The Hebrews
The Hebrews had been forced into slavery in Egypt for some 400 years until Moses led them out as we have seen. For forty years these people wandered in the wilderness around Sinai. During that time their laws were written down and their religious customs developed. Moses then brought them back to Canaan a land which they believed had been promised by God to their forefathers Abraham and Jacob.
From Egypt to Canaan
The Hebrews came out of the wilderness to invade Canaan about 1440 B.C. The rulers of the cities there asked Pharaoh Akhenaton of Egypt to send troops to their aid. But Akhenaton was unable to help them. So under Joshua the leader who followed Moses the Hebrews soon got control of much of Canaan. When the Hebrews invaded Canaan many tribal groups already lived in the area.
Religion
The people there worshiped many gods and in some instances offered human sacrifices to those gods. When cities were founded by these tribes children even babies were buried alive under the cornerstones of the city gates. Such human sacrifices were often made to get the gods' approval before beginning the construction of major public public buildings and temples. Moreover religious celebrations barely resembled worship. They were occasions where people were encouraged to get drunk and behave in ways that today are considered immoral. Pornography, sex symbols, and both male and female prostitution were accepted parts of Canaanite society. The Hebrews believed that God had directed them to conquer Canaan and that the people living there would be defeated because of their lack of morals.
The rule of judges
The Hebrews came into Canaan and conquered city after city. Early Hebrew society was set up on a tribal basis. After Joshua died there were no outstanding leaders to unite all of the Hebrew people. When they were threatened by serious danger they united under the leadership of a judge. A judge at the time was not lake a judge of today. He not only settled problems among the Israelites but also served as the military and religious leader. Once the danger was past the Hebrews again returned to tribal government.
The most powerful enemies the Hebrews had to face during these early years of their lives in Canaan were the Hittites and the Philistines. The Philistines had come into the Middle East from islands in the Mediterranean. They know how to make iron weapons and were fierce warriors. Marching along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea they conquered every city they attacked. It seemed as if no one could stop them. As they approached Egypt Ramses III defeated them and they retreated from Egypt to Canaan. There they established five strong city-states: Gath, Shkelon, Gaza, Ashdod, and Ekron. Because the Philistines had iron weapons and the Hebrews did not they prevented the Hebrews from becoming a strong power for many years. Finally the Hebrews were united under King Saul and the nation of Israel was formed. Israel was not a strong country however until 1005 B.C. when her second king David defeated her enemies.
Solomon
Solomon David's son ruled Israel from 965 to 925 B.C. the country's most prosperous and powerful period. King Solomon married Hittite and Phoenician princesses in order to make peace treaties with those countries. He also married an Egyptian princess. For a wedding present her father conquered Canaanite territory and give it to them. Tribute and trade made Israel one of the richest nations in the area. Members of royalty come to Israel from other countries to see for themselves if the reports of the wealth and wisdom of Solomon were true. One such visitor from a country along the Gulf of Arabia was the famed Queen of Sheba. During Solomon't reign beautiful cedar trees were imported from Phoenicia and a magnificent temple was built for the worship of God. This temple plays an important role throughout Israel's history.
Decline and Fall of Israel
When Solomon died Israel was divided into two kingdoms. One was called Israel and the other Judah. These kingdoms were not strong enough to defend themselves from the enemy attack. The Egyptian army led by Pharaoh Shesonk attacked Jerusalem and carried off the city's riches. Then the Assyrian Empire came into existence and its armies completely overpowered the Hebrews The nation of Israel came to an end about 722 B.C. For centuries Israel was dominated by a variety of people and nations. It was not until 1948 A.D. that Israel once again became an dependent country.
Hebrew Influence
Although the Hebrews were a powerful people for only a very short time they had a great influenced on the world history. Their most important contribution was their belief in one God. While other civilizations worshiped many different gods and the Hebrews were the first early people to continue their worship of just one God throughout their history. The laws that Moses introduced after bringing Israel out of Egypt have influenced the law codes and way of life of all the countries of Europe and the Americas. These laws know as the Ten Commandments are found in the Old Testament of the Bible.