1. The Hebrews and Judaism
Section 3:
The Hebrews and Judaism

2. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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