Brief History of the Jewish People

Important to Know: Jesus was a deeply faith-filled and profoundly committed Jew He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [a]a 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-22)

The story begins with Abraham (1900 B.C.E.) - Originally Abram – he followed a single God in an age when people believed in countless gods. - Abram entered into a special relationship with God and was rewarded with many things – such as a new name, Abraham

Isaac Abraham had two sons: 1. Ishmael (with Hagar) 2. Isaac - Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac as a sign of loyalty - Had a son – Jacob – who God renewed his covenant with (Genesis 28:15)

Egypt One of Jacob’s 12 sons was named Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers. Once Joseph grew to power in Egypt, he invited his family to join him in Egypt. By 1650 B.C.E Hebrews had prospered in Egypt!

Moses (1250 B.C.E.) The man called to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt! Moses had help though… Pharaoh was finally persuaded when the 10 plagues came.

The First Passover Who remembers what happened in the first Passover?

The Covenant of Sinai - One of the central events in all of scripture - Where God extended his covenant to an entire people - The Israelites had to follow the Jewish law, of which the cornerstone was the Ten Commandments.

Life in the Promised Land - Following the death of Moses, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the land that had been promised to them by Yahweh (Canaan). - The next few hundred years were filled with wars and turmoil. After being captured by the Philistines, the Israelites appointed a new leader to help conquer their enemies. - At this time the land was divided among the 12 tribes of Israel

Saul: A Warrior-King (1 Samuel 8-15) - More of a warrior than King (was a weak man personally) - Was recognized as King from all 12 tribes – BUT was not supported by two tribes – the Judeans. - The Judeans support David, one of his leaders in the army.

David: Uniting the People! (2 Samuel) - United the tribes of Israel! - Led Israel in defeating the Philistines! - Jerusalem became known as “the city of David”

Solomon: Son of David (1 Kings) - Served as king for almost 40 years. - Built the great temple of David’s dreams - Solomon ended up turning to idolatry, building pagan shrines… (yikes)

The Kingdom Divided: Israel and Judah - Solomon’s son became of the two southern tribes (Judeans), but the northern tribes (Israelites) would not recognize him -The ten tribes to the North formed themselves into a new kingdom of Israel, thereby destroying the unified kingdom of David. (see map)

The Time of the Prophets - During this time of weak kings and religious disgrace, great prophets arose, trying to call the people back to the covenant - Eventually, in 721 B.C.E., Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians. Prophet to note: Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1-9) – predicted a person in David’s line (who?) would bring peace

The Babylonian Exile: 598 B.C.E. - Jerusalem (in Judah) was overrun by the Babylonians - By 587 B.C.E. the city was destroyed and Judeans were exiled to Babylon - People who were not captured started settlements along the Mediterranean – called the Diaspora (from “dispersion” or “those who have been dispersed.”

- In 539 B.C.E. the Persians overcame the Babylonians, and the leaders allowed all the exiles to return to their native lands. - The people worked on rebuilding the Temple and in 515 B.C.E. they finished The Return to Judah - They were no longer a political nation, but a religious community under the high priest leaders