Covenant with God: The Israelites believed in a special relationship with God through a covenant, an agreement between God and his chosen people. This belief shaped their understanding of their role in the world and guided their moral and ethical behavior.
Ethical Monotheism: The Israelite religion placed a strong emphasis on ethical monotheism, the idea that God was both the creator of the universe and a moral lawgiver. They believed in the concept of justice and social responsibility and sought to live according to God's commandments.
Sacred Scriptures: The Israelites possessed sacred scriptures, the Torah and later other Biblical texts. These scriptures played a central role in their religious and cultural life, providing guidance for their beliefs and practices.
Messianic Hope: The Israelites held a strong belief in a messiah, a chosen deliverer who would bring salvation and restoration. This messianic hope played a significant role in shaping their religious identity and resilience during times of adversity.
Diaspora and Return: The Israelites experienced periods of exile and dispersion (diaspora) from their homeland, especially after the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. However, they maintained a strong sense of unity and identity as the chosen people, which facilitated their eventual return and rebuilding of their community.
