1. What made monotheism unique among early belief systems?
Lesson Question
What made monotheism unique among early belief systems?

2. GPS Standard
SSWH1: Analyze the origins, structures, and interactions of societies in the ancient world from BCE/BC to 500 BCE/BC.
c. Explain the development of monotheism, include: the concepts developed by the ancient Hebrews.

3. Vocabulary Canaan Torah Abraham Monotheism Covenant Moses Israel Judah
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4. Ancient Hebrews are the only surviving nation of people who lived in the Fertile Crescent. Today, they are known as Jews. Their religion is called Judaism.

5. Religion Monotheistic Believed in God “Yahweh”
Yahweh appeared to a nomad named Abraham.
Father of Judaism
God promised to give Abraham and his descendants a land of their own if they worshipped only Him (around 1500 BCE).
After years of wandering the desert, they eventually settled in the land of Canaan (modern day Israel), which was “flowing with milk and honey.”
Around 1400 BCE, the Jews migrated to Egypt to work for the invading Hyksos people. After about 100 years, the Hyksos were kicked out of Egypt, and the Hebrews (Jews) were made slaves in Egypt.

8. The Hebrews
The Exodus
Moses led the enslaved Hebrews out of Egypt around 1200 BCE. The Hebrews were the slaves of the pharaoh, probably Ramses II (“Ramses the Great”). The word “Exodus” means departure, or the departure from Egypt.
Before the pharaoh set the Hebrews free, several plagues (which did not affect the Hebrews) afflicted Egypt including:
The Nile River turned to blood
Frogs
Gnats or lice
Flies
Plagues
Boils
Hail and meteors
Locusts
Eclipse of the sun
Death of first born

9. The Hebrews Monotheism: Belief in one God
Polytheism: Belief in many gods
Covenant: An agreement
Noah and the “Ark of the Covenant”
Moses and the “Ten Commandments” which he received from Yahweh on Mt. Sinai
Torah: means “law” in Hebrew the first five books of the Bible
Tabernacle: A shrine or place of worship