The Development of Monotheism JudaismZoroastrianism Abraham Shepherd from

The Development of Monotheism (Judaism/Zoroastrianism)

Abraham: • • Shepherd from Ur 1 God – Yahweh commanded to move his people to Canaan Father of Hebrew people Makes convenant with God 1800 BC Moses & the Exodus Judah: • • • 1650 BC Moses led Hebrews out of slavery and out of Egypt Passover Sinai Peninsula – 10 Commandments/New Covenant Canaan -12 tribes 1300 -1200 BC • • 1020 -922 BC Descendants of Abraham move to Egypt Kingdom of Israel • • Drought and threat of famine cause need to move • • High taxes/building projects caused discontent Northern part of kingdom revolts Israel in the North; Judah in the South Hebrew tribes united as Kingdom of Israel under Kings Saul, David and Soloman 100 yrs of power and independence Solomon builds great temple at Jerusalem to glorify God 722 BC Israel Falls to Assyria: • Judah resisted for another 150 before being destroyed by Babylonians The Development of Judaism (1 st Monotheistic Religion)

Babylonian Captivity: • • Babylonians attack Jerusalem and destroy temple Survivors (Hebrews) exiled to Babylon for about 50 years (kept their religion) 586 BC 539 BC Cyrus the Great • • • Persian King conquered Babylon Allowed 40, 000 exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild temple Many stayed in Babylonia Judaism: Walls of Jerusalem • • • Temple completed in 515 BC Walls of Jerusalem rebuilt in 445 BC • • Considered the first monotheistic religion Hebrews/Israelites/Jews – followers of Judaism We will study Judaism more when we compare it to Christianity and Islam 445 BC Zoroastrianism • • Who was Zoroaster and what were his teachings? How were they related to Judaism? The Development of Judaism (1 st Monotheistic Religion)

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Passover • According to the Old Testament, the Lord told Moses to ask Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go free. Pharaoh refused, so after nine other curses visited the Egyptians, the Lord invoked the tenth curse: He would kill the first-born child in each Egyptian family. The Hebrews were to mark their doors with blood so the Lord would pass over their doors and not kill their firstborn children. The Hebrews were also to eat unleavened bread, roast lamb, and bitter herbs on that night. After this catastrophe struck the Egyptians, Pharaoh allowed the Hebrews to leave Egypt. This was the beginning of the observance of Passover, which continues to this day. Back to Timeline

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Zoroastrianism – Monotheism • Zoroaster – Persian prophet who lived around 600 BC • Taught earth is a battleground where a great struggle is fought between the spirit of good/evil • Believed in one god – Ahura Mazda • Mazda will judge everyone according to how well they fought the battle of good/evil • Similarities to Judaism? – Monotheistic – Concept of Satan (idea of evil) and angels