1. Ancient History of Hebrews

2. Abraham and Sarah 2000 B.C.E.
Abraham and barren wife Sarah are told by God that if they believe he is the one true God and travel from the city of Ur, to the land of Canaan (later called Palestine) they will receive three things:
1 - Land
2 - A big blessed family
3 - everyone they know will be blessed.
Sarah cannot have children so Abraham has a child with one of their servants, Hagar.
Named Ishmael.
At first, this was all ok with Sarah because she thought maybe it was just Abraham's lineage that needed to prosper, But then she got jealous and had Ishmael and Hagar banished.
Finally Sarah has a child by Abraham - Isaac.
Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice Isaac but at the last minute an angel is sent to save him and this lineage is recognized by God.

3. Connection Between Judaism and Islam
After they are banished by a jealous Sarah, Hagar and Ishmael travel to what is now Saudi Arabia.
Their descendants eventually became Muslim
This is the Muslim connection to Abraham (Judaism)
Muslims believe Abraham almost sacrificed ISHMAEL, NOT ISSAC.
A shrine is now placed in the spot of the attempted sacrifice. It happens to be the same spot as the temple of Solomon (Wailing Wall), and the Dome of the Rock

4. 12 Tribes of Israel Isaac has two sons Esau and Jacob.
Even though Esau is first born Jacob received lineage rights.
Jacob has twelve sons and it is from them that the twelve tribes of Israel are born.

5. Enslavement of the Hebrews 1800 B.C.E.
There is a nasty drought in Canaan that forced many Hebrews to migrate south to Egypt.
At first the Egyptians welcomed them, but as their numbers increased the Egyptians began to see the Hebrews as a threat.
Eventually Hebrews were forced into slavery.

6. The Exodus B.C.E.
The Hebrews are slaves until Moses conducts the Exodus.
Moses leads the Hebrews back to Canaan/Sinai.
He wants to avoid the Philistines, so they spent 40 years in the desert during this time wandering around the Sinai peninsula.
The 10 Commandments are issued during this time. Moses is given credit for writing the Torah, the holy law books (first 5 books of the Bible)

7. Settlement of the Hebrews 1200 B.C.E.
Over time the Hebrews moved into the land of Canaan. This would have meant displacing other tribes through warfare.
At this time the Hebrew switched from being nomadic herders to having permanent agricultural settlements.

8. Kingdom of Israel Continued conflict with other groups in the region
Philistines
Assyrians
Babylonians
Israelites organize a strong central government in order to defend themselves
Saul is the first King on a United Kingdom of Israel

9. King David
King David unites all the tribes of Israel under one rule in Jerusalem
Is considered the best ruler
Planned to build temple in Jerusalem for the Arc of the Covenant
To hold the Ten Commandments

10. King Solomon When David died his son Solomon took over
Builds the temple that his father (David) had planned
First temple to honor Yahweh (God) and hold the Arc of the Covenant
Project requires heavy taxation
Causes resentment among his people

11. The Split, 1028 BC After death of King Solomon revolts break out
United Kingdom of Israel is split in two
Israel to the North
Judah to the South
Capital is Jerusalem

12. Conquerors
Northern kingdom of Israel is crushed by Assyrians in 722 BC
Many Jews are deported (physical scattering of the Jews)
Southern Kingdom of Judah fall to Babylonia in 586 BC
Jewish Temple is destroyed
All Jews are exiled to Babylon where they become slaves
But are allowed to keep religious beliefs

13. Jewish Freedom, 539 BCE
Persians under the leadership of Cyrus, defeat the Babylonians
He is seen as a savior in the Hebrew’s eyes
Jews return to Judah
Temple is rebuilt