Israelite facts for kids
The Israelites were a group of people who lived a long, long time ago in the Middle East. Their home was a region called Canaan, which is now parts of countries like Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. They are famous for the stories told about them in the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament). This book tells about important people like Abraham, Moses, and King David. The Israelites were one of the first groups to believe in only one God. This belief later became very important for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Contents
Who Were the Early Israelites?
The Israelites first appeared in history around 1200 BCE (Before Common Era). They started as small villages in the highlands of Canaan. They lived simple lives, mostly as farmers and people who herded animals. Over many years, they grew and became a powerful kingdom.
According to the Bible, their journey began with a man named Abraham. He was promised the land of Canaan by God. Abraham's family, including his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. These tribes were like large family groups.
Daily Life of the Israelites
Life for the Israelites was very much about family and their faith in God. Here are some interesting facts about how they lived every day:
- Homes: They lived in small houses. These homes were often made from stone or mud bricks. Many houses had flat roofs where people could sleep during hot nights.
- Food: Their main foods included bread, olives, grapes, and figs. They also raised sheep and goats for milk and meat.
- Clothing: They wore simple clothes called tunics. These were usually made from wool or linen. They had special clothes for important events or religious ceremonies.
- Religion: The Israelites worshipped one God, who they called Yahweh. They built a special building called a temple in Jerusalem to honor Him.
The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
Around 1000 BCE, the Israelite tribes came together. They united under their first king, King Saul. Later, King David became king and made Jerusalem their capital city. David’s son, King Solomon, built the First Temple. This was a very grand and important place of worship.
After King Solomon ruled, the kingdom split into two parts. The northern part was called Israel. The southern part was called Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BCE. Later, Judah was taken over by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
The Babylonian Exile and Return
When the Babylonians conquered Judah, they destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. They also took many Israelites to Babylon as captives. This time is known as the Babylonian Exile.
After about 70 years, the Persians defeated the Babylonians. The Persians then allowed the Israelites to go back home. They were able to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem.
What Did the Israelites Leave Behind?
The Israelites had a huge and lasting impact on the world:
- Religion: Their belief in one God was the start of Judaism. It also greatly influenced Christianity and Islam.
- Culture: Their stories, laws, and traditions are written down in the Hebrew Bible. This book is still a sacred text for millions of people today.
- History: The modern country of Israel, which was founded in 1948, traces its history 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
