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The Hebrews. World History Grade 8. The Hebrews. Also known as Israelites Their religion had a great influence on the world Judaism – Jewish religion Most early Hebrews were nomadic or traveling merchants Made goods from gold, copper, and ivory Traded with Egypt, Phoenicia, Crete.
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The Hebrews World History Grade 8
The Hebrews • Also known as Israelites • Their religion had a great influence on the world • Judaism – Jewish religion • Most early Hebrews were nomadic or traveling merchants • Made goods from gold, copper, and ivory • Traded with Egypt, Phoenicia, Crete
Religion • First major monotheistic religion – one god – Yahweh • Yahweh told Abraham that the Hebrews must move from Ur to Canaan • If they did, their descendants could always live in Canaan • Yahweh was different from people or other gods: • Did not get hungry or thirsty, marry, or have children, only did what was right
Religion • Abraham and his followers settled in Canaan • His grandson Jacob had 12 sons • Each son led a separate family group • These groups would later form the 12 Hebrew tribes • The Hebrews stayed in Canaan for about 100 years, until a drought came • They moved to Egypt
Egypt and Moses • After settling in Egypt, the Hebrews were enslaved by the Egyptians for about 600 years • Moses, the Hebrew leader, asked the pharaoh to release the Hebrews • The pharaoh at first refused but later agreed • He then changed his mind and chased after the Hebrews • “The Parting of the Red Sea” - Yahweh parted the sea to let them escape • Escaped into the Sinai Desert – their escape is called the Exodus
The Exodus • The Hebrews could return to Canaan but must renew their covenant – or agreement – with Yahweh • Moses climbed Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from Yahweh • Since Yahweh was just, their laws should be just • Their laws influenced the way people behaved • Social justice – everyone had a right to be treated fairly
The Promised Land • Moses died before the Hebrews reached Canaan • Other Canaanites already lived there and built cities • A general named Joshua allowed them into Canaan • Borrowed other Canaanites’ tools and alphabet • Grew olives, flax, barley, wheat, and grapes
Hebrews’ Houses • Most were one-room houses • The room was divided in two, with one part slightly higher than the other • During the day, the lower level was a living area and kitchen • During the night, the lower level was where the Hebrews put their livestock, like goats and donkeys • During the night, the people slept in the upper level
Kings • After Joshua died, the 12 tribes split apart • A temporary leader called a judge settled disputes and led troops into battle • Saul – the first Hebrew king • David reunited the Hebrews and defeated the Canaanites • established Jerusalem • Wrote many of the psalms, or sacred songs, in the Bible
Kings • Solomon, David’s son, was the next king • Built a large temple in Jerusalem • Very wealthy and wise • Many Hebrews did not like his high taxes • After his death, Canaan split in two • Israel – the north kingdom • Judah – the south kingdom – ruled from Jerusalem • Fought for 200 years until both became weak enough for other civilizations to conquer
Prophets • Prophets – people claiming to have messages from God • Many Hebrews were mistreating one another • The prophets warned that Yahweh would punish them if they did not return to their old ways
Conquer • 722 BC – the Assyrians conquer Israel • 586 BC – Babylonians conquer Judah – the remaining Hebrews were forced to move to Babylon • With no temple, the Hebrews began to meet and worship on the sabbath – day of rest • After 70 years, they were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild • A scribe named Ezra wrote down the laws of Moses in 5 books called the Torah • Part of the Old Testament
Major Contributions • First major monotheistic civilization • First to believe in a just god • Individuals and societies should also be just • Their laws were designed to teach people to treat one another fairly