Ancient IsraelAncient Israel

The Arab – Israeli Conflict.The Arab – Israeli Conflict.

►This war has been going on for This war has been going on for thousands of years…thousands of years…

► Its roots lie in competition for land, Its roots lie in competition for land, property, spiritual rights, attention, property, spiritual rights, attention, proof of cultural superiority etc.proof of cultural superiority etc.

► It is enshrined in essence in a Bible It is enshrined in essence in a Bible legend…..legend…..

Historical OverviewHistorical Overview► Ancient Israel is the birthplace Ancient Israel is the birthplace

of the 3 great of the 3 great monotheisticmonotheistic religions of the world: religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Judaism, Christianity and IslamIslam

► Ancient Israel dates back Ancient Israel dates back approximately 4000 years to approximately 4000 years to the books of the the books of the Old Old TestamentTestament

► Great Great patriarchs patriarchs of Judaism: of Judaism: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, JoshuaJoshua

► Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, SemitesSemites: have all undergone : have all undergone persecution throughout persecution throughout history; from Babylonian history; from Babylonian Captivity, Exodus, Diaspora, Captivity, Exodus, Diaspora, Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust

What is in a name?What is in a name?►Hebrew Hebrew means “From across”- means “From across”-

name given to Abraham and name given to Abraham and his followers his followers

► IsraelitesIsraelites: Abraham’s : Abraham’s grandson Jacob renamed grandson Jacob renamed Israel which means “he who Israel which means “he who has wrestled with God”. His has wrestled with God”. His descendants were called descendants were called “Israelites”“Israelites”

► JewsJews: named after Jacob’s son : named after Jacob’s son Judah, ancient father of tribe Judah, ancient father of tribe of King David’s dynastyof King David’s dynasty

Tracing Roots of Israel’s Tracing Roots of Israel’s HistoryHistory► Nomadic tribes wandered Nomadic tribes wandered

into Palestine from east in into Palestine from east in approximately 1900 BCEapproximately 1900 BCE

► Mesopotamian society Mesopotamian society dominated by polytheismdominated by polytheism

► God (God (YahwehYahweh) appeared ) appeared before Patriarch Abraham before Patriarch Abraham and told Abraham “and told Abraham “to go to go and raise a great nationand raise a great nation””

► This began the This began the monotheistic tradition of monotheistic tradition of the Hebrew faith with the the Hebrew faith with the establishment of the establishment of the ““CovenantCovenant”, “”, “Chosen Chosen PeoplePeople” and “” and “Promised Promised LandLand””

► Abraham settled in Abraham settled in CanaanCanaan

► Story: Sacrifice of Story: Sacrifice of AbrahamAbraham

Jacob (grandson of Jacob (grandson of Abraham)Abraham)

► Abraham’s Abraham’s grandson Jacobgrandson Jacob took name took name ““IsraelIsrael” which ” which means “means “God God ruledruled” and ” and organized organized Israelites into Israelites into 12 12 tribestribes

► Some tribes Some tribes settled in settled in EgyptEgypt (due to drought (due to drought and famine) and and famine) and where subjected where subjected to Pharaoh rule to Pharaoh rule and slaveryand slavery

The story of AbramThe story of Abram

►Abram ‘Exalted father’ lived in Iraq.Abram ‘Exalted father’ lived in Iraq.►He had a vision from God that he He had a vision from God that he

should move and create a great nation should move and create a great nation of people. of people.

►Abram left home and walked into Abram left home and walked into history along with maybe a 1,000 history along with maybe a 1,000 followers.followers.

► Abram undertook a huge journey across the Abram undertook a huge journey across the Middle East from modern day Iraq to Israel. Middle East from modern day Iraq to Israel. The names were different then, with the The names were different then, with the land being called ‘Mesopotamia’.land being called ‘Mesopotamia’.

► He travelled far and wide. He travelled far and wide.

► He fought off hostile peoples.He fought off hostile peoples.

► Abram was puzzled. God had said he would Abram was puzzled. God had said he would father a nation but he was childless. His wife-father a nation but he was childless. His wife-Sarai- was 75! How was God’s Will to happen?Sarai- was 75! How was God’s Will to happen?

► Sarai suggested that Abram had a child with Sarai suggested that Abram had a child with another woman. This arrangement was allowed another woman. This arrangement was allowed by law in cases where a couple were childless. by law in cases where a couple were childless. The child would be treated as their own.The child would be treated as their own.

► Abram selected Hagar, their Egyptian maid. Abram selected Hagar, their Egyptian maid. The resulting child was called Ishmael and was The resulting child was called Ishmael and was heir to Abram.heir to Abram.

