The Entire Period. This entire period spans the time from the history
of Nehemiah and the prophecy of Malachi to the coming of the Messiah.
It opens with the Persian empire supreme and closes with Augustus
Caesar as the head of Rome, the mistress of the world. When Jesus came
Herod the Great governed Palestine and all the world was at peace.

The End of the Period. There are many points of view from which to
study the conditions existing at the close of this period. But for our
purpose it will probably suffice to consider (1) some signs of
decadence or defects; (2) some hopeful signs. The facts touching these
matters are to be gathered not only from secular history but from the
life and work of Jesus as they are seen at work either for or against
the progress of his work. (1) Unpropitious conditions. Among the signs
of decadence or errors that needed correction should be noted: (a)
There was a defective view of God. They regarded God as too far away;
(b) They laid too much stress upon outward obedience and, thereby,
left no place for motive in their service; (c) This led them to rest
salvation upon a system of works and to multiply rules of obedience;
(d) This led to too great demand for respect for the learned and of
subordination to them; (e) The Jews thought that they had a special
place in the salvation of God and as children of Abraham only felt the
need of national deliverance. (2) Hopeful signs. Several conditions
that bespeak good should be noted: (a) The Jews did have the truest
conception of religion to be found anywhere in the world; (b) Their
religion was a matter of deep concern to them and they showed an
undying devotion to their religious institutions; (c) There was a keen
sense of the worth of the individual; (d) There were many synagogues
which led to a zeal to proselyte foreigners and opened the way for
Gentile evangelism; (e) There was a widespread expectation of the
Messiah whom the whole world could receive as its spiritual king; (f)