12. Where was the land of the Hebrews located and what is significant about that location?

Return to History 8 Near East Questions The Hebrews, a people descended from Abraham, have exemplified particular themes in the course of their existence, and one defining characteristic of the Hebrews is their location. Although many acknowledge that this people first thrived in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and as nomads, their true place of existence is Israel, a land bridge that carried all the commercial goods between Mesopotamia and Egypt. Israel's climate and topography are vastly divided; some areas are arid and hot while others are wet and moderate. People dubbed this place as the Land of Milk and Honey or the Promised Land after years of living in the desert, but one today would likely contradict that name. The geography and climate of a place often determine its past and future. Due to the fact Israel is in a coveted location of a land bridge that armies cross through, Israel presents itself as the ideal breeding ground for conflict, under constant threat from bordering areas. One may claim that King Saul or possibly David united the 12 tribes of Hebrew people; they may have been united, but their people inhabited a variety of climates and locations of Israel such as the dry backbone of mountains from the Sea of Galilee both North and South to the more moderate coastal areas. Arguably, the defining significance of the Hebrews' location was that the Hebrew God deigned present day Israel the chosen land for the Hebrews. However, it seems that Israel, a land spreading from the Northernmost tip of the Red Sea to the furthest extent of the Ceyhan River, is the homeland of other religions as well, ensuring a conflict that currently plagues the modern world. As a culmination of its geographical location and religious affiliations, the Promised Land promises at least one thing: conflict.

Online sources: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hebrew http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/hebland.html https://bible.org/article/geographical-historical-spiritual-significance-shechem

Photograph source: http://science-all.com/israel.html https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwju7LzQs_vLAhXLQyYKHd5dCRUQjxwIAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.haaretz.com%2F2.850%2F.premium-1.565513&bvm=bv.118817766,d.eWE&psig=AFQjCNH24k4SoJAK7OCCA1y64LFVh-uxNQ&ust=1460079889864650

Manual: "Historiography." Origins. Comp. Rosie Beniretto. Ed. Ganesa Collins. Houston, Texas: St. John's School, 2015-2016. 109, 114, 115. - Louisa Sarofim