Israelite facts for kids
The Israelites were a group of people who lived in the ancient Middle East, in a region called Canaan. This area is now part of modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. They are best known for their stories in the Hebrew Bible (also called the Old Testament), which includes famous figures like Abraham, Moses, and King David. The Israelites were one of the first groups to believe in one God, a belief that later influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
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Early Israelites
The Israelites first appeared in history around 1200 BCE. They started as small villages in the highlands of Canaan, living simple lives as farmers and herders. Over time, they grew into a powerful kingdom. According to the Bible, their journey began with Abraham, who was promised the land of Canaan by God. His descendants, including Isaac and Jacob, became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Life
Life for the Israelites was centered around family and faith. Here are some fun facts about their daily lives:
- Homes: They lived in small houses made of stone or mud bricks, often with flat roofs where people could sleep during hot nights.
- Food: They ate bread, olives, grapes, and figs, and raised sheep and goats for milk and meat.
- Clothing: They wore simple tunics made of wool or linen, with special garments for important occasions.
- Religion: The Israelites worshipped one God, Yahweh, and built a temple in Jerusalem to honor Him.
The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
Around 1000 BCE, the Israelites united under King Saul and later King David, who made Jerusalem their capital. David’s son, King Solomon, built the First Temple, a magnificent place of worship. After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom split into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BCE, while Judah fell to the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
The Babylonian exile and return
When the Babylonians conquered Judah, they destroyed the Temple and took many Israelites to Babylon as captives. This period is called the Babylonian Exile. After about 70 years, the Persians defeated the Babylonians and allowed the Israelites to return home and rebuild their Temple.
Legacy
The Israelites left a lasting impact on the world:
- Religion: Their belief in one God laid the foundation for Judaism and influenced Christianity and Islam.
- Culture: Their stories, laws, and traditions are recorded in the Hebrew Bible, which remains a sacred text for millions of people today.
- History: The modern state of Israel, founded in 1948, traces its roots back to the ancient Israelites.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The Merneptah Stele, widely believed to comprise the earliest known appearance of the name Israel
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Ramesses III prisoner tiles depicting precursors of the Israelites in Canaan: Canaanites from city-states and a Shasu leader.
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The Mount Ebal structure, seen by many archeologists as an early Israelite cultic site
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Series of depictions of the historical Israelites between the 13th and 7th century BCE
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Part of the gift-bearing Israelite delegation of King Jehu, Black Obelisk, 841-840 BCE.
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"To Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, king of Judah" - royal seal found at the Ophel excavations in Jerusalem
See also
In Spanish: Israelita para niños
 | Tommie Smith |
 | Simone Manuel |
 | Shani Davis |
 | Simone Biles |
 | Alice Coachman |
