wh chapter 2 section 5 notes
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Chapter 2Section 5 Notes
Early in their history, the Israelites, or Hebrews, came to believe that God was taking a hand in their lives. As a result, they recorded events and laws in the Torah, their most sacred text.
According to the Torah, a man named Abraham lived near Ur in Mesopotamia. About 2000BC, he and his family migrated into a region called Canaan. Abraham is considered the founder of the Israelite nation.
Early History of the Israelites
The Book of Genesis tells that a famine forced many Israelites to migrate to Egypt
In Egypt, the Israelites were enslaved until Moses led their exodus out of Egypt
After Moses died, they entered Canaan, the land they believed God had promised them
Early History of the Israelites
Torah
Abraham
Moses
By 1000BC, the Israelites had set up a kingdom called Israel. David, a strong and shrewd king, united the feuding Israelite tribes into a single nation.
David’s son Solomon turned Jerusalem into an impressive capital, with a splendid temple dedicated to God. Solomon won fame for his wisdom and understanding. He also tried to increase Israel’s influence by negotiating with powerful empires in Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Early History of the Israelites
King David
King Solomon
Israel paid a heavy price for Solomon’s ambitions. His building projects required such high taxes and so much forced labor that revolts erupted soon after his death about 922BC. The kingdom then split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Solomon’s great temple and forced many Israelites into exile in Babylon. During this period, called the Babylonian Captivity, the Israelites became known as the Jews.
Early History of the Israelites
Israel and Judah
King Nebuchadnezzar
To the Israelites, history and faith were interconnected. Each event reflected God’s plan for them. In time, their beliefs evolved into the religion we know today as Judaism.
The beliefs of the Israelites differed in basic ways from those of nearby peoples. The Israelites were monotheistic, believing in one true God. At the time, most other people were polytheistic.
A Covenant with God
The ancient Israelites prayed to God to save them from their enemies. Many other ancient people had also turned to particular gods as special protectors. But they thought of such gods as tied to certain places or people. The Israelites believed in an all-knowing, all-powerful God who was present everywhere.
A Covenant with God
The Israelites believed that God had made a covenant with Abraham
Moses later renewed this covenant. In return for faithful obedience, he said God would lead the Israelites out of bondage and into the “promised land” of Canaan. Thus, the Israelites and, later, the Jews saw themselves as God’s “chosen people.”
A Covenant with God
From early times, the concept of law was central to the Israelites. The Torah set out many laws. Some dealt with everyday matters such as cleanliness and food preparation.
Israelite society was patriarchal---fathers and husbands held great legal and moral authority
The father or oldest male relative was head of the household and arranged marriages for his daughters
Teachings on Law and Morality
Women had few legal rights At the heart of Judaism are the Ten
Commandments---set of laws that Jews believe God gave them through Moses
At the heart of Judaism are the Ten Commandments---set of laws that Jews believe God gave Moses
The first four Commandments stress religious duties toward God
The other six set out rules of conduct toward other people
Teachings on Law and Morality
The Ten Commandments
Spiritual leaders emerged to interpret God’s will
Prophets (such as Isaiah and Jeremiah) warned that failure to obey God’s law would lead their people to disaster
The prophets also preached a strong code of ethics---moral standards of behavior
They urged both personal morality and social justice, calling on the rich and powerful to protect the weak and poor
Teachings on Law and Morality