Jews, Israelites, Hebrews or Chosen People?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Theresagnes
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Theresagnes

Guest
I am writing a paper on the Book of Haggai - when I write about the chosen people in the OT, what term should I be using?

Blessings,

Theresa
 
Depends on the timeline in question. Generally I think that ‘Hebrews’ is one good all-purpose term, though it tends to get used more for the earlier portions of Israelite history IMHO (the Exodus for instance). ‘Israelite’ is another alternative that will work most of the time (at least up to Solomon’s reign), but after the division of the kingdom you’ll have to distinguish between ‘Israelites’ of the North and ‘Judahites’ of the South. Near-exclusive use of the term ‘Judahite’, ‘Judaean’ or ‘Jew’ to refer to the Chosen People as a whole I think is best limited to a post-Exile context.
 
That is very helpful Patrick, thank you.

A followup question - If I am referring to the chosen people in the OT as a whole, outside of a specific historical context, which term do you think is best?
 
Theresagnes said:
That is very helpful Patrick, thank you.

A followup question - If I am referring to the chosen people in the OT as a whole, outside of a specific historical context, which term do you think is best?
Click to expand...
Just my personal opinion, but I would think that the best terms outside the historical context for the Chosen People in OT times would be ‘Israelites’ and ‘Hebrews’.
 
patrick457 said:
Just my personal opinion, but I would think that the best terms outside the historical context for the Chosen People in OT times would be ‘Israelites’ and ‘Hebrews’.
Click to expand...
👍 Agreed. These are descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ultimately defined as the twelve tribes of Israel (based upon which descendant of Jacob they descend from).

Blessings,

Brian
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top