to occur. But, the Jews do not have similar views on this "biblical silence", as the Tanakh (Old Testament) had other periods of biblical silence, such as:
> the many hundreds of years between Adam and AbrahamThese are just a few examples from the Tanakh, also known as the Hebrew Bible. Judaism does not see the 400 year "biblical silence" as odd in this respect.
> the 400 years when the Hebrew people were living in exile, then slaves
> the many hundreds of years between Joseph (son of Jacob) and Moses
"The truth is, there was no silence. I grew up celebrating Chanukah, commemorating the events that took place smack dab in the midst of this four-century period. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include apocryphal books written during that period, including the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which details the story of Chanukah. Though Jewish Bibles don’t include these books in their canon, the Jewish festal calendar includes this minor feast in its cycle of observance, and has since before Jesus was born." ~ Michelle Van Loon (Patheos.com)
While the biblical scholars and theologians debate the "400 years of silence", it is interesting to note that there has been close to "2,000 years of silence" since the New Testament was written and later canonized. Most theologians agree there have not been any prophets from any of the tribes of Israel to proclaim mysteries, warnings or chastisement to the nations. Yet, there are a few philosophers that will attest that the 16th century AD poet and seer, Nostradamus, was indeed the Creator's prophet, commonly believed to have been descended from the tribe of Issachar. Regardless of the Nostradamus debate, another "biblical silence" has ensued for many centuries since the completion of the New Testament.
Whether the Christian view is correct or not, the "400 years of silence" will probably remain an obscure subject among the biblical professors.
Whether the Christian view is correct or not, the "400 years of silence" will probably remain an obscure subject among the biblical professors.
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