3.1

If it is in red then it is optional to write.

I. The Early IsraelitesThe Israelites built a kingdom in Canaan

around 1000 B.C.Monotheists Judaism influenced Christianity and Islam

and helped shape the beliefs of European and American societies.

Spoke HebrewWrote their beliefs in what became the

Hebrew Bible.

Abraham“Father of the Faithful”Israelites believed God told Abraham

Genesis 22: 1-18

Genesis 12: 1-10

Israelites believed that God told Abraham to settle in Canaan and worship the one true God.

Abraham’s grandson was JacobGenesis 32:24-31

Penuel – “Face of God” Ge 32:28 - And he said, Thy

name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

He raised 12 sons and 1 daughter in Canaan.

Their families became the 12 tribes of Israel

After 100 years in Canaan, the Israelites suffered a long drought. To survive they went to Egypt.

Joseph Story of Joseph is found in Genesis 37-50

Favored son -Gen 37:19-20 - And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Sold – Gen. 37Potiphar’s Servant – Gen. 39Interprets dream for pharaoh – Gen. 41Rises to be second in command – Gen 41:37-45A famine brings Joseph family down to Egypt Gen. 47Ex 1:7-8 - And the children of Israel were fruitful, and

increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

The Egyptian pharaoh enslaved the Israelites.

Ordered: All baby boys were to be thrown into the Nile River

Pharaoh’s daughter found a baby boy in a basket on the river bank. His name was Moses. When Moses grew

up he lived outside of Egypt. It was there that he saw the burning bush and a voice that told him to go and lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

The Bible says that God sent 10 plagues to trouble Egypt.Blood, Frogs, Lice, Flies, Diseased Cattle, Boils,

Hail, Locust, Darkness, and Death of the First BornDeath of the First Born convinced the pharaoh to

let the Israelites leave Egypt. (Exodus 12)The pharaoh then changed his mind and sent his

armies after the Israelites.Exodus 7-11

After the Israelites left, the pharaoh changed his mind and sent soldiers after them.

The Bible says that God parted the Red Sea, so the Israelites could pass. Then the Egyptians were engulfed when they pursued after them. EX. 14

On the way to Canaan, Moses went to the top of Mt. Sinai and received laws from God. (Exodus 19-20)These laws were known as the Torah10 Commandments – what God believes to be

right and wrong They have helped shape the basic moral laws of many

nations.

Ten Commandments (Ex. 20)1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images.3. Thou shalt not use the name of the Lord thy God

in vain.4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.5. Honor thy father and thy mother.6. Thou shalt not do murder.7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.8. Thou shalt not steal.9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.10.Thou shalt not covet.

II. The Promised LandThe Israelites wondered in the wilderness for

about 40 years.Along the way Joshua took over because Moses died.

When Israel reached Canaan it was occupied by the Canaanites. Joshua led the Israelites into battle.First was Jericho – wall fell down after they marched

around them (according to the Bible)Joshua led the people in three more wars.

The land that was seized was divided among the 12 Tribes.

After Joshua’s death, the Israelites looked to judges for leadership.

Eventually, the Israelites won the hilly region of Canaan, and the Canaanites kept the coastal areas.Israel built walled towns to protect themselves.

The Phoenicians were a group of Canaanites who developed an alphabet.Alphabet – group of letters that stands for

sounds.