Persian Period

Definition

The Persian Period refers to the era in Jewish history that began after the Babylonian Exile, around 539 BCE, when the Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon and allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem. This time is significant for the rebuilding of the Temple, the re-establishment of Jewish identity, and the formation of key texts in Jewish scripture, contributing to important historical and authorship developments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Persian Period lasted from approximately 539 BCE until Alexander the Great's conquest in 332 BCE, marking a time of relative peace and prosperity for the Jewish people.
2. During this period, many Jews returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, leading to significant social and religious developments within the community.
3. The rebuilding of the Second Temple was completed around 516 BCE, serving as a central place of worship for the Jewish people and a symbol of their restored identity.
4. Key texts such as parts of the Hebrew Bible were likely compiled or edited during this time, influencing future Jewish religious thought and practice.
5. The Persian rulers allowed a degree of autonomy to the Jewish people, fostering an environment where Jewish culture and religious life could thrive despite being under foreign rule.

Review Questions

• How did Cyrus the Great's policies influence Jewish life during the Persian Period?
  • Cyrus the Great's policies significantly influenced Jewish life by allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. His decree not only restored their place of worship but also reinstated Jewish cultural practices that had been suppressed during the Babylonian Exile. This act fostered a renewed sense of identity among the Jewish people, encouraging them to re-establish their religious and communal life in their homeland.
• Discuss how the rebuilding of the Second Temple during the Persian Period impacted Jewish worship and community identity.
  • The rebuilding of the Second Temple during the Persian Period had a profound impact on Jewish worship and community identity. It served as a central location for sacrifices and religious ceremonies, reinforcing communal ties among returning exiles. The Temple became a symbol of hope and renewal, uniting Jews around shared practices and beliefs while also promoting adherence to religious laws that helped define their identity during a time of foreign rule.
• Evaluate the role of Ezra and Nehemiah in shaping post-exilic Judaism during the Persian Period and its implications for later Jewish texts.
  • Ezra and Nehemiah played pivotal roles in shaping post-exilic Judaism by restoring Jewish law and governance upon returning from exile. Their efforts included not only rebuilding physical structures but also revitalizing religious practices and communal organization. This period laid foundational work for later Jewish texts, as Ezra's emphasis on Torah reading helped establish scriptural authority that influenced subsequent interpretations and understandings within Judaism. The work of these leaders contributed significantly to shaping a cohesive Jewish identity that would carry forward into future generations.

Related terms

Cyrus the Great: The founder of the Persian Empire who issued a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.

Second Temple:

The Temple in Jerusalem that was rebuilt during the Persian Period, symbolizing a significant revival of Jewish worship and community.

Ezra and Nehemiah: Key figures during the Persian Period who played crucial roles in re-establishing Jewish law and governance in Jerusalem after the return from exile.