Ancient Israelites

The Ancient Israelites

Monotheism & Law

Israelites Beginnings

Traditions recorded in the Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament

Descendants of Abraham, were eventually brought out of Egypt by Moses

The Kings of Israel

The ancient city of Jerusalem was captured by King David, perhaps the most famous Israelite king

David was an effective military leader

Jerusalem became the capital of the kingdom

King Solomon was known for his wisdom, administrative skills, and extensive building projects

Dissension & Division

After Solomon’s death, tension between the different tribes of Israel led to a split

The 10 northern tribes formed the Kingdom of Israel

The 2 southern tribes formed the Kingdom of Judah

Captivity

Assyrians captured and deported many who lived in the northern kingdom in 722/1 BC

The kingdom of Judah was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC

The “Jews” were allowed to return during the reign of King Cyrus

What’s in a name?

There are several names by which this group is generally known by…

Israelites: descendants of Israel (Jacob)

Hebrews: generally synonymous with Israelites, but in Roman times referred to Jews living in Judaea

Jews: technically a member of the tribe of Judah, or one who lived in the kingdom of Judah

The Israelites believed that they were the chosen people of Yahweh

Monotheism & Law

Judaism was the earliest form of strict monotheism

After returning from the Babylonian exile, Judaism became extremely monotheistic

Jewish monotheism influenced Christianity & Islam

Jewish adherence to the their god’s laws was rigorous

Jews refused to acknowledge other peoples’ gods, which made it difficult for them to integrate with other people

The 10 commandments became the basis for all Jewish—and later, Christian—law

Jewish prophets were also interested in social justice

If God had Texted the 10 Commandments…

no1 b4 me. srsly.

dnt wrshp pix/idols

no omg’s

no wrk on w/end

pos ok—ur m&d r cool

dnt kill ppl

:-X only w/m8

dnt steal

dnt lie re: bf

dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

n