Important Events in the History of Ancient Israelites LHDT 525 University of St. Thomas By Dave Schneck

Abraham and the Stars Abraham was one of the founders of Judaism. God tells Abraham to leave Mesopotamia for a “Promised Land” in Canaan. The stars are a reminder that Abraham’s descendents are to be as “numerous as the stars”.

Slavery in Egypt Israelites were forced to perform difficult tasks. Israelites were guarded and often whipped and beaten. Slave labor built palaces and cities in Egypt.

Moses and the Exodus Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt back to the “Promised Land” in Canaan. Moses raised his staff so that the Israelites could pass through the waters. The army of Pharaoh Ramesses II did not succeed in capturing the Israelites.

Moses and the Ten Commandments Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. God promised to protect the people if they were to live by His commandments. The two stone tablets were kept in the Ark of the Covenant and housed in a special tent called a “tabernacle”.

Joshua and Jericho Joshua was the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. Jericho was the first city the Israelites encountered after returning to Canaan. After seven days of siege, the walls of Jericho crumbled at the sounds of trumpets.

Source Teachers’ Curriculum Institute: “Ancient Egypt and the Near East”. Palo Alto, California, 1997.