Justice and Monotheism: New ideas in Civilization Hebrew Culture Justice and Monotheism: New ideas in Civilization
Look in Notes for the Semitic Tribes
Early Semites 5,000 BC the Semite Tribes (from desert of Arabia) begin to socialize with the Sumers Many were incorporated into Semite culture Majority moved north to create societies similar to the Sumerians
Blend of History and Story Early patriarchs- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob Jacob > changes name to Israel First 5 books of Scriptures- Pentateuch= Torah (law code) 1208 B.C.E.- Marneptah (son of Ramses II) Erected “victory stone”- gives historical credence to concept of a strong Israelite Kingdom in Palestine 1200-1050 B.C.E.- Shift in Hebrew leadership paradigm Tribal leaders > Judges > Kings Samuel- last of the Judges- anoints Saul as King David, son of Saul
David and Solomon David- 1000-961 B.C.E.- encouraged tribal consolidation in Jersusalem Solomon- 961-922 B.C.E.- used Phoenician craftsmen to build the Great Temple of Jerusalem Increased taxes- Growth of Administrative bureaucracy Solomon-polygamous- used marriages to forge political connections After Solomon’s death- Northern and Southern tribes split into 2 kingdoms
Describe the Polytheistic Religion we have seen so far in Mesopotamia
Ethical Monotheism Single God of Justice God transcends nature- change from nature-based religious cults and myths Individuals follow conscience to create a more ethical world Religion of people’s hearts and minds Ethics= moral codes
Israel and Judah Northern tribes angry over taxes- Kingdom of Israel Southern tribes- Kingdom of Judah Judah- capital in Jerusalem- more strict towards old laws Both kingdoms: “Intimate relationship between obedience to God’s laws and the unfolding history of the Jewish people” God will care for His Chosen People only if they faithfully practice his laws 10 Commandments, Torah, circumcision, etc.- many laws Prophets- social conscience of Hebrew culture
Influence of Mesopotamian Culture The Great Flood Story of the Garden Tower of Babel- symbol of their perception of corrupt Mesopotamian society
The Story of the Flood Read Induvidually Essay Question- How did the flood in the story of Gilgamesh influence the flood story of Genesis? Create Outline Write Introduction Paragraph
Babylonian Captivity 721 B.C.E.- Assyrians conquer Israel 587 B.C.E.- Babylonians capture Jerusalem- brutal repression of Hebrews- destroy Great Temple of Solomon Dispersed tribes- created the Diaspora Forced scriptures to be written and coordinated Began emphasis on study of scripture 538 B.C.E.- Persian King Cyrus- allows Hebrews to return to Jerusalem- “Second Temple” era begins Many Hebrew tribes do not return to Palestine