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This text explores the rich history of the Hebrews from the Age of the Patriarchs through their oppression in Egypt, the Exodus led by Moses, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Israel. It covers significant figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph, highlighting their roles and the foundational events of their story, including the fall of Israel and Judah. The narrative also examines literary traditions in the Bible, including its prose and lyric poetry, emphasizing themes of covenant, betrayal, and survival. These narratives shaped the identity of the Israelite people.
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Generations HUM 2051: Civilization I Fall 2012 Dr. Perdigao August 29, 2012
Recycling Dates 2000-1700 BC/BCE Age of Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Joseph 1700-1500 BCE Hebrews prosper in Egypt under Hyksos 1500-1290 BCE Hebrews suffer oppression in Egypt after expulsion of Hyksos 1290-1225 BCE Exodus: Moses (c. 1292), conquest of Palestine 1024-922 BCE Saul, David, Solomon, kingdom of Israel 722 BCE Kingdom of Israel falls to Assyrians (722 BCE) 586 BCE Kingdom of Judah falls to Chaldeans, leads to Babylonian Captivity; release in 539 BCE by Cyrus when Persians conquer Babylon
The Tradition • Greek and Roman—contributed three types of literature—epic, drama, lyric (song) • Bible offers two genres—prose: narrative (saga) and history (historical narrative); lyric poetry • No drama but dialogue and confrontation; Job reads like a tragedy
Legacies • Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17-19) • Lot, Lot’s wife: “Don’t look behind you and don’t stop anywhere on the plain. Flee to the high country lest you be wiped out.” (50) • Pillar of salt • Sodom and Gomorrah • Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) • Ram • Isaac and Rebekah—Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25, 27) “Two nations—in your womb, / two peoples from your loins shall issue. / People after people shall prevail, / the elder, the younger’s slave.” (51) • Birthright, blessing • Jacob’s son Joseph as favored son, marked with tunic (Genesis 37, 39-46)
For Joseph • Reuben • Judah • Potiphar • Cupbearer and baker • Cupbearer—vine, three tendrils, grapes, in palm=3 days, restored place • Baker—baskets, birds eating=impale on pole, birds eat flesh • Two years, Pharaoh’s dream—Nile, seven cows, seven ears • Cupbearer reminded of Joseph, deciphers dream • Joseph’s two sons—Manasseh (released from debt); Ephraim (fruitful in land of affliction)
Conclusions • Jacob sends sons from Canaan to Egypt because of famine in Canaan • Benjamin remains behind • Interpretation issues—from Babel—Joseph understands, Reuben blames brothers • Simeon remains; others return with Benjamin, favored youngest son • Reveals covenant (63) • Survival of family because of servitude, betrayal
Cycles • New covenant (35)—first with Noah never to destroy earth again, this time blessing to people of Israel, “great nation” as destiny • Complications overcome to fulfill covenant—barren Sarah, sacrifice of Isaac, trick of Esau, betrayal of Joseph • Fratricide, betrayal, like in Cain and Abel • Land left to attain settled home, evaded • Finally leads to giving of law to Moses