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A Brief History of Ancient Judaism
Around 1900 BCE, nearly two thousand years before the time of Jesus - Jewish history began.
At that time, Jews were simply part of a number of tribes collectively know as Hebrews.
These “Tribal” peoples believed in many God’s (Polytheism); later take on the name Jews.
ABRAHAM, The Story Begins: 1900 B.C.E
 The people of Israel trace their origins back to a man named Abraham, who established the belief that there is
only one God.
The Covenant
 God called Abraham into a special relationship, a Covenant.
 God promised Abraham’s people a land of safety & well-being (promise land).
 In return, Abraham and his people were called to follow this ‘one’ God loyally & lovingly.
Historical Abraham
 Abraham, son of Terah, was born in the Chaldean City of Ur, northern Mesopotamia - (now southeastern Turkey).
 Abraham, his wife Sarah, and all their followers eventually departed for Canaan.
 God had promised Abraham a blessing for him and all mankind.
 It wasn’t long before these followers of Abraham were already on the move.
 Driven by famine, Abram’s people took refuge in Egypt.
 Fearing Egyptian Pharaohs would fancy his wife, Abram referred to her as his sister.
 The Pharaoh added Sarah to his royal harem nonetheless while Abraham was paid in herds and servants.
 Eventually Yahweh plagued the Pharaoh and his house allowing Abram and Sarah to leave Egypt.
 Abraham, Sarah and their people eventually settled in the current biblical region of Judea.
 Abraham and his peoples needed to fight to defend their territory.
 Shortly after these difficult times the Lord renewed his promises to Abraham, offering fresh assurances that his
descendants would possess the land of Canaan and that they should be a numerous as the stars in heaven.
Sara and Hagar
 Though God promised Abraham descendants, Sarah continued to be infertile.
 Eventually Sarah, in accordance with custom, gave Abraham her Egyptian maid, Hagar.
 Hagar bore Ishmael, Abraham was 86 years old.
 Sarah was so hurt by seeing Hagar with Abraham’s child that she forced them to flee.
 God heard Hagar’s sorrow and promised that her descendants would also become a “great nation.”
 Descendants of Ishmael are widely regarded to be present day Arab peoples.
Covenant fulfilled
 Eventually Sarah bore Isaac, fulfilling the covenant,
 Sometime after Isaac’s birth, God commanded that Abraham offer his son up for Sacrifice.
 Abraham’s willingness alone was enough for God.
3 Major Religions Born of 1 Man (“Abrahamic Religions”)
 *Judaism, *Christianity, *Islam
The Patriarchs
 Abraham, his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob (Israel) are referred to as the Patriarchs (founding fathers) of the
Israelites.
Jacob --> Israel, Joseph
 Jacob fathered 12 sons and later, like Abraham before him, was given a new name - ISRAEL
 Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons was sold as a slave (out of jealousy) by his brothers to merchants on their way to
Egypt. Joseph eventually prospered in Egypt.
Israelites return to Egypt
 Again stricken by a drought, the Israelites were forced to journey in search for food.
 When Joseph randomly came across his brothers he sent for all his family to come live in comfort with him.
End of Patriarchal Period
 Settlement in Egypt ended the patriarchal period.
 Because Jacob had been given the name Israel by God, his people became known as the Israelites.
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Prosperity of the Israelites in Egypt didn’t last. After 150 years of happiness living under kind pharaohs, the
Israelites became dominated by Egyptian pharaohs who enslaved them.
Their lives became miserable, and they dreamed of being liberated. The one who would lead them to freedom
would be born many generations later.
Moses (1290 B.C.E)
 Moses was called to free the Israelites from slavery
 “The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will
send you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:9-10)
The First Passover (1312 B.C.E)
 Moses went to convince Pharaoh to free the Israelites, but Pharaoh wasn’t easily persuaded.
 God assisted with major force - Ten Plagues.
 The 10th plague ultimately freed the Israelites from Pharaoh’s grip, resulting in the present day Jewish holiday Passover.
 Passover marks the “birth” of - Children of Israel.
The Covenant of Sinai (1312 B.C.E)
 Following Exodus the Israelites began their long journey back to the Promised Land of Canaan.
 50 days into their journey, Yahweh called Moses to the top of Mount Sinai and offered the Covenant to an entire
people.
 In fulfilling their end of the agreement the Israelites were expected to follow the elaborate system of Jewish Law,
of which the cornerstone being the 10 Commandments.
The Promised Land
 After God re-established the covenant with the Israelites at Sinai they continued their journey roaming the desert
for 40 difficult years.
 Following the death of Moses (1250 B.C.E), the Israelites crossed over the Jordan River into the land that had
been promised to them by God.
12 tribes of Israel
 For 200 years the Israelites fought to settle land that was already occupied by other peoples. Eventually they
conquered Canaan under the command of Joshua.
 Eventually the 12 tribes of Israel came about, one tribe descending from each of the twelve sons of Jacob.
The Period of the Judges (From 1200-1020 B.C.E)
 For a time the 12 tribes were led by a series of rulers known as Judges.
Saul (1030-20bce)
 Saul became the first “king” of the kingdom of Israel and Judah.
Kind David 1010-970 BCE
 Known for his diverse skills as both a warrior and a writer of psalms.
 In 40 years as ruler, he united the people of Israel, led them to victory in battle, conquered land and paved the
way for his son, Solomon, to build the Holy Temple.
King Solomon the Wise (971-931bce)
 Solomon was known for his wisdom, his wealth and his writings.
 His crowning achievement was the building of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Division of the Kingdom 931bce
 After Solomon’s death, the nation split into two Kingdoms:
 Israel, 10 tribes (north)
 Judah, tribes of Judah and Benjamin (south)