A Shilling Book of New Testament History: For National and Elementary Schools, With a Map to Illustrate the Apostolic History (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

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Excerpt from A Shilling Book of New Testament History: For National and Elementary Schools, With a Map to Illustrate the Apostolic History

1. Judæa after the death of Nehemiah. For upwards of 230 years after the death of Nehemiah, a thick curtain conceals from us much of the history of the Jews. It appears certain, however, that Nehemiah was the last of the governors sent from the court of Persia. Judæa itself was annexed to the province of Cœle-syria, and the high-priest, subject to the control of the Syrian governor, administered affairs. Thus the civil and spiritual functions were united in one person, and the high-priest-hood became an object of competition, and the cause of many violent and disgraceful contests.

2. Loyalty of the Jews to the Persians. As subjects of the Persian kings, the Jews were eminent for their loyalty and good faith. While Egypt, Cyprus, Phoenicia, and other dependencies of the Persian crown, were frequently in rebellion, the Jews remained steadfast in their allegiance to the "Great King," and increased rapidly alike in wealth and numbers.

3. Conquests of Alexander the Great. A hundred years, however, did not elapse after the death of Nehemiah before the Persian Empire had begun to crumble to pieces before the armies of Alexander the Great. After his victory at the Granicus, b.c. 334, and at Issus, B.C. 333, this conqueror captured Damascus, and having taken Sidon, laid siege to Tyre, B.C. 332. Thence he sent a message to the high-priest at Jerusalem, demanding that he should transfer his allegiance to him, and send supplies for his army. This Jaddua, the high-priest, declared was impossible. He had taken an oath of fidelity to the Persian king, and faithful he would remain. Though angry at this reply, Alexander delayed to execute vengeance till after the reduction of Tyre, and then set out for the Holy City.

4. Alexander at Jerusalem. Informed of his approach, Jaddua and the people were in the utmost alarm. Sacrifices were offered, prayers put up to God, and the Divine aid sought to appease the wrath of the invader.

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