1. The Early Israelites Comunicación y Gerencia Chapter 7 Section 1 (Part I & II)

2. 7-1 (Part I) Who were the Hebrews? Who was Abraham? Where was the kingdom of Canaan located? How are Judaism and Islam connected? Who made up the 12 Tribes? Why did the Hebrews move to Egypt and what happens to them? What does Passover celebrate? Why is the Exodus a significant event in Jewish history? What was the covenant described in the Torah?

3. Background Information Between 2000-1500 BC a new people appeared in SW Asia. They were the Hebrews: ancestors to the Israelites and Jews Simple herders Developed a culture that became a major influence on other civilizations. Much of what is known about this period is based on the findings of archaeologists and accounts written by Jewish scribes. These early accounts describe the laws of Judaism. In time, these accounts became the Hebrew Bible which is largely the same as the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.

4. Beginnings of Canaan The Hebrew Bible traces the Hebrews back to a man named Abraham. Father of the Hebrews According to the Hebrew Bible, God told Abraham to leave Mesopotamia and journey west. God promised (covenant) to lead Abraham to a new land and make his descendants into a mighty nation. Abraham left Mesopotamia and settles in Canaan: Located along the Med. Sea T Today: Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan

5. Canaan

6. Father Abraham Abraham and his wife Sarai (Sarah) could have no children. God makes a promise to Sarai that she will have a child with Abraham. After many years of waiting, she loses faith. Abraham has a son with Hagar (Sarai’s servant): Ishmael. –Ishmael is honored in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Years later, God’s promise to Abraham & Sarai (Sarah) comes true. –She has a son named Isaac. –Isaac would have a son, Jacob (aka Israel)

7. Father Abraham Sarai casts Hagar and her son Ishmael out of their settlement. Hagar fled into the desert. When they run out of food and water, Hagar is saved by God and promised that Ishmael would be the “father” of a great nation. That nation would grow into the Islamic religion.

8. Two Religions from Two Brothers

9. Jacob’s 12 Sons Jacob would raise 12 sons. His family was divided into tribes, or separate family groups Jacob’s name means “Israel”: one that struggles with God. His family became known as the 12 Tribes of Israel Lived in Canaan for about 100 yrs.

10. A Move to Egypt Israelites (Hebrews) faced drought and famine in Canaan Fled to Egypt to survive

11. Life in Egypt Pharaohs enslaved them after the Hebrew population became too large. Used them for harsh labor Pharaoh ordered all Israelite baby boys to be thrown into the Nile to prevent rebellion One baby was placed in a basket and sent down the river. The baby was found by the pharaoh’s daughter and named Moses.

12. Moses Moses reappears in Egypt years after being exiled. C.1290 BC: Saw the Burning Bush Told by God to lead them out of Egypt to freedom. Moses demands the pharaoh release the Israelites, but the pharaoh refused. Soon God sent a series of plagues to Egypt.

13. The Plagues God sent 10 plagues to trouble Egypt 1. Water to blood 2. Frogs 3. Gnats/Lice 4. Flies 5. Diseased Livestock 6. Boils 7. Thunder/Hail/Fire 8. Locusts 9. Darkness 10.Death to Firstborn

14. Passover The 10 th plague killed all first-born children except those of Israelites who marked their doors with lamb’s blood The plague passed-over these doors This convinced the pharaoh to let the people go. Today, Jews celebrate this event with a holiday called Passover.

15. Israelites Leave Egypt Following the 10 th plague, the pharaoh releases the Israelites. As the Israelites fled east, the pharaoh changed his mind and sent an army after them.

16. Exodus According to the Bible, God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites and drowned the soldiers who followed. The Israelite’s escape is described in the book of Exodus. The Exodus is a major event in Jewish history because they believed they had been set free because God loved them. It is referenced throughout history by many other groups who have been enslaved.

