Israelites

Israelites are the ethnic group that according to the Hebrew Bible descended from the biblical patriarch Jacob, grandson of Abraham. The Israelites are considered an important part of the history of Judaism, as they were the ancestors of the Jews and the Samaritans.

History

The Israelites originated as Bronze Age Canaanites, but emerged as a distinct group in the 12th and 11th centuries BCE in the southern Levant. They inhabited the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which existed during the Iron Age until the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests.

Religion

The religion of the Israelites of Iron Age I, like that of all ancient Near Eastern peoples, was polytheistic. During the Iron Age II, the Israelites gradually moved towards monotheism, the belief in a single deity.

Culture

The Israelites spoke Hebrew and wrote in the Hebrew alphabet. They had a rich culture with unique art, music, and cuisine.

See also

• History of ancient Israel and Judah
• Hebrews
• Twelve Tribes of Israel

External links

• Jewish Virtual Library - The Twelve Tribes of Israel

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia

• 

  Map of the 12 Tribes of Israel

• 

  Mosaic of the Tribes of Israel

• 

  The map of the Holy Land by Marino Sanudo (drawn in 1320)

• 

  Model of the Tabernacle at Timna Park

• 

  Canaanites and Shasu Leader captives from Ramses III's tile collection

• 

  Altar on Mount Ebal

• 

  Jewish delegation on the Black Obelisk

• 

  LMLK and Hezekiah seals

• 

  Samaritan Elder in Passover Prayer Service