Section 2: Hebrews

Known as Israelites 1st Civilization to practice monotheism

Belief in only 1 God Religion known as Judaism Were nomadic traders

Traveled from Ur to Mediterranean by foot

God of Abraham Yahweh (god) made a deal w/

Abraham If obeyed his trust, his family

could live in Canaan 4ever. Yahweh did only what was just

& right Jacob (Abraham’s grandson)

had 12 children which made 12 tribes Settled in Egypt in 1900 BC b/c

of drought

Moses & 10 Commandments Exodus

Led by Moses, Hebrews escaped to Sinai Desert b/c they were Egyptian slaves for 600 years

Moses met with Yahweh on Mt. SinaiPromised to bring them back to Canaan if they

followed the 10 Commandments Believed in social justice

Right to be treated fairly

Promised Land

Joshua = new leader Life

Farmers & shepherds Borrowed tools & alphabet

from Canaanites Lived in 1 room homes

• Split into 2 levels

Kings

After Joshua died, 12 tribes split Led by Council of Elders

David became King Reunited Hebrews & defeated

Canaanites Established Jerusalem as capital Wrote psalms (sacred songs)

Solomon was next King Trade & treaties w/ new nations Built Solomon’s temple from limestone & gold

• Never has been discovered

After Solomon’s death, Hebrews split North = Israel South = ruled from

Jerusalem or Judah

Prophets

People claiming to have messages from Yahweh Criticized way ppl lived & said Yahweh was god of

everyone 722 BC – neighbors made North Israelites disappear 586 BC – Judeans forced to Babylonia Established the Sabbath 516 BC – moved back to Jerusalem Scribe Ezra wrote law of Moses = Torah