1. Ancient Middle East and Egypt
Section 5: Roots of Judaism
Witness History Audio: The One God of Judaism
The Ancient Israelites Shape a Unique Belief System
The Israelites were monotheistic. They recorded history and laws in the Torah and the Talmud.
The Early History of the Israelites Unfolds
According to the Torah, Abraham is the father of the Israelites. He and his family migrated to Canaan about 2000 B.C. Later, Moses led the Israelites from Egypt, where they had been slaves. David united the twelve tribes of Israel, and his son Solomon built the capital of Jerusalem. In 722 B.C., the Assyrians conquered Israel, and later the Babylonians captured the land of Judah. Many Israelites were exiled to Babylon.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What key point does God make in this selection?” (that the Israelites should worship only Him) “How is this idea different from the religions of other early cultures in the Fertile Crescent?” (Others worshipped multiple gods.)
When showing Color Transparency 11, ask, “Why did the Israelites migrate to Egypt?” (because of a famine) “How did they finally reach their ‘promised land’ of Canaan?” (Moses led them.) “How did the Babylonian Captivity come about?” (The Babylonians conquered Judah and forced many Jews into exile in Babylon.)
When showing Color Transparency 12, discuss which aspects of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are similar and which are different.
Color Transparency 11: Ancient Israel
Note Taking Transparency 56
1 of 7

2. Ancient Middle East and Egypt
Section 5: Roots of Judaism
Judaism Teaches About Law and Morality
Israelite society was patriarchal and ordered. Jews followed the Ten Commandments handed down to Moses. Prophets emerged who urged people to follow a code of ethics. Beginning with the Babylonian Captivity, Jews spread out into different parts of the world in a migration known as the Diaspora.
Color Transparency 12: Comparisons of Three Monotheistic Religions
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What key point does God make in this selection?” (that the Israelites should worship only Him) “How is this idea different from the religions of other early cultures in the Fertile Crescent?” (Others worshipped multiple gods.)
When showing Color Transparency 11, ask, “Why did the Israelites migrate to Egypt?” (because of a famine) “How did they finally reach their ‘promised land’ of Canaan?” (Moses led them.) “How did the Babylonian Captivity come about?” (The Babylonians conquered Judah and forced many Jews into exile in Babylon.)
When showing Color Transparency 12, discuss which aspects of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are similar and which are different.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
QuickTake Chapter Test
2 of 7

3. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 5
Color Transparency 11: Ancient Israel
3 of 6

4. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 5
Note Taking Transparency 56
4 of 6

5. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 5
Color Transparency 12: Comparisons of Three Monotheistic Religions
5 of 6

6. Ancient Middle East and Egypt: Section 5
Progress Monitoring Transparency
6 of 6