1. History of the Hebrews & Origins of Judaism
See Note Guide

2. Origins of the Hebrews & Judaism
The civilization of the Hebrews lasted 1800 BCE-70 CE (about 1900 years or almost 2 millennia)
The Hebrews were the founders of the religion of Judaism
They eventually became known as Jews (from the name of the Hebrew tribe "Judah")
Star of David & Menorah - Two symbols of the ancient Hebrews & Judaism

3. Origins of the Hebrews & Judaism
History of Hebrews, Judaism, & its basic laws/teachings are found in Judaism's most sacred/important text = the Torah
Torah = "God's teachings" = the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible
Torah scroll containing the books 5 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deutornomy

4. Abraham: Father of the Hebrews
Born in Ur (Mesopotamia) c BCE
Mesopotamians were polytheistic, but Abraham worshipped only 1 god
Monotheism would become foundation of Hebrews' faith & Judaism
Abraham & his family migrated from Ur to Canaan, c BCE
Painting depicting Abraham & his family’s migration from Ur to Canaan

5. Polytheistic Religion Monotheistic Religion
Stop and Compare
Polytheistic Religion
HINDUISM
Based on: ___________
Led to: -
Monotheistic Religion
JUDAISM
Based on: Torah
Led to: -

6. Abraham: Father of the Hebrews
According to the Torah, Judaism began when God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation if he left Ur for Canaan
God's promise to Abraham = covenant = agreement, contract
God would protect and bless Abraham & his descendants as long as he worshipped and followed God’s rules.
Source

8. Moses: Prophet of the Hebrews
Descendants of Abraham (Hebrews) eventually left Canaan and migrated to Egypt most likely due to a famine (lack of food) c BCE
Over time, the Hebrews became slaves in Egypt
According to the Torah, Moses, a Hebrew, became a prophet = someone who speaks/interprets for God
Egyptian art showing images of ancient Hebrews

10. Moses: Exodus of the Hebrews
Moses became a leader of the Hebrews when he was told by God to go to the pharaoh and free the Hebrew slaves
Pharaoh refused & 10 plagues (really bad, harmful events) were sent by God
Eventually, Moses led Hebrews out of Egypt and to Canaan
Moses received the 10 commandments from God during this exodus = mass exit of a group of people
10 commandments = established Judaism's basic laws regarding how to:
worship God
treat each other
how to behave

12. David & Solomon: Kings of Israel
After Hebrews settled in Canaan they eventually established a monarchy to rule over the people
David became Israel's king BCE
King David united the two parts of the Hebrews' land into 1 kingdom called Israel
In Israel, David created a strong central government, army, courts
King David with his son Solomon

13. David & Solomon: Kings of Israel
Solomon - David’s son - built a great temple to the Hebrews’ god
Temple held the Ark of the Covenant = chest containing original stone tablets with the 10 commandments on them
Temple became center of Jewish worship
Solomon forced Israelites to pay heavy taxes & do hard labor to buid the Temple
Artist’s depiction of what Solmon’s Temple may have looked like

14. Kingdom of Israel Divided
Solomon’s methods angered many Hebrews
Near his death c. 931 BCE the northern tribes of the Hebrews broke away and formed the kingdom of Israel
The remaining tribes formed the southern kingdom of Judah ruled by Solomon’s descendants (JUDIASM)
Divided Kingdoms of Israel & Judah

15. Fall of Israel & Judah
Weakened by their division, Hebrews were less able to defend themselves from invaders
722 BCE - Northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyrians and its people were scattered throughout Mesopotamia
597 BCE - Southern kingdom of Judah was invaded by the Babylonians
Assyrian stone carving showing Hebrews being forced out with their possessins and cattle from Israel. This relief was found in the palace of King Sennacherib in Nineveh. This is one of the few depictions of the early Jewish people.
Bob Marley Song “Exodus”  Jews exiled to Babylon

17. Capture of Jerusalem & Babylonian Exile
King Nebuchadnezzar surrounded & cut off supplies to the city of Jerusalem
By 586 BCE, Hebrews ran out of food and & Babylonians broke through city walls. Nebuchadnezzar burned down Solomon’s Temple & all the houses of the city
Babylonian Exile = Hebrews living in Judah were captured by the Babylonians and forced to migrate to Babylon
Painting depicting the forced migration of Hebrews to Bablyon

18. Bob Marley Song “Exodus”  Jews

19. Babylonia conquered by the Persians in 539 BC As a result, Hebrews are free to return to their homeland--Israel. Bob Marley “Exodus” Link
BUT…
Fifty years later the Babylonians destroy the rebuilt Hebrew temple in Judah The Jews are again forced to flee from their homeland…