1. Ancient Israel
De Blois, pp

2. Historical Evidence
Why do we know so much about the ancient Israelites?
They copied their works over and over again to preserve them for future generations.
Why have their works survived?
Their religion survived.
What problems do their works pose for historians?
The texts were not written down in the form in which they have been preserved until relatively long after the events they describe; not until the Babylonian exile c. 550.
The texts are colored by the religious message of the Hebrews.

3. Historical Evidence (2)
Who do the Israelites claim to be descended from?
Abraham, who left Mesopotamia to live in Canaan (Palestine)
Why did the Israelites go to Egypt?
To escape famine
What other historical evidence corroborates the Israelite account of Egypt and the Exodus (C B.C.)?
Very little; Egyptian records that Ramses II built two new cities and his successor met the “people of Israel” during a raid on Palestine
Who was the Israelites’ most formidable opponent in Canaan? Why?
The Philistines because they had iron weapons while the Israelites had bronze weapons

4. Abraham’s Journey

5. Early Government
What was the original structure of Israelite society and government in Palestine during peace and during war?
It consisted of disorganized communities scattered across Palestine which sometimes united in time of war under the leadership of “judges.”
What inspired the need for a king over the Israelites?
Fierce battles aroused the need for a professional soldier to lead them.
Who was the first king?
Saul

6. After Saul Who was Saul’s successor?
David
What were his major accomplishments?
He conquered Jerusalem and made it the capital.
Why was he able to expand the kingdom?
There were no great powers to oppose him.
Who was David’s successor?
Solomon
What did he have built?
The first temple in Jerusalem

7. Breakup and Downfall What happened to the kingdom after his death?
It broke up into two parts.
What and where were the new kingdoms?
Judah in the south
Israel in the north
What became of these kingdoms? When?
They were reduced to vassal states by neo-Assyria c. 750.
Approximately when did the ancient kingdom of Israel thrive?
From c BC

8. Divided Kingdom