In the 3rd century before Christ, the Lighthouse of Alexandria shone its fiery beam across the Mediterranean, a beacon of ancient wonder. Nearby, in the fabled Library of Alexandria, a monumental task was undertaken that would shake the foundations of the world. The Greek ruler Ptolemy II of Egypt asked for a Greek translation of the Hebrew Torah for his opulent library. 72 Jewish rabbis — six from each tribe — were dispatched to Alexandria in order to grant this request. Moreover, these 72 elders worked in complete isolation, and within exactly 72 days, they translated the Hebrew Torah into Greek. Miraculously, all 72 translations were identical, hence the name “Septuagint,” which means 70 in Greek. This translation laid the foundation for the spread of Jewish scripture in the Greek-speaking world, but why was it so significant? The Historical Significance of the Septuagint Ptolemy II reigned during the pinnacle of Greek culture and influence. As the son of one of Alexander the Great
