Religious Revolution of the Hebrews

I. The God of Israel

A. Creator God

1. God creates heavens, earth and humans

2. Creation was for the benefit of humanity

3 Contrast with Mesopotamian norm

B. Loving God

1. Hebrews are the chosen people

2. The covenant and the law are gifts of the loving God

3. Contrast with the Mesopotamian norm

C. Story of King David and Bathsheba

1. How does the loving God respond to human sin?

II. Teachings of the prophets

A. four great principles:

1. God demands that Hebrews seek justice

(note: salvation is just and peaceful community, not life after death)

2. Salvation is a historical development

(God is moving Hebrew people, despite their sins, closer to justice and peace over time)

3. covenant will be written on the hearts of the people

(as opposed to books of law)

4. universal salvation

(God will save all nations in the end)

B. Story of David and Bathsheba illustrate some of these principles

C. Examples from Isaiah and Jeremiah

III. Legacy of the Religious Revolution of the Hebrews

A. Peoples of the Book of the Loving God

1. Jews, Christians, Muslims

B. Benevolent God and creation

1. creation for the good

a. ordered nature governed by the law of God

b. humans are given dominion over it

2. hope and obligations for humanity

a. humans can learn fundamental truth (God's purpose) and live accordingly

b. personal responsibility to know God and live according to truth and justice

c. history of progress