The Israelites Overview Article This article is from: Kidspast.com

The Israelites One of the most notable civilizations to inhabit the early Middle East is that of the Israelites. Notable not because of the influence that they had in their own time, but rather because of the almost incomparable influence that they have had throughout history. Billions and billions of people throughout the ages have believed in religions that are all based on the beliefs originally put forth by the Israelites. The Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths all get their heritage from them.

Israel’s Beginnings What historians know about the early history of the Israelites is based on accounts from the Bible. In many ways, the Bible is in fact a history book for this civilization. According to the Bible, Israel owes its beginnings to a man by the name of Abraham. Abraham lived in Mesopotamia in the city of Ur around 1900 B.C. Abraham was apparently a wealthy merchant with a large household consisting of his family and servants.

Abraham’s religion was revolutionary compared to other religions of the day. Most religions of that time period believed in the worship of multiple deities. Abraham and his followers believed in just one all-powerful God whom they referred to as Yahweh. Abraham and his followers eventually left Ur to found a new civilization in the land of Canaan. Canaan was among the most fertile lands in the region, and was coveted by farmers for the ease of growing crops.

For the next two generations the Israelites lived in Canaan in relative peace. Abraham’s grandson, whose name was Jacob, was the father of 12 sons. Each of these sons grew to become leaders over their own tribe. These tribes became known as the 12 tribes of Israel.

Israel Leaves Canaan During the lifetime of Jacob, diminishing rain forced the Israelites to leave the land of Canaan. The drought meant that there was no water to irrigate crops. Without crops, there was insufficient food to feed the growing nation. The Israelites immigrated to Egypt where they were welcomed with open arms. For many generations they remained in Egypt and thrived alongside the Egyptians in peace. During this period of time, the Israelite nation continued to grow in size and strength.

Eventually the Egyptians began to worry about the growing strength of the Israelites. Perceiving them as a threat, the Egyptians forced them into slavery. They would remain as slaves in Egypt for the next 400 years.

The Exodus Around 1200 B.C., an Israelite leader by the name of Moses led his people out of Egypt and back towards the land of Canaan. Moses, however, died before the Israelites reached Canaan. His successor, a man by the name of Joshua, continued the trek and eventually the now much larger nation of Israel returned to Canaan.

Israel Fights For Canaan It had now been several centuries since the time the Israelites had left Canaan. Many other peoples had moved into the land and established settlements. Led by their religious belief that God had prepared the land of Canaan for them, the Israelites spent the next 200 years fighting to wipe out these peoples.

A Dynasty In Israel The warfare that lasted for almost two centuries brought the 12 tribes together under a single ruler or king. This king was named Saul. Saul’s inability to defeat another group of people known as the Philistines quickly led to him being replaced by a new king. This king's name was David. David and his son Solomon ruled Israel for the next century. Under Solomon, Israel saw a period of great prosperity, but also high taxes and forced labor. After the death of King Solomon, the northern 10 tribes split from the southern 2 tribes, forming their own nation which they called Israel. The southern nation took the name of Judah.

Israel Declines Israel’s culture and civilization flourished for the next two hundred years. However, their weak military left them defenseless against neighboring civilizations. In 722 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians. In 586 B.C., the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Chaldeans of Babylon. Many of the people of Judah were carried as captives into the land of Babylon. Others fled to Egypt.

Jews Return to Canaan In 539 B.C., the Chaldeans were conquered by the Persians. The Persians allowed the Israelites, now known as the Jews, to return to Canaan and rebuild their temple and cities. Many Jews chose not to return, instead remaining in Babylon. By now, they had built homes and lives among the Chaldeans. Other Jews chose to immigrate to other lands. As they did so, they retained their Jewish culture and bloodlines. Thus, though they were outside of their homeland, they remained connected as a part of the Jewish people.