The Hebrews originated in Mesopotamia and migrated to Canaan
Some Hebrews journeyed to Egypt and became forced laborers
In the early thirteenth century, Moses led the Hebrews in the Exodus from Egypt
Wandering in Sinai, the Hebrews were uplifted by belief in one God, Yahweh
The Israelite Kingdom
Wandering Israelites returned to Canaan and joined other Hebrew tribes
Israelites were loosely organized into a confederation of 12 tribes under Yahweh
Philistines invade in late eleventh century and dominate Israelite territory
12 tribes unite under leadership of Saul, their first king
Second king, David, was a warrior and poet who helped Israelites fight Philistines
Under David’s son, Solomon, trade and construction flourished
Jerusalem becomes the trade and religious center of ancient Israel
Israelite culture flowers under Solomon, height of its power and prosperity
Due to tax policies and territorial rivalries, kingdom divided in 922 B.C.
Kingdom of Judah (south)
Kingdom of Israel (north)
Conquest, Captivity, and Restoration
722 B.C. Israel falls to the Assyrians
Assyrians deport Hebrews to other parts of the empire, where they merge and assimilate (10 lost tribes)
586 B.C. Chaldeans conquer Judah, destroy Solomon’s temple, and deport Hebrews
The deportation of thousands of Hebrews to Babylon is known as the Babylonian Captivity
Darkest moment in ancient Hebrew history seen as the consequence of violating God’s laws
Some Hebrews do not assimilate in Babylon, keep to Yahweh and Law of Moses
Priests create the Torah by codifying laws/practices to prevent erosion of faith
538 B.C. Persian King Cyrus permits exiles to return to Judah and rebuild temple
Majority of Hebrews stay in Babylon, but some return home
515 B.C. the Hebrews, now called Jews, dedicate second temple at Jerusalem
Restored Jewish community overcomes internal tensions and spiritual backsliding
Jewish life reinvigorated under Nehemiah and Ezra in later