The Jews tend to be less objective.
Posted on 01/26/2009 3:49:42 PM PST by no more apples
I am taking a Western Civ class in college and we're about to study the beginnings of Jewish history. Being a good conservative and a Christian who highly respects my elder bretheren in my faith in God, I always question history books. Revisionist history has never been my cup of tea.
I'm looking for someone who is VERY knowledgeable in Jewish history - especially as it pertains to early civilization. If you don't mind answering questions, please let me know.
The Khazars are not the ancestors of most Jews. Genetic research has shown no linkage between even Ashkenazim and the Caucasus.
Archaeology indicates that it was only the Khazar ruling families which converted, and they were disproportionately the ones destroyed in the Kievan conquest of the area.
The Khazar thesis is predominantly the preserve of Anglo-Israelites and other anti-semitic groups; there is no substantive archaeological or genetic basis for it.
I was, too. Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. 2 Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. 3 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 5 Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. 6 At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. Rezin (King of Syria) and Pekah (King of Israel) are allied against Ahaz (King of the Jews)
Most folks just gloss over this not realizing that that all Israelites were not called Jews.....only the tribe of Judah and then Benjamin and Levi were included after the split because of Solomon's sin [I Kings chapter 11].
So....you perhaps should make the distinction whether you are looking at the beginnings of Jewish history, Israelite history.....or just plain old Biblical history.
Okay, here’s one answer: “ But the Jews in Babylon also creatively remade themselves and their world view. In particular, they blamed the disaster of the Exile on their own impurity. They had betrayed Yahweh and allowed the Mosaic laws and cultic practices to become corrupt; the Babylonian Exile was proof of Yahweh’s displeasure. During this period, Jewish leaders no longer spoke about a theology of judgement, but a theology of salvation. In texts such as Ezekiel and Isaiah , there is talk that the Israelites would be gathered together once more, their society and religion purified, and the unified Davidic kingdom be re-established.
So this period is marked by a resurgence in Jewish tradition, as the exiles looked back to their Mosaic origins in an effort to revive their original religion. It is most likely that the Torah took its final shape during this period or shortly afterward, and that it became the central text of the Jewish faith at this time as well. This fervent revival of religious tradition was aided by another accident in history: when Cyrus the Persian conquered Mesopotamia, he allowed the Jews to return home. This was no ordinary event, though. Cyrus sent them home specifically to worship Yahweh—what was once only a kingdom would become a nation of Yahweh.” (http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/HEBREWS/EXILE.HTM)
I have a Bible to refer to, but I want to make sure the secular/historical view in my history book doesn’t contradict the Jewish histories. Certain words, such as “redefined” make me ask questions. See my post #19 and #24.
I’ll be back later with more questions - if anyone has an interest. (My kids are waiting.)
And that they wandered in the desert for forty years to find the only place in the middle east that has no oil.
During the Babylonian captivity the Talmud came into existence with its myriad regulations and legalism and this was a redefinition of the Law. This is what Jesus spoke against so much.....for instance: [Mark 7:1-7] 1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? 6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
This was definitely a redefining of the Law.
Just came back from the Holy Land and toured around the holy sites. The most interesting thing for me was the "tunnel tour" which takes you through the tunnel dig that goes down to the base of Herod's wall (18 cities deep).
......to find the only place in the middle east that has no oil. .....
Actually, God sent them there. It was no accident.
It covers pretty much all from the very early years to present
Historically, it has been assumed that Ashkenazi Jews originated near the Caspian and were converts to Judaism. However, genetic studies show that that a large population of Jews (the 10 lost tribes?) migrated to portions of Russia and eastern Europe and spread from there.
This post prompted me to suggest to the original poster:
Stop by a Christian bookstore and get a bible timeline. One that unfolds to like four pages wide or so. This will help you see the big picture. Also you will be able to understand which prophets were prophecying to which rulers and at what point in the OT period.
Fictional but historically fairly accurate I wish to add.
Thanks for this post. I see what you are looking at. I’ll post as/if I find anything I think might help.
Then after you have read that book also read Ezekiel and at least those chapters with the messages given to the Churches in The Book of The Revelation.
Good luck
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During the period of captivity, Jews continued to practice and develop their religious traditions, many of which became distinct from their origins, due to the influences of the local culture.
The Babylonian Captivity and the subsequent return to Israel were seen as one of the pivotal events in the drama between God and His people: Israel. Just as they had been predestined for, and saved from, slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were predestined to be punished by God through the Babylonians, and then saved once more. The Babylonian Captivity had a number of serious effects on Judaism and the Jewish culture. For example, the current Hebrew script was adopted during this period, replacing the traditional Israelite script.
This period saw the last high-point of Biblical prophecy in the person of Ezekiel, followed by the emergence of the central role of the Torah in Jewish life; according to many historical-critical scholars, it was edited and redacted during this time, and saw the beginning of the canonization of the Bible, which provided a central text for Jews.
This should get you going on your research. To me it was a an articulation of the faith - IMHO
The Jews tend to be less objective.
Your input is appreciated I am sure.
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