Timeline 2

Malachi was the last prophet of Israel, a nation founded by Abraham about 1,800 BC. The descendants of Abraham became enslaved in Egypt. They were lead out of slavery by Moses and formed two kingdoms known as Judah and Israel, with Saul being their first king. The kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC and taken into exile. Their lands were repopulated with foreign peoples. These ten “Lost Tribes of Israel” disappeared from history and their whereabouts is unknown.

The kingdom of Judah was centered in Jerusalem and lasted longer than Israel, but was eventually conquered by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC. Judah fell after a series of invasions, culminating in the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. The Jewish elite, including Daniel, were taken into exile in Babylon, a period known as the Babylonian Captivity. This marked a significant turning point for the Jewish people, as it was a time of reflection and adaptation to a new culture. The Jews maintained their identity and faith during this period of exile in a foreign land.

Around seventy years into their exile, King Cyrus of the Persian Empire conquered Babylon and issued an edict allowing the Jews to return to Judah. The gradual process of return of the Jews to their homeland began around 538 BC. Many Jews remained in Babylon, but those who returned began to rebuild Jerusalem.

The rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem was an important step in the restoration of the city’s security and autonomy. The walls were completed under the leadership of Nehemiah in 52 days, symbolizing both physical and spiritual renewal.

During this time of return and renewal, several Jewish prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah, spoke of a coming Messiah — a future anointed leader who would deliver the Jewish people from oppression by outside empires, restore their kingdom, and establish peace and justice. This hope for a Messiah became central to Jewish faith and expectations, particularly in the centuries following the return from Babylonian exile, as Jews awaited God’s promised salvation.

The period between the death of Malachi and the birth of Jesus spans 400 years. Though this time is not covered in the Bible, it was marked by historical and cultural shifts in Israel. The following is an overview of that period.

Persian Rule - 539 to 332 BC

Israel remained under Persian control after their return from Babylonian exile. During this time, the Temple in Jerusalem became the center of Jewish worship.

Hellenistic Era - 332 to 167 BC

Alexander the Great’s conquest introduced Hellenistic culture to the region. After Alexander’s death, Israel became contested between the Ptolemies based in Egypt and the Seleucids based in Syria. During Seleucid rule, tensions escalated as Hellenistic influences clashed with Jewish traditions.

Maccabean Revolt - 167 to 160 BC

The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes imposed Greek religious practices and desecrated the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar. This sparked the successful Maccabean Revolt, led by the priestly Hasmonean family. The Jews regained their freedom and rededicated the Temple in 164 BC is commemorated by Hanukkah.

Hasmonean Dynasty - 160 to 63 BC

The Hasmoneans established an independent Jewish state, combining religious and political leadership. However, internal conflicts and power struggles weakened their rule, leading to Roman intervention.

Roman Period - 63 BC

In 63 BC, Roman General Pompey captured Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Roman dominance. The region became a client kingdom under Herod the Great (37–4 BC). Roman rule brought heavy taxation and unrest. Many Jews began to expect God to send them a Messiah, or Chosen One, to overthrow the Roman government and deliver Israel from their oppression during this time of turmoil. These developments set the stage for the events of the New Testament.

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