The Hebrews and Judaism Section 3: The Hebrews and Judaism

Section 3: The Hebrews and Judaism Main Idea The ancient Hebrews and their religion, Judaism, have been a major influence on Western civilization. Objectives What are the major events in the history of the early Hebrews? How did the Kingdom of Israel develop and who were some of its key leaders? What are the basic teachings and sacred texts of Judaism?

I. The Early Hebrews Hebrews were ancestors of the Jews; settled in Fertile Crescent between 2000 - 1500 BC

A. The Hebrew Fathers The Torah records early Hebrew history; it is Judaism’s most sacred text

A. The Hebrew Fathers The Torah traces Hebrews to Abraham, who was told by God to abandon polytheism and leave Mesopotamia

A. The Hebrew Fathers Abraham obeyed; God made covenant to lead Hebrews to Canaan – the Promised Land

A. The Hebrew Fathers The sons of Abraham’s grandson Jacob (aka Israel) established the Twelve Tribes of Israel

A. The Hebrew Fathers Hebrews became known as Israelites and consider Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob their patriarchs

B. Moses and the Exodus Israelites left Canaan and went to Egypt; lived in peace until being enslaved Wall painting from a 15th century BC Egyptian tomb - a farm overseer is thrashing a slave while another slave begs for mercy.

B. Moses and the Exodus After God inflicted ten plagues on Egyptians, Moses led Hebrews out of Egypt - the Exodus

B. Moses and the Exodus Jews remember the Exodus by celebrating Passover each spring The First Passover Passover Seder Plate

B. Moses and the Exodus During the Exodus, Moses climbed Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments

C. The Promised Land They wandered in the desert for 40 years before entering Canaan, the “promised land”

II. The Kingdom of Israel The Period of the Judges: Scattered communities, no central gov. Judges enforced laws Prophets kept focus on faith

A. Saul, David, Solomon First king was Saul, succeeded by David - formed a new dynasty

Lead sling bullets with a winged thunderbolt engraved on one and the inscription "Take that" on the other. From 4th century B.C. Athens. Approximately 35 mm (1 3/8 in) long and about 20 mm (3/4 in) wide weighing approximately 28 g (0.99 oz)

A. Saul, David, Solomon David made Jerusalem capital and religious center of Israel

A. Saul, David, Solomon David’s son Solomon brought Israel to its height of power; built his temple in Jerusalem

B. Division and Conquest 931 BC – Solomon died; the kingdom split into Israel and Judah

B. Division and Conquest 722 BC - Israel was conquered by the Assyrians

B. Division and Conquest 586 BC: Chaldeans conquered Judah, destroyed temple, and took Jews to Babylon – start of the Diaspora

III. The Teachings of Judaism Religion was foundation of Hebrew and Jewish societies: Monotheism Justice and Righteousness

III. The Teachings of Judaism Obedience to the Law Ten Commandments, Mosaic Law Jewish Sacred Texts Torah, Talmud