FIFTH DISPENSATION | LAW (3)

1. Bible History 

a) In this panoramic Bible Story, we present the important events, and gradual development of Bible History, keeping in view, throughout, the spiritual purpose of divine revelation.

b) It exhibits a part at a time, by being unrolled before the viewer. An unobstructed or complete view in every direction; hence a comprehensive presentation to aid viewer with a better understanding of Bible History.

c) It follows the stream of the Bible narrative, so as to aid viewer in visualizing and grasping the great truths of Bible History.

2. The Fifth Dispensation of Law

- From the Restoration to the End of the Old Testament

(Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Zechariah, Malachi)

a) The Restoration. 

i) End of Babylon rule 539 B.C.

ii) The post-captivity period - The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

@1. Zerubbabel - Expedition 536 B.C.

@2. Ezra - Expedition 78 years later - 458 B.C.

@3. Nehemiah - Expedition 14 years later - 444 B.C.

b) Rebuilding and dedication of the Temple.

@1. The return of the remnant to Jerusalem.

@2. The rebuilding of the Temple.

@3. The repairing of the walls of the city.

@4. The restoration of the temple worship.

@5. The labors and reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah.

@6. The Post-Captivity Prophets.

#1) Haggai.

#2) Zechariah.

#3) Malachi - the last of the Old Testament Prophets.

d) End of the Old Testament.   

i) The end of the Old Testament history and Canon - about 400 B.C.

ii) Media-Persian period ending 332 B.C.

iii) Greek period ending 167 B.C. 

3. Four hundred years from Malachi to Matthew 

a) The revolt of the Maccabees

i) A great historical chasm of about four centuries (400 years) stretches between the close of the Old Testament and the commencement of the New. Of this period of history the scriptures are silent. From the writings of the Jewish historian, Josephus, from certain books of the Apocrypha, from many Greek and Roman writings, the knowledge of these four hundred years of important history.

ii) The history of Israel, during these centuries, was one of terrible oppression, invasion, and bloodshed. But in their darkest hours a faithful band of patriots guarded with their lives "The sacred oracles of God", - the Old Testament Canon, which had been gathered together by Ezra as one whole book, The Law, The Prophets, and The Psalms. To these, the faithful in Israel, clung desperately, together with the hope of the coming deliverer - the long promised Messiah. This period of history may be remembered, for convenience, as:

#1) The Persian period.

#2) The Greek period.

#3) The period of Jewish Independence. Ending 63 B.C.

#4) Roman period.

iii) The Old Testament ending under Persian rule, the New Testament opening under Roman rule.