Why are the ancient Hebrew people important to world civilization?

Answer 1

Mostly for the Judeo-Christian ethic that started with these people. Also for the literary tradition contained in the Bible.

Consider the Greek and Roman ideas of the Good: virtuosity, self-fulfillment, grace in battle, power as a conquering/controlling tool. Now consider the Hebrew approach: communal solutions, importance of marriage and property rights, power as a means to unity and peace.

It's not always been used that way, but it's a fundamental ethic that's different.

It's kind of the difference between US and French foreign policy today, with the US representing ancient Greeks and Romans, and the French representing Hebrew (Judeo-Christian) ideals.

Also, the literary talents of the Hebrews was developed especially well because many other art media were forbidden as false gods. So, pottery, sculpture, and painting were not developed, but intricate and involved literary forms were developed. One of these is the chiastic (spelling?) structure: a poem that repeats itself in an X formation: a long line, followed by a shorter line, and onward down to the heart of the poem (the most important part). This all repeats itself in opposite order with similar but different meanings. This gives the thought classical order with a lot of nuance and emphasis added. This can be found in Isaiah (a poet-prophet) and other parts of the Bible, but can also be found in non-biblical works influenced by the Hebrews.

Warm regards,

Answer 2

Ancient Hebrew Civilization

Answer 3

The world's two major religions (in terms of influence) have their roots in the Hebrew people. That's all you need right there.

Answer 4

Go to
http://www.classicsinai.com/
Listen to the lecture called WorldPerfect: the Jewish impact on civilization

Answer 5

They have a long recorded history of others trying to wipe them out and managing to still survive.

Answer 6

We are all important

Answer 7

they aren't except as a focus of anger and persecution.