► Abram was now told by God to change his Abram was now told by God to change his name to Abraham ‘father of a multitude’.name to Abraham ‘father of a multitude’.

► At this point the unbelievable happened and Sarai At this point the unbelievable happened and Sarai herself fell pregnant!herself fell pregnant!

► The resulting child was called Isaac. Sarai changed The resulting child was called Isaac. Sarai changed her name to Sarah.her name to Sarah.

► There was now a conflict of inheritance. Sarah was There was now a conflict of inheritance. Sarah was determined on Isaac being the true heir.determined on Isaac being the true heir.

► Sarah persuaded Abraham to abandon Hagar and Sarah persuaded Abraham to abandon Hagar and Ishmael in the desert to die of thirst.Ishmael in the desert to die of thirst.

► Isaac married Rebekah and one of his children was Isaac married Rebekah and one of his children was called Jacob. Jacob later became known as ‘Israel’ called Jacob. Jacob later became known as ‘Israel’ and the people after him became known as and the people after him became known as ‘Israelis’.‘Israelis’.

Hagar and Ishmael did Hagar and Ishmael did notnot die in the desert however. Hagar was die in the desert however. Hagar was visited by an angel after running frantically to find water. The visited by an angel after running frantically to find water. The

angel showed her a well and they both survived.angel showed her a well and they both survived.

Ishmael is regarded as the Father of the Arab nations.Muslims call Abraham ‘Ibrahim’.

►Hagar’s searching in the desert is Hagar’s searching in the desert is commemorated in the Muslim Hajj commemorated in the Muslim Hajj where pilgrims walk up and down a where pilgrims walk up and down a huge corridor between the great huge corridor between the great Mosque and the well at Zamzam. Mosque and the well at Zamzam.

•The great corridor where, even today, Muslim pilgrims re-enact Hagar’s frantic search for water.

Abraham Abraham Abraham Abraham

► Isaac-HebrewIsaac-Hebrew Ishmael-Arab Ishmael-Arab► MossesMosses- 1- 1stst Covenant-Ten Commandments Covenant-Ten Commandments

MohammadMohammad► Old Testament-Torah Old Testament-Torah Quran Quran ► Jews-JudaismJews-Judaism Islam Islam

YahwehYahweh AllahAllah Jesus (Jew)-Jesus (Jew)-22ndnd Covenant Covenant

The ApostlesThe Apostles

Old and New TestamentOld and New Testament

G-dG-d

Hagar-EgyptianSarah-Hebrew The Same Father!!!

JudaismJudaism

► Judaism predates Christianity – it is the Judaism predates Christianity – it is the foundation of Christianity but is foundation of Christianity but is notnot a part of it a part of it

► Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the ApostlesApostles

► Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more Jews do not believe that Jesus was anything more than a good and wise man who lived and died than a good and wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah2000 years ago – Jews still await their messiah

► The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on EarthEarth

► Jews are not concerned about salvation and the Jews are not concerned about salvation and the “world to come”“world to come”

MosesMoses

►An illustrated story of An illustrated story of MosesMoses

Moses & Exodus: Moses & Exodus: “Let My People “Let My People

Go!”Go!”► Moses received Moses received revelationsrevelations from from

God: burning bush, rod / staff, 10 God: burning bush, rod / staff, 10 plagues, parting of the Red Seaplagues, parting of the Red Sea

► End of 13End of 13thth century BCE- Moses century BCE- Moses led the Israelites out of bondage led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt during Ramses II reign in Egypt during Ramses II reign called the called the EXODUSEXODUS

► Moses led the 12 Tribes of Israel Moses led the 12 Tribes of Israel to Mount Sinai where Yahweh to Mount Sinai where Yahweh gave him the gave him the 10 Commandments10 Commandments, , uniting the Hebrews under one uniting the Hebrews under one God God

► Moses and Hebrews searched for Moses and Hebrews searched for the “the “Promised LandPromised Land” or the land ” or the land of milk and honey, however they of milk and honey, however they wandered in the desertwandered in the desert for 40 for 40 yearsyears

Understanding DatelinesUnderstanding Datelines

►OLD WAY-BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini – in the Year of Our Lord)

►NEW WAY-BCE (Before the Common Era) and CE (Common Era).

