In the Bible, what was the Old Testament understanding of eternal reward?

Question

Did they believe they would go to heaven? If so, was their understanding of heaven the same as the Christian view (yes, I know there were no Christians in OT times)?
For example, when David says in Psalm 23, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord," or in Proverbs 23:18, when Solomon says, "There is a future hope for you," what does this mean?
Thanks.

Answer 1

In Jewish religious texts the concepts of heaven and hell are touched upon but we don't focus on it the way Christianity does, for example.

Judaism teaches that everyone, regardless of their religion, will find a place in the afterlife IF they lead a moral life here on earth. We are very much a religion of the 'here and now'.

We don't have a concept of eternal hellfire and damnation. The Jewish concept of hell is more about being distant from G-d.

Hope this has helped a bit :)

Answer 2

As you've noticed, there really are no details about an afterlife in the Hebrew bible/Christian "Old Testament." We Jews speculate but don't have a definite universal opinion on the subject, and instead focus on our religious life in the here and now.

Answer 3

as far as I know, the old testament, which is the holy Book of Judaism, does not include a reference to eternal bliss in heaven or eternal damnation in hell. these were no part of Judaism.
however Jews believe that all people will come to live again when the Messiah arrives, that is why Jews bury their death hole, and object to cremation or donation of parts.

Answer 4

Psa 23 david said dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER

Answer 5

The earth we are presently living in is a school for us to learn and mature so that we return to our spiritual home(paradise) where we came from as unconscious spirit germs.

Being able to return there is the greatest reward for anyone.