The Hebrews are the ethnic group that the Old Testament focuses on. According to the Bible, God chose the Hebrew people to be in a special covenant relationship with Himself. God promised to make them into a great nation and gave them the land of Canaan. The Hebrews are also called the Israelites or the Jewish people. Here is an overview of the origins, history, and significance of the Hebrew people according to Scripture.
Origins of the Hebrew People
The Hebrews trace their ancestry back to Abraham. Abraham was a descendant of Shem, one of the sons of Noah (Genesis 11:10-26). God chose Abraham and promised to make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham had a son named Isaac, and Isaac had a son named Jacob (later called Israel). Jacob had twelve sons, whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel. These twelve tribes made up the Hebrew people.
The origins of the term “Hebrew” are uncertain. It may be derived from the name “Eber,” an ancestor of Abraham (Genesis 10:21). Or it may come from the Hebrew word “ibri” meaning “one from beyond,” referring to Abraham coming from beyond the Euphrates to Canaan (Joshua 24:2-3). Regardless, the term Hebrew was used to describe the Israelites in contrast to other peoples like the Canaanites.
Hebrew Enslavement in Egypt
During a famine, Jacob’s family ended up settling in Egypt. Over the centuries, the Hebrews multiplied and grew numerous. The new Pharaoh feared their numbers and enslaved them (Exodus 1:7-14). The Hebrews spent over 400 years enslaved in Egypt. God raised up Moses to deliver them out of bondage and bring them to the Promised Land of Canaan (Exodus 3). This major event is known as the Exodus.
Covenant at Mount Sinai
After leaving Egypt, God established His covenant with the Hebrew nation at Mount Sinai. He gave them the Ten Commandments and the Law to set them apart from other peoples (Exodus 19-24). The mosaic covenant defined the Hebrews’ relationship with God and their calling as a holy nation.
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan. They defeated cities like Jericho and Ai and gradually took control of the region (Joshua 1-12). The Promised Land was divided up among the twelve tribes. This was the start of the Israelites settling in Canaan and establishing their nation.
Period of the Judges
After Joshua died, the Hebrew tribes went through cycles of falling into idolatry, being oppressed by enemies, and then being delivered by leaders called judges. Judges like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson rescued the Israelites during this chaotic period (Judges 2-16). These judges were raised up directly by God but did not provide lasting leadership.
The Israelite Monarchy
The prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king over a united Israelite kingdom (1 Samuel 9-10). Saul’s failures led God to choose David as king instead. David established a strong, expansionist kingdom (2 Samuel 5-10). His son Solomon built up the kingdom’s wealth and constructed the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 1-11). After Solomon, the kingdom divided into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Exile to Assyria and Babylon
Due to persistent sin and idolatry, God allowed the northern kingdom of Israel to be conquered by Assyria (2 Kings 17). More than a century later, the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon and many Hebrews were taken into exile (2 Kings 24-25). However, prophets like Jeremiah foretold that God would restore His people after a period of judgment.
Return from Exile
After 70 years of exile in Babylon, the Persian emperor Cyrus allowed Hebrews to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1). Waves of exiles returned under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah to reestablish their communities. The Israelites renewed their covenant relationship with God.
Intertestamental Period
This era between the Old and New Testaments was marked by foreign domination, corruption among the priesthood, and clashes between Jewish sects. The Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV tried to impose Greek religion on the Jews, leading to the Maccabean revolt (Daniel 11:21-35). Roman power gradually took over the region.
Expectation of the Messiah
Many prophecies in the Old Testament raised Jewish hopes for a coming Messiah or Christ to deliver them and reign over an eternal kingdom. Jesus of Nazareth claimed to be this long-awaited Messiah who would bring salvation not just to the Jews but to the whole world. This claim divided Jewish society and led to the development of Christianity as a distinct faith.
Diaspora and Persecution
In AD 70, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. Many Jews were killed or enslaved. This began centuries of diaspora where Jews were scattered worldwide. Persecution and anti-Semitism followed Jews in many lands where they settled. Nevertheless, Jewish identity and culture endured throughout the centuries in communities worldwide.
Modern State of Israel
After World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, global sympathy led to the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The modern state of Israel was declared in 1948, providing a refuge for Jews from around the world. However, tensions with Palestinians over the land have caused ongoing conflict in the region.
Distinct Aspects of Hebrew Identity and Calling
What set the Hebrew people apart according to Scripture? Here are some key distinctives:
- Chosen by God – The Hebrews saw themselves as God’s elect people (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).
- Covenant Relationship – God established a binding agreement with them. If they obeyed His laws, He would bless them (Exodus 19:5-6).
- Promised Land – Canaan was the land God promised to give the Hebrews as their inheritance.
- Circumcision – Hebrew males were circumcised as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:9-14).
- Dietary Laws – Regulations like avoiding pork set Hebrews apart (Leviticus 11).
- Sabbath – Observing the seventh day for rest and worship was a key marker (Exodus 20:8-11).
- Temple – The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Hebrew worship.
- Scriptures – Revelation through prophets produced texts like the Torah that shaped Jewish identity.
- Messianic Hope – God’s future anointed king would restore Israel’s fortunes (Isaiah 11).
This unique ethnic and religious identity of the Hebrew people developed over centuries. Through exile and diaspora, key aspects have allowed Jews to maintain their community and culture across vast distances and time.
Significance and Contributions
Why are the Hebrew people so important according to Scripture and history?
- Carried God’s Revelation – The Hebrew canon became the Old Testament, pointing toward Christ.
- Produced Christ’s Lineage – Jesus was born out of the Jewish line of David.
- Established Monotheism – Hebrew theology shaped Western concepts of God.
- Influenced Morality – The Ten Commandments formed the basis of ethics and law codes.
- Preserved Scripture – Masoretic copying of manuscripts transmitted the Old Testament accurately.
- Pioneered Monotheism – The Hebrews popularized monotheism in an ancient polytheistic world.
- Contributed to Worldview – Hebrew perspectives like Sabbath-rest impacted society.
- Shaped Civilization – Jewish culture helped mold Western civilization.
Overall, the Hebrew people played a central role in God’s plan of redemption and contributed enormously to world thought and culture. Their influence and legacy continues today.
Summary
In summary, the Hebrews were the ethnic group God sovereignly chose to work through in the Old Testament period. He formed them into a nation, gave them His laws, and brought them into the Promised Land. After cycles of blessing and discipline, the ultimate Hebrew Messiah arrived in the person of Jesus Christ. Though scattered worldwide, the descendants of the Hebrews or Jewish people continue to shape history and fulfill an important part in God’s purposes.