Kings of IsraelKings of Israel► 1230 BCE, Israelites 1230 BCE, Israelites

guided by guided by JoshuaJoshua, , invaded Canaan invaded Canaan (Promised Land)(Promised Land)

► 1020 BCE: first king of 1020 BCE: first king of Israelites was Israelites was SaulSaul, , then then DavidDavid, then , then SolomonSolomon

► Under King David the Under King David the Israelites captured city Israelites captured city of Jerusalemof Jerusalem

► King Solomon built the King Solomon built the Temple of JerusalemTemple of Jerusalem, to , to house the Arc of the house the Arc of the Covenant (sacred box Covenant (sacred box to hold Torah)to hold Torah)

► Solomon’s Temple was Solomon’s Temple was destroyeddestroyed during during Babylonian invasion, Babylonian invasion, rebuilt in 6rebuilt in 6thth century century BCE, and BCE, and destroyed destroyed againagain in 70 CE by the in 70 CE by the Romans Romans

► Only remaining part of Only remaining part of Solomon’s Temple is Solomon’s Temple is the the Western WallWestern Wall

Lost Tribes of IsraelLost Tribes of Israel► After the death of After the death of

Solomon, Kingdom of Solomon, Kingdom of Israel split into two Israel split into two (north= (north= IsraelIsrael; south= ; south= JudahJudah) )

► Israel was conquered by Israel was conquered by Assyrians in 722 BCE Assyrians in 722 BCE and the scattered and the scattered people were known as people were known as the ‘Lost Tribes of the ‘Lost Tribes of Israel’Israel’

► Judah was eventually Judah was eventually destroyed by Babylon in destroyed by Babylon in 586 BCE and inhabitants 586 BCE and inhabitants were held in captivity were held in captivity (called the (called the ExileExile or or Babylonian CaptivityBabylonian Captivity))

► Emergence of Emergence of synagogues and rabbis synagogues and rabbis during Exileduring Exile

► Released by Persians in Released by Persians in 538 BCE and returned 538 BCE and returned to Jerusalem to rebuild to Jerusalem to rebuild templetemple

DiasporaDiaspora

► DiasporaDiaspora is a Greek word meaning “sowing of seed” or “dispersal” is a Greek word meaning “sowing of seed” or “dispersal” which refers to Jewish population living outside of Israelwhich refers to Jewish population living outside of Israel

► In 332 BCE, Jewish people in fell under In 332 BCE, Jewish people in fell under HellenizationHellenization (Greek culture) as (Greek culture) as Alexander the Great conquered Persia, Egypt and IndiaAlexander the Great conquered Persia, Egypt and India

► 164 BCE, group of Jews called the 164 BCE, group of Jews called the MaccabeesMaccabees revolted against Greek revolted against Greek rule, took control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple to God rule, took control of Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple to God (Hanukkah) (Hanukkah)

► 64 BCE, Jerusalem fell to 64 BCE, Jerusalem fell to RomansRomans and the Kingdom of Judah became and the Kingdom of Judah became one of the provinces of the Roman Empire (one of the provinces of the Roman Empire (Judea). Judea). The people living The people living there were called there were called Judeans,Judeans, and it is from this word that we get the and it is from this word that we get the word word JewJew

► In 66 CE the people of Judea In 66 CE the people of Judea revoltedrevolted against Rome. This uprising was against Rome. This uprising was crushed and the temple was destroyed for a second time in 70 CEcrushed and the temple was destroyed for a second time in 70 CE

► Despite the dispersion of Jewish people throughout Europe after 70 Despite the dispersion of Jewish people throughout Europe after 70 CE, their culture and religious beliefs have been by far the most CE, their culture and religious beliefs have been by far the most influential of all the ancient cultures of the Near Eastinfluential of all the ancient cultures of the Near East

Impact of Ancient IsraelImpact of Ancient Israel

► Covenant Covenant = formal agreement = formal agreement between Hebrews and God between Hebrews and God (Yahweh); Hebrews worshipped God (Yahweh); Hebrews worshipped God and only God, and in return, they and only God, and in return, they would be God’s Chosen People and would be God’s Chosen People and given Canaan as the Promised Landgiven Canaan as the Promised Land

► Spiritual ideasSpiritual ideas profoundly profoundly influenced Western culture, influenced Western culture, morality, ethics and conductmorality, ethics and conduct

► Three of the world’s most dominant Three of the world’s most dominant religionsreligions: Judaism, Christianity and : Judaism, Christianity and Islam all derive their roots from the Islam all derive their roots from the spiritual beliefs of the Ancient spiritual beliefs of the Ancient IsraelitesIsraelites

HanukkahHanukkah

Festival of LightsFestival of Lights, is an eight-day , is an eight-day Jewish holidayJewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, and may occur from late observed for eight nights, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. According to the Talmud, at the re-calendar. According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil. olive oil.