Changes

If we inquire what the reason of this change was we shall find it in the conditions of the exiled Jews, who suffered the bitterest treatment at the hands of their Gentile captors and who, after their return and establishment in Judea, were in constant conflict with neighboring tribes and especially with the Greek rulers of Syria. The fierce persecution of Antiochus IV, who attempted to blot out their religion and Hellenize the Jews, and the desperate struggle for independence, created in them a burning patriotism and zeal for their faith which culminated in the rigid exclusiveness we see in later times.<ref>[http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/G/GENTILES International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor; Gentiles]</ref>

If we inquire what the reason of this change was we shall find it in the conditions of the exiled Jews, who suffered the bitterest treatment at the hands of their Gentile captors and who, after their return and establishment in Judea, were in constant conflict with neighboring tribes and especially with the Greek rulers of Syria. The fierce persecution of Antiochus IV, who attempted to blot out their religion and Hellenize the Jews, and the desperate struggle for independence, created in them a burning patriotism and zeal for their faith which culminated in the rigid exclusiveness we see in later times.<ref>[http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/G/GENTILES International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr, M.A., D.D., General Editor; Gentiles]</ref>

 

[[Category:Abrahamic Religions]]

[[Category:Abrahamic Religions]]