 Seminar 1: "Between the Testaments" Lesson 9
===================================================================== Part 2: THE GREEK OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES ===================================================================== THE SEPTUAGINT The most influential aspect of hellenization was the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. By any standard of measurement Hebrew was no longer the native tongue even in Palestine. The common man spoke Aramaic or Greek, and usually both. The Hebrew Scriptures though still read needed to be translated in the vernacular, Greek of course. Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament were cherished and extremely expensive. This put the possibility of owning a copy out of the question for even the most well to do. Greek however, was a formidable language known and understood by the educated and uneducated all over the then known world. Slaves were employed to copy what one dictated. Greek books were cheap and easy for the common man to read. The Egyptian rulers (Ptolemies) who succeeded Alexander the Great were literary giants of their day. Great libraries archived writings from over the world. It was Ptolemy II that was accused of being "book mad" for his excessive expenditures on books. It was under his patronage that the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into the Greek language came into existence. It began with a rush production of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament sometime between 250 to 221 B.C. Under his orders and invitation 72 translators (six from every tribe) were commissioned to translate a valuable copy of the Old Testament. They were royally received in Egypt and the work was reportedly completed in just 72 days! Their translation received formal approval of the Jewish Sanhedrin in Alexandria. It was not long before the rest of the Old Testament books were similarly translated into the easily read and understood Greek language. It became familiarly known as the Septuagint - for the 70+ translators that brought it into being. The Septuagint became the Bible of the Jews. The influence of the translation of the Old Testament into Greek was no less revolutionary than the translation of the Bible from Latin to the vernacular of the people by the end of the Middle Ages. It led to greater proselytizing since now other nationalities could understand the Word of God. The Septuagint also became the Bible of the early Christians. ===================================================================== PART 3: OLD TESTAMENT CANON ===================================================================== "Canon" means reed, or measuring stick. It is the means by which the people of God have always measured whether a writing was inspired Scripture or just a sacred writing. It is believed the Hebrew "canon" was established principally by Ezra as a result of the Babylonian Captivity. Ezra was God's instrument to bring the remnant back to Palestine to rebuild what remained of the temple. God had awakened the Hebrews to the cause of the dispersion as being neglect of the Law of God. Ezra made it to be read from morning to midday while the people listened. He was called the "ready scribe of the law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6 and Nehemiah 8:9). The zeal for the law in the hearts of the people can be seen in Nehemiah 8:1-8. The arrangement of the Old Testament canon by Ezra accounts for his title of "priest" becoming mingled in with that of "scribe." By the Middle of the Intertestamental period it is evident from the writings and history of the time that the canon was already prescribed. Josephus refers to the Hebrew canon as being composed of 22 books of Scripture at his time. The Hebrew bible became the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures for both Protestants and Catholics. The Christian church splits some of the books into 1st and 2nd books, and separates Ezra and Nehemiah, and includes the minor prophets as each a separate book, giving them 39 books to the Old Testament. Jesus referred to the Scriptural canon as "the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms." (Luke 24:44) Jesus alluded to the canon of Scripture in Matthew 23:35 when he said, "...from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar." (i.e. From Genesis to Chronicles, or from the first book of the Old Testament canon to the last, which was the book of Chronicles.) Paul in Rome reasoned the way of salvation "persuading them concerning Jesus from the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning to evening." (Acts 28:23) Here is the way the Hebrews divide the Old Testament canon composed of 24 books. The Septuagint organized it into 22 books which corresponds to the number of the Hebrew alphabet. THE LAW THE PROPHETS THE WRITINGS (TORAH) (NEBIIM) (HAGIOGRAPHA) Genesis Joshua Psalms Exodus Judges Proverbs Leviticus Samuel Job Numbers Kings Song of Solomon Deuteronomy Isaiah Ruth Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Ecclesiastes The Twelve Esther (Minor Prophets) Daniel Ezra-Nehemiah Chronicles |