Israel Essay

	Knowledge of the nation of Israel's history isn't exactly common knowledge. Only scholars generally know much about it. However, the information is available if you care to look. This essay is just another source.

	First off, let's dive into Israel's general history. The origins of Israel lie in a man named Jacob. During a famine in 1728 B.C.E., he and his family migrated to Egypt, where they stayed for 215 years. At that time, not counting his 15 sons' wives, they numbered 70. However, during their sojourn, they grew into a large group of slaves totaling in the millions. As Jacob died, he blessed his twelve sons in order of their birth- that is, in the order of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin. Through them, a patriarchal tribal arrangement was formed and continued. During Israel's period of slavery, though, the Egyptians set up their arrangement. In 1513 B.C.E., Jehovah's promises were fulfilled and the Israelites were brought out of slavery. Within three months after the nation of Israel was released, the Ten Commandments were gifted to them and the nation truly started. Jehovah promised them a new land, and thus they sent spies out to scout it out. However, only 2 of the 12 spies came back with strong enough faith, and Jehovah, with a few exceptions, cursed all of Israel over 20 years never to reach the Promised Land.