Ancient Israel

Ashley Walder
April 25, 2011
Professor Sheehan
Ancient Israelites

      Israel is a nation that has existed in modern times since 1948. The history of Ancient Israel and its people came from the very beginning of time. The whole history of Ancient Israel branches out from the early ideas of Adam, the first man to set foot on Earth and the creator of all people, nations, and tribes. A woman, Eve, who was created from a rib in Adam’s chest, soon joined him. These two individuals, as the nation of Israel would do, walked and talked with G-d, and lived in a paradise known as Eden with G-d. According to the story, both Adam and Eve fell into sin, ending everything and leading to the formation of the world we live in today. Ancient Israelite religion can be traced back to the 2nd millennium B.C.E. through stories and practices associated with the Hebrew Bible. Ancient Israel is the birthplace of the 3 great monotheistic religions of the world:   Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Also, Ancient Israel dates back approximately 4000 years to the books of the Old Testament. There were many Kings throughout Ancient Israel’s history. To Begin, in 1230 BCE, Joshua guided the Israelites when they invaded Canaan, the Promised Land. After, in 1020 BCE the first king of Israelites was Saul, who was followed by David, then Solomon.
      The only way we are able to learn about the Ancient Israelites customs and religion is through the Hebrew Bible, a text written many hundreds of years after the events it describes. The term “Israel” dates back to c.1230 BCE. An inscription was found on an Egyptian stone. It refers to a people living in north central Palestine. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the founding figures of religion in Ancient Israel. From Abraham’s body would come the most prominent and controversial nation of all time. Since they began as a nation, the Israeli people are either highly loved or hated greatly. Many have received blessings and many have received curses....