While the statement made by Gomarus might be speculative and should be considered within the context of his time and perspective, historical and cultural changes within the Jewish community did occur over time. Here are a few general factors that might have influenced shifts in the preservation and study of poetic structures in sacred texts:

1. Babylonian Exile (586-538 BCE): The Babylonian Exile marked a significant period in Jewish history when a considerable portion of the population was taken into captivity. This event had profound cultural and religious implications. During this time, the focus might have shifted more toward preserving religious and cultural identity rather than meticulous attention to literary forms.
2. Hellenistic Influence: Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic period brought about cultural interactions between Jewish and Greek traditions. This period saw an increased emphasis on Greek language and culture. As a result, the Jewish community might have been more influenced by Hellenistic educational practices that were less focused on the preservation of specific poetic structures.
3. Roman Rule: The subsequent Roman rule brought about its own set of challenges and influences. The socio-political climate under Roman rule might have impacted the educational priorities of the Jewish community, potentially leading to shifts away from a meticulous emphasis on the preservation and study of poetic structures.
4. Language Changes: Changes in the primary language of communication could also impact the way texts were studied. If there was a shift away from the original Hebrew to other languages like Aramaic or Greek, it might have affected the depth of understanding and analysis of the poetic structures.
5. Rabbinic Judaism: The development of Rabbinic Judaism, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, brought about a new focus on legal and ethical interpretation of the Torah. While the study of scripture remained central, the emphasis on legal discussions might have overshadowed the meticulous study of poetic forms.

It’s important to note that these are general trends and not specific to the preservation of poetic structures in sacred texts. The exact reasons for any perceived neglect would be challenging to pinpoint, and the preservation and study of poetic structures did continue in various forms within Jewish traditions.

The Hellenistic influence on Jewish traditions, particularly during the period following the conquests of Alexander the Great, had both positive and challenging aspects. While it enriched Jewish thought and culture in some ways, it also posed challenges to traditional practices. Here are a few examples of Hellenistic influence that might have impacted the preservation of certain aspects of Jewish traditions:

1. Greek Language and Culture: The spread of the Greek language (Koine Greek) and Hellenistic culture was significant during this period. Many Jews, especially in urban centers, became fluent in Greek and adopted certain aspects of Hellenistic culture. The adoption of Greek as a language of communication might have led to a shift in the way Jewish texts were studied and interpreted, potentially distancing scholars from the meticulous study of Hebrew poetic structures.
2. Septuagint Translation: The translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, known as the Septuagint, was a notable development. While this translation facilitated the accessibility of Jewish scriptures to Greek-speaking Jews and non-Jews, it also presented challenges. Translations inevitably involve some degree of interpretation, and nuances of Hebrew poetic structures might not have been fully captured in the Greek translation.
3. Hellenistic Educational Practices: The educational practices of the Hellenistic world, with a focus on rhetoric, philosophy, and a different literary tradition, differed from traditional Jewish educational methods. This shift in educational focus might have influenced the way Jewish scholars approached the study of their sacred texts, potentially diverting attention from specific poetic forms.
4. Syncretism: Some Jews engaged in syncretism, blending elements of Greek philosophy and religious thought with their own traditions. This syncretic approach could lead to a reinterpretation of traditional teachings, potentially overlooking the meticulous study of poetic structures in favor of broader philosophical discussions.
5. Cultural assimilation: The exposure to Hellenistic culture, especially in urban centers like Alexandria, might have contributed to cultural assimilation among certain segments of the Jewish population. This assimilation could lead to a shift in priorities, with less emphasis on traditional literary and poetic forms.

It’s crucial to note that while these influences might have posed challenges to certain aspects of traditional Jewish practices, they also contributed to the development of Jewish philosophy and cultural expressions. The impact of Hellenistic influence on Jewish traditions is complex and multifaceted.

Indeed, forced syncretism or assimilation by oppressive regimes has been a recurring challenge throughout history for various communities. The imposition of cultural, religious, or linguistic changes on a group can threaten their identity and traditions. This has been seen in different contexts and continues to be relevant today. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Cultural Suppression: Oppressive regimes may attempt to suppress the cultural expressions, languages, and religious practices of certain communities. This suppression can lead to a loss of identity and a forced assimilation into the dominant culture.
2. Language Policies: The imposition of a dominant language can marginalize and erode the languages of minority communities. Language is a crucial aspect of cultural identity, and when communities are compelled to abandon their native languages, it can contribute to a sense of loss and disconnection.
3. Religious Persecution: Forced conversion or suppression of religious practices is another form of oppression that threatens the identity of religious communities. It can lead to a situation where individuals are coerced into adopting the dominant religion, leading to a loss of diverse religious traditions.
4. Educational Policies: Educational systems controlled by oppressive regimes may promote a particular version of history, culture, and identity. This can result in the erasure or distortion of the history and contributions of certain communities.
5. Erosion of Traditions: When oppressive regimes actively discourage or suppress traditional practices, including cultural rituals, celebrations, and artistic expressions, it becomes challenging for communities to maintain and pass on their identity to future generations.

Addressing forced syncretism often involves efforts to preserve and revitalize cultural and linguistic heritage, fostering a sense of community resilience, and advocating for human rights and cultural diversity. In contemporary contexts, international organizations and human rights advocates work to raise awareness about such issues and support communities facing cultural suppression.

The passage you provided discusses the divergent opinions among learned individuals regarding the possibility of recovering the knowledge of poetic structures in sacred texts through consistent and diligent investigation.

1. Despair and Opposition to Investigation: Some individuals, in a state of despair, not only vehemently deny the possibility but also attempt to discourage any form of investigative study. They may argue against engaging in efforts to recover this knowledge.
2. Hopeful and Prudent Judgment: On the other hand, there are those with a more optimistic mindset who believe that despair is not the prudent course of action. Among them, Mercerus stands out, and in his commentary on Job chapter 3, he is quoted as saying that he has attempted to restore many verses to the measurement of feet. He found many to be hexameters, but he notes that other feet, such as spondees, occur according to the language’s idiom.
3. Challenges in Understanding: Mercerus points out challenges in understanding the poetic structures, especially when meters often begin from the middle of verses, as distinct from the Hebrews. He implies that some have failed to grasp the true nature of poetic structures, focusing more on the meaning than the measurement.
4. Vatablus’ Understanding: The passage mentions the commendable memory of D. Vatablus, who is said to have understood the structure of verses in Job and Psalms. He allegedly prescribed certain canons to facilitate the understanding of their structure. The passage suggests that Vatablus was aware that there is no fixed position for the Hebrews.

The overall theme appears to be the ongoing debate among scholars about whether it is possible to recover the knowledge of poetic structures in sacred texts through careful investigation, with some expressing despair and opposition to such efforts while others maintain a more hopeful and diligent approach.