Broader Influence of Mesopotamian Society The Early Hebrews Broader Influence of Mesopotamian Society

The Early Hebrews (1) Patriarchs & Matriarchs from Babylon, ~1850 BCE (gradual invasion of Semitic-speaking Hebrews from Arabian Desert settle in Palestine) Parallels b/t early biblical texts, Code of Hammurabi Early settlement of Canaan (Israel), c. 1300 BCE Biblical text: slavery in Egypt, divine redemption

Early Hebrews (2) Pastoral nomads b/t Mesopotamia & Egypt (2nd millennium B.C.E..) Settle in some cities Abraham leads group to Palestine ~1850B.C.E. Descendants borrow law of retribution & flood story from Mesopotamia

Early Hebrews (3) Some migrate to Egypt in 18th century B.C.E.. then back to Palestine w/ Moses 12 tribes become Israelites Mesopotamian-style monarchs w/ Jerusalem as capital On-going conflict w/ indigenous populations under King David (1000-970 BCE) & Solomon (970-930 BCE)

Moses & Monotheism Hebrews shared polytheistic beliefs of other Mesopotamian civilizations Moses introduces monotheism, belief in single god Denies existence of competing parallel deities Personal god: reward & punishment for conformity w/ revealed law Ten Commandments moral & ethical standards for followers Compilation of teachings into Torah (1000-400 B.C.E..)

Assyrians Conquer Conquer Israel in north & Judah in south & destroy Jerusalem Deportees return to Judea; become known as Jews (586 B.C.E.) Prophets in this period increase devotion of people Build distinct Jewish community in Judea with strong group identity

Other Claims To Ownership First the Assyrians (722BCE) Next came Chaldeans (586BCE) 539BCE Persians take over in Babylon In 2nd century BCE, Greeks rule over it for a time Even the Romans will get in on it (~70AD)

Foreign Conquests of Israel Civil war Northern tribes: Israel Southern: Judah Assyrian Conquest, 722 BCE Exiles Israel: ten lost tribes Babylonian Conquest, 586 BCE Additional exile of many residents of Judah Returned later that century

Hebrew Contributions to Civilization

Monotheism First people to accept the belief in a single, ethical GOD GOD was the Creator and Supreme Ruler of the Universe

Old Testament Recorded their history, moral principles, & religious beliefs in Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible Old Testament considered as a great literary masterpiece Makes up 1st part of the Christian Bible

High Moral Principles Judaism embodies precepts of ethical behavior that were far more advanced for the ancient world Some are applicable to our own times Set moral standards for relationships among people

The Mosaic Law Found in Torah (1st 5 books of Old Testament) The Law of Moses teaches “love thy neighbor as thyself” Includes Ten Commandments “remember Sabbath to keep it holy”; thou shalt not kill”; thou shalt not steal”; “thou shalt not bear false witness”; honor thy father & thy mother

The Hebrew Prophets Advocates for social righteousness & a better world Denounced evil & oppression Demanded justice for poor & weak Essence of Judaism “What is hateful into thee do not do unto others”

Other Influences B/c of its monotheism & high moral principles, influenced Christianity very heavily Part of Judeo-Christian heritage

Famous Hebrews Moses led his people out of servitude in Egypt & gave them 10 Commandments Saul united the 12 Hebrew tribes, led them against the Philistines, became first Hebrew king David slew Goliath Wrote poems/ sacred ( 23rd psalm) Solomon, son of David, was a very wise king Built the Jewish temple in Jerusalem

The Phoenicians 1st settlers about 3000 B.C.E.; develop into kingdoms of independent city-states Little agriculture; live on trade and communications networks Overland trade to Mesopotamia; influence on culture Sea trade most important; get raw materials, trade for manufactured goods Have early alphabetical script (1500 B.C.E.)

The Phoenicians City-states along Mediterranean coast after 3000 BCE Extensive maritime trade Dominated Mediterranean trade, 1200-800 BCE Development of alphabet symbols Simpler alternative to cuneiform Spread of literacy