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In our last post, we explored the complex history of Palestine, a region with a deep and multifaceted past. Contrary to some modern perceptions, Palestine has historically been an independent region with its own distinct identity, long before the establishment of Israel in 1948. The region's history is marked by a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, making it a true melting pot over the centuries. So now one might be wondering why does Israel want the land so badly and why do Israelis, (Jews and Christians alike) believe the land belongs to them, that God promised it to them.
That is a complicated and complex answer but it starts with Abraham; a figure revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is the central patriarch whose legacy profoundly shapes the world's major religions. Known for his faith and obedience to God, Abraham's story is more than a historical account; it represents a foundational myth that unites and divides diverse religious traditions and influences millions of lives today.
Who Was Abraham?
Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Quran. His narrative begins in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of remarkable faith and commitment to God. Abraham is believed to have lived around 2000 BCE in the region known today as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).
According to biblical tradition, Abraham was a free man and a significant figure in his community. He was a descendant of Shem, one of Noah's sons, and came from a family of some status in the city of Ur, an ancient Sumerian city.
The people of Ur practiced polytheism, worshiping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The religion of the Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia, was centered around the worship of deities associated with natural forces, city-states, and aspects of daily life.
Although no historical text explains why, according to the biblical and Quranic accounts, Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a new land, Canaan, which roughly corresponds to present-day Israel and Palestine. This call to leave his country, his relatives, and his father's house to go to a land that God would show him, was accompanied by a divine promise that Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation and inherit the land. Abraham’s willingness to follow this divine command, despite the personal and societal risks, is what marks him as a paragon of faith.
The Sons of Abraham
Abraham had two notable sons, each of whom plays a crucial role in the religious traditions that trace their roots back to him:
Ishmael: Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah’s (Abraham’s wife) maidservant. According to the Bible, Sarah initially could not conceive, so she offered Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. Ishmael is regarded as the ancestor of the Arab peoples. In Islamic tradition, Ishmael is a significant prophet and an important figure in the lineage leading to Muhammad, the final prophet in Islam. According to the Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, Ishmael had twelve sons who became the ancestors of twelve tribes. These sons are often referred to as the Ishmaelites.
Isaac: Isaac was the son of Abraham and his wife Sarah. His birth was considered a miracle, as Sarah was well beyond childbearing age. According to the biblical account, Isaac's birth fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham. Isaac married Rebekah, and they had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Jacob, later named Israel, like his uncle Ishmael, also had twelve sons, each of whom became the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes that make up the nation of Israel. In the Bible, Jacob is considered the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, making Isaac a key figure in the Jewish and Christian traditions.
Note: The Jews and Christians traditionally consider themselves descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Arabs, on the other hand, traditionally trace their lineage to Ishmael, the first son of Abraham.
Abraham’s Influence on World Religions
Understanding the history of Abraham and his sons can provide valuable insights into the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by highlighting the deep historical, religious, and cultural roots that contribute to the current tensions. This shared ancestry is central to understanding the historical and religious claims both Jews and Arabs make to the land of Palestine.
Judaism: In Judaism, Abraham is considered the founding patriarch of the Jewish people. For Jews Abraham’s covenant with God established the basis for Jewish identity and faith. The promise of land and descendants is central to Jewish belief, and Abraham's faithfulness is celebrated as a model of righteousness. Jewish traditions and practices are deeply rooted in this covenant.
Christianity: Christianity views Abraham as a model of faith and a precursor to Jesus Christ. Christians believe that through Abraham’s faith, God’s promise extended to all who follow Christ, as outlined in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul emphasizes Abraham’s role in demonstrating faith and righteousness in his letters, linking Christian beliefs to the patriarch’s legacy.
Islam: In Islam, Abraham (Ibrahim) is one of the greatest prophets and a key figure in the Islamic tradition. Muslims view him as a model of submission to God and an important ancestor of Muhammad. The Quran recounts Abraham’s role in establishing the Kaaba in Mecca with his son Ishmael. The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, which is commemorated during Eid al-Adha, highlights his unwavering faith and obedience.
Abraham is the foundational figure in the world's major monotheistic religions (the Abrahamic religions), but he did not belong to any religion in the way we understand religious affiliations today. Instead, Abraham was a spiritualist, a spiritual leader. It’s important to stress Abraham did not belong to any of these religions, religion is, at best, man's attempt to understand spiritual leaders; at worst, it’s man's attempt to control and manipulate the masses.
Land Promises:
Abraham's story as told in religious text helps to contextualize why the land of Israel/Palestine is so passionately contested and revered by both Jews and Arabs.The belief that God promised land to Abraham is central to Judaism, Christianity and Islam (and the Baha'i Faith, we’ll discuss more about this in a later post).
In Judaism, the "Promised Land" of Canaan is a foundational part of the covenant between God and Abraham, with his descendants, the Israelites, inheriting it. Christianity shares this belief, interpreting the land promise as part of God's broader plan for humanity through Abraham's lineage, leading to Jesus Christ (born Yeshua ben Yosef, or Yeshua son of Joseph). Islam recognizes Abraham as a prophet and patriarch, acknowledging God's blessings to him and his descendants, though the land promise is less emphasized.
The Bible:
The promise of the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac is a key aspect of the biblical narrative found primarily in the Book of Genesis. Here are the specific passages where Jews and Christians believe this promise is made:
Genesis 12:1-7
In this passage, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new land that He will show him:
Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV):“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
Genesis 12:7 (NIV):“The LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.”
Genesis 13:14-17
After Abram and Lot part ways, God reiterates the promise of land:
Genesis 13:14-15 (NIV):“The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had parted from him, ‘Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.’”
Genesis 15:1-21
God makes a formal covenant with Abram, specifying the land's borders:
Genesis 15:18-21 (NIV):“On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.’”
Genesis 17:1-8
God reaffirms the promise and establishes a covenant with Abraham, including a name change from Abram to Abraham and specifying that the covenant will be with his descendants through Isaac:
Genesis 17:7-8 (NIV):“‘I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.’”
Genesis 21:12
God confirms the promise regarding Isaac, emphasizing that the covenant will be established through him:
Genesis 21:12 (NIV):“But God said to him, ‘Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’”
Note: It’s important to remember that Religious books as we know them today were written by man commissioned by an authoritative government or ruling power. The original manuscripts of the Bible, known as autographs, no longer exist, so scholars rely on ancient copies and translations to reconstruct the text.
The Quran:
Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:21: "O my people, enter the Holy Land which Allah has assigned to you and do not turn back from fighting in Allah's cause and [thus] become losers."
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:124-126
2:124: "And [mention] when his Lord tested Ibrahim with [His] commands and Ibrahim fulfilled