• Semitic Peoples• Monotheists—Yahweh (Jehovah)• Patriarchs• Abraham (c. 1800 B.C.)• Moses (c. 1230 B.C.)• Covenant• Ten Commandments• Saul (c. 1000 B.C.) – 1st King of the Israelites• David• Solomon• Ethical Monotheism• Prophets• Torah• Pentateuch

Homeland of the Israelites Important in ancient world due to its

location: Important trading route and market Often a battlefield—lay in the path of

expansion for both the Egyptians & the Assyrians

YHWH—”I AM THAT I AM”

Ethical relationship between the chosen people and their God

Two-pronged—each side (Hebrews & God) must uphold his end