Ancient Israelites: Key Figures, Beliefs, and Historical Development

Ancient Israelites

Historians study artifacts and writings such as the Hebrew Bible to learn about the ancient Israelites and the development of Judaism.

The Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, contains the commandments that guide Jewish life.

Abraham

Introduced the belief in one God and made a covenant with God to go to Canaan.

Covenant

An agreement made by Abraham with God, in which God made him the father of the Jews.

Moses

Led the Israelites in the Exodus out of slavery in Egypt to freedom.

Ten Commandments

Basic laws and teachings of Judaism given to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Kings David and Solomon

David defeated the Philistines, united the Israelites in a new kingdom called Israel, and made Jerusalem the capital.

King Solomon

Known for his wisdom, built the First Temple in Jerusalem, signed treaties, and increased trade.

Jerusalem

The capital city made holy by King David and the site of the First Temple built by King Solomon.

Hebrew Bible

Writings that include parts attributed to Kings David and Solomon, among others.

Jewish Life

Guided by the commandments contained in the Torah.