The Hebrews & Judaism

I. The Early Hebrews

A. Ancestors of people called Jews B. Judaism – monotheistic religion

originating with the IsraelitesC. Foundation of Hebrew & Christian

Bibles

II. Hebrew FathersA. 5 books – Torah; sacred text of Judaism

1. Called the Old Testament of Christian Bible

B. Abraham – told by God to abandon Mesopotamia & polytheism1. God’s Covenant = solemn promise

a) God will lead people to the Promise Landb) Descendants will be a mighty people

C. Jacob – (grandson of Abraham) had 12 sons1. 12 tribes of Israel

III. Moses & Exodus

A. Moses – told by God to lead people out of Egypt

B. Plagues – terrified Pharaoh & agreed to free Israelites

C. Exodus – journey out of EgyptD. Desert – Israelites wander for years before

reaching Canaan– Mt. Sinai – 10 Commandments ->major influence on

western society today

IV. The Promise Land

A. Promised by God to flow with milk & honeyB. Others already lived in Canaan so Israelites

battled for yearsC. Once controlled the land became Israel

V. Saul, David, Solomon

A. Saul – first king of Israel1. Chosen for military leadership2. Never gained full support of people

B. David – king about 1000 BC1. Well loved, united Israelites2. Grew a strong kingdom centered in Jerusalem

C. Solomon – son of David1. Israel reaches height of wealth2. Built temple in Jerusalem

VI. Division

• Death of Solomon – 930 BC– Conflict over ruler ripped

Israel in 2• 2 New Kingdoms– 10 northern tribes for Israel– 2 southern tribes for Judah

VII. ConqueredA. Israel – conquered by Assyrians

1. Scattered across their empire

B. Judah – conquered by Chaldeans1. Destroyed temple in Jerusalem2. Jews taken to Babylon as slaves

• Called the Babylonian Captivity

C. Diaspora – the scattering of Jews outside of JudahD. Persian Empire conquered Chaldeans

1. Allowed Jews to move back to Jerusalem2. Many stayed in Babylon or moved to Persia

VIII. Teachings of Judaism• Belief in One God – monotheism• Justice & Righteousness– Treat others with kindness & fairness– Do what is right when others do not– Code of ethics carried to Christianity

• Obedience to the Law– 10 Commandments– Mosaic Law – guides many areas of Jewish Life• How to pray• What to eat• Where to worship

IX. Sacred Texts• Torah – 1 part of the Hebrew Bible– First 5 books of Christian Old Testament• Genesis• Exodus• Leviticus• Numbers• Deuteronomy

• Prophets – teachings of Israelite prophets• Writings – lessons, histories, poetry, proverbs• Talmud – explanations & interpretations of

other sacred texts