Isrealites

Saul

Saul

First King of the Israelites. Anointed by Samuel. Died fighting the Philistines.

David

Second King of Israelites. Defeated the Giant Goliath.

Soloman

Third King of Israelites. Son of David. High taxes to build Temple.

Proverb

Common sayings, words of wisdom. Solomon was known for these.

Judah

Name of the Southern Kingdom (two tribes) after the 12 tribes of Israel split. Jerusalem is capital

Nebuchadnezzar

Babylonian king who conquered the Israelites. Took 10,000 captives back to Babylon

Herod

Roman ruler of Jerusalem. Rebuilt the Temple. Ruler at the time of the birth of Christ

Diaspora

“A scattering.” Refers to Jewish people living in exile throughout their history, particularly during the Babylonian captivity & Alexander the Great’s reign.

Sabbath

Holy day of rest and prayer. Traditionally Sunday.

Cyrus the Great

Persian who conquered Babylon and released the Jews from captivity. Generally respected the customs and religions of those he conquered.

Western Wall

All that remains of Second Temple. Holy site for Jewish people.

Qumran Caves

Location where Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered

Dead Sea Scrolls

Famous artifacts discovered in 1947. 2000 year old manuscripts containing Torah and information on daily life there during that era. Discovered accidentally by goat herders

Kevital

Notes/prayers written by visitors to the Western Wall.

Ezra

Hebrew scribe. Born in captivity in Babylon

Jericho

Site of famous battle between Israelites and Canaanites. Joshua’s armies marched around the city for 6 days. On the 7th day, they played trumpets and horns which caused the city's walls to fall down.

Dome of the Rock

Site where Muslims believe that Muhammad ascended into heaven.

Dead Sea

Sea bordered by Jordan  to the east and by Israel and Palestine to the west. Known for its high salt content.

Joshua

Leader of Israelites during the Battle of Jericho

Goliath

Famous giant Philistine famously slayed by David.

Philistines

Strongest people in Canaan. Hebrews had to battle and drive them out to reclaim land.

Psalms

Sacred songs written by King David

Prophet

person who claims to have spoken directly to God