JEWS
Who are the Jews During Biblical Times?
The Jews during biblical times were descendants of the ancient Israelites, tracing their lineage back to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The term “Jew” originally referred to people from the tribe of Judah but later came to encompass all Israelites who maintained their ancestral faith and traditions.
In the Bible, particularly after the Babylonian exile, “Jew” primarily referred to the people from the Kingdom of Judah, including those from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. These tribes formed the core of the Jewish people who returned from the Babylonian exile and re-established their community in Jerusalem and its surrounding regions (Ezra 1:5).
Historical Distinction from Old Israel
The distinction between Jews and the broader Israelite identity emerged significantly after the division of the unified kingdom post-Solomon’s reign. The northern kingdom, consisting of ten tribes, became known as Israel, while the southern kingdom was known as Judah (1 Kgs 12:16-24). The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BCE, leading to the dispersion of these tribes, often referred to as the “Lost Tribes of Israel” (2 Kgs 17:5-6). In contrast, the Kingdom of Judah survived longer, eventually being exiled to Babylon but later returning to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezr 1:5, Neh 2:17).
Tribes Included as Part of the Jews During Biblical Times
The tribes included as part of the Jews during biblical times were primarily Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. These were the main tribes that returned from the Babylonian exile and formed the core of the Jewish population. While the ten northern tribes were largely dispersed and assimilated into other cultures following the Assyrian conquest, individuals from these tribes who remained faithful to the worship in Jerusalem became part of the Jewish identity over time (2 Chr 15:9).
Understanding Jews and Israel in Modern Times
In modern times, understanding Jews and Israel involves recognizing both religious and national identities. The State of Israel, established in 1948, serves as a homeland for the Jewish people, but not all Jews reside in Israel, and not all Israeli citizens are Jewish. The Jewish people today are diverse, encompassing various ethnic and cultural traditions while maintaining a shared religious heritage. The term “Jew” now encompasses individuals who identify with the Jewish faith and traditions worldwide, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews.
REFLECTION
As Christians, we share a spiritual heritage with the Jewish people. Our faith is rooted in the covenant God made with Abraham and the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “the Church, the people of God in the New Covenant, discovers her link with the Jewish People, ‘the first to hear the Word of God'” (CCC 839).
We are called to respect and appreciate the Jewish roots of our faith while recognizing the unique role of Christ in salvation history. Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of Jewish-Christian dialogue, stating that “God continues to work among the people of the Old Covenant and to bring forth treasures of wisdom which flow from their encounter with his word” (Evangelii Gaudium, 249).
For us Christians, this calls for a respectful and appreciative understanding of the Jewish faith and people. It also invites us to recognize the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ, who bridges the Old and New Covenants. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminds us of the importance of the Jewish people in God’s salvation plan: “They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Messiah” (Rom 9:4-5).
Let us pray for unity and understanding between all people of faith, recognizing our shared humanity and the divine love that encompasses us all. May we work together to build a world of peace, justice, and mutual respect, following the teachings of Christ who came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Mt 5:17).