18. The Torah Laws received by Moses on the top of Mt. Sinai. Became the 1 st part of the Hebrew Bible. –Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Described a covenant or agreement with God. The covenant was that God promised to return the Israelites to Canaan if they followed God’s laws. Contained the Ten Commandments Helped develop a belief in the “rule of law” They eventually reached Canaan. The 12 Tribes lived in small scattered communities with judges to settle disputes.

19. End of Part I Comunicación y Gerencia Chapter 7 Section 1

20. 7-1 Part II Why did the Israelites unite under a king? How did David and Solomon strengthen the kingdom of Israel? What happened to Israel after the death of Solomon? What happened during the Babylonian Captivity? How were Israelite women treated? How did Ruth & Naomi set an example for other Israelites? What are the basic beliefs of Judaism?

21. Kings Unite the Israelites The new threat to the Israelites was the Philistines. Israelites needed a single ruler to lead them in battle against the Philistines. This ruler was Saul. Saul had success as a military commander, but was not a strong king. He never won the support of tribal and religious leaders. They often disputed his decisions.

22. King David After Saul dies, David was named king. Background: –Shepherd –Slew the Philistine giant Goliath –Admired for his military skills and as a poet Had been anointed king in secret while Saul was still alive Lived in the desert until Saul died. Unlike Saul, David was well loved by the Israelites. He won the full support of Israel’s tribal leaders. Defeated the Philistines and many other people of Canaan. He established the capital of Israel in Jerusalem.

23. King Solomon David’s son Took the throne in 965 BC Expanded the kingdom Made nearby kingdoms his allies Trade with allies made Israel rich. Solomon used these riches to build a great temple to God in Jerusalem. This Temple became the center of the Israelites’ religious life and a symbol of their faith. Solomon was well known for his proverbs

24. David & Solomon David and Solomon both strengthened the kingdom of Israel. Both ruled with the full support of the tribal leaders Both conquered enemies Both added land to the kingdom

25. After Solomon Dies… Revolts broke out over who should be king Israel split into 2 kingdoms: –Israel –Judah The people of Judah became the Jews. The two kingdoms lasted for a few centuries. The Assyrians conquered Israel while the Chaldeans conquered Judah

26. The Dispersal of the Jews The Chaldeans captured Jerusalem and destroyed Solomon’s temple. They forced thousands of Jews to work as slaves in Babylon. The Jews called this the Babylonian Captivity. It lasted 50 years. When the Persians conquered the Chaldeans, the Jews were released. Many did not return home and moved to other lands. This is referred to as the Jewish Diaspora.

27. Women in Israelite Society Israelite women were dominated by Israelite men. Men made most decisions. A woman’s husband was chosen by her father. However, some Israelite and Jewish women made great contributions to their society. Some women in the Hebrew Bible were seen as examples of how Israelite/Jewish women should behave. Example: Ruth & Naomi –Ruth’s devotion to Naomi served as a model for how to treat family members.

28. Israelite Faith Became the religion of Judaism Followers became known as Jews Basic Beliefs are: –Monotheism, Education, Justice & Righteousness, Observance of Law Influenced Christianity and Islam Helped shape the beliefs of European and American societies Believed to have descended from Abraham Believed God told Abraham to leave Mesopotamia and settle in Canaan and worship the one true God. Believed God promised the land of Canaan would belong to them

29. Basic Beliefs are: –Monotheism: The Hebrew name for God is YHWH which is never pronounced by Jews because they feel it is too holy. –Their monotheistic faith set them apart from other religions. –Education: Teaching children the basics of the religion is important. Older boys studied with professional teachers to learn their religion. –Justice & Righteousness: They believe in kindness and fairness and doing what is proper. Righteous behavior is more important than formal ceremonies. –Observance of Law: Most important Jewish laws are the Ten Commandments. Additional Mosaic Laws guide their daily lives. (Ex: Forbids working on holidays or Sabbath.)

30. Judaism Influenced Christianity and Islam Helped shape the beliefs of European and American societies.