In The Four Hundred Silent Years, H. A. Ironside meticulously explores the historical and spiritual landscape between the Old and New Testaments, shedding light on a period often overlooked; from the end of Malachi to the beginning of Matthew. We learn of the Persian Empire's decline, Alexander the Great's conquests, and the subsequent division of his empire, which led to the rise of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties. The book explores how these events influenced the Jewish people and set the stage for the Roman Empire's eventual dominance.

The Four Hundred Silent Years also looks at the evolution of Jewish religious practices during this period, including the rise of sects like the Pharisees and Sadducees, the influence of Hellenistic culture, and the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek (the Septuagint).

Through his accessible and engaging style, H. A. Ironside provides a historical and theological overview that enriches the reader's understanding of the New Testament's background.