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The Israelites

The Israelites. 2000-500 BCE. How do we know?. Archaeological evidence The Hebrew Bible Most of the information was compiled by the priestly class in the 5 th century BCE and reflects the concerns of this group. History of A ncient Israel. Nomadic pastoralists

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The Israelites

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  1. The Israelites 2000-500 BCE

  2. How do we know? • Archaeological evidence • The Hebrew Bible • Most of the information was compiled by the priestly class in the 5th century BCE and reflects the concerns of this group

  3. History of Ancient Israel • Nomadic pastoralists • Occupied marginal land between desert and settled agricultural • Engaged in some trade • Eventually settled to an agricultural life • Developed a unified state • David makes Jerusalem the religious and political center of the kingdom

  4. Solomon’s Temple • 10th century BCE • Religious center for the Israelite god Yahweh • Priests-- • Conducted sacrifices • Collected tithes [percentage of agricultural revenue] • They became wealthy and politically powerful

  5. Gender Roles • Men • Male heirs important • Patriarchal • Women • Provided vital goods and services for family • Could not inherit • Could not initiate divorce • Adultery meant death • A few women gained positions of power [ex. Deborah became a judge] • Status declines as Israelite society becomes more urbanized

  6. Diaspora • Assyrians in 721 BCE destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel and deported much of the population to the east • New settlers were brought in from Syria, Babylon, and Iran changing the area’s ethnic, cultural, and religious makeup • Kingdom of Judah survived for more than a century • Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the temple of Solomon in 587 BCE and deported to Babylon the royal family, aristocracy, and many skilled workers-diaspora • These deportees prospered in their new home and many of their descendants refused Cyrus’s offer to return to their homeland • Diaspora sharpened Jewish identity

  7. Beliefs • Synagogues • Diaspora communities needed to maintain their religion and culture so they developed a communal meeting place that served religion, educational, and social functions • Monotheistic—Yahweh • Powerful and jealous deity • Ten commandments • Needed to turn away from the fertility and other gods of the day • In return for sole devotion and obedience=Jews were considered to be the chosen people • Dietary restrictions • Venerated the Sabbath [Saturday] • Refrained from work and fighting on this day

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