World History IHeritage High School

Mr. Irwin

The Origins of the Hebrews

Belief Systems – The Hebrews believed in one God and tried to follow his commandments.

Geography – Enslaved Hebrews returned from Egypt to Canaan to reclaim land.

Government – Hebrew leaders called judges attempted to rule according to their

understanding of God’s laws.

Main Ideas

Essential Question – What is the central belief of the

Hebrews?

The Hebrew People in Canaan

From Ur to Canaan Torah – first five holy books, or

scriptures, of the Hebrew Bible Hebrew history, laws, beliefs

believed to have been given by God Written centuries after events

were supposed to have occurred

Sometimes archaeological evidence contradicts

Abraham – shepherd in Ur around 1800 B.C.E. Considered to be father of

Hebrews And founder of Judaism

Torah says God sent Abraham to settle in Canaan, also known as the Promised Land

Many people in ancient world were polytheists

Hebrews believed God gave Abraham important teachingsBelieved in one all-powerful God and his moral

laws (monotheism)Judaism – religion that descended from

ancient Hebrew religionName comes from Judah, one of the 12 tribes

of AbrahamHebrews believed they were chosen by God

Had covenant (promise) with GodGod would look after them if they obeyed Him

Judaism and Monotheism

How was Judaism different from other religions?

Review Question:

Essential Question:Why did the Hebrews go to Egypt?

Canaan to Egypt and Back

Moses Leads the IsraelitesHebrews in Canaan became

known as IsraelitesAccording to Torah,

Abraham’s grandson Jacob was called Israel

12 of Jacob’s sons and grandsons were fathers of the 12 tribes

Famine forced Israelites to EgyptLater, the pharaoh enslaved

the IsraelitesMoses led Israelites from

Egypt on a migration called the Exodus

Israelites wandered as nomads in Sinai desert for 40 years

Torah says God gave Moses two stone tablets at top of Mt. SinaiContained Ten Commandments – basis for

Israelite lawsCommandments became major part of

Western moral and ethical traditionsIsraelites believed commandments renewed

their covenant with GodPeople thought if they obeyed His laws that God

would protect them

The Ten Commandments

How did the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt?

Review Question:

Essential Question:What role did the judges play in the life

of the ancient Israelites?

Return to the Promised Land

The 12 Tribes of IsraelMoses chose Joshua to lead

12 tribes of Israelites back to CanaanUpon returning they found

other groups in Canaan were under powerful rule of the Philistines

Jacob’s descendents formed a fighting force to reclaim landMovement to take over city-

states, such as Jericho, lasted 200 years

After wars, Israelite soldiers became farmers and herdersDivided land in mountains

and plains between the tribes

No single Israelite leader during 200 years of war

Respected male and female judges were used as advisors

First judges acted as military leaders, then later judges gave legal adviceFamous judges included Gideon, Samson,

Samuel, and DeborahStrong judges helped to keep 12 tribes united

In times without judges, some tribes turned to other gods

Judges Lead the Israelites

Abraham led the Hebrews to Canaan.

Moses gave the Hebrews the Ten Commandments.

The judges led the Israelites in Canaan.

Lesson Summary

Judaism was the first monotheistic religion and influenced other world

religions, particularly Christianity and Islam.

Why It Matters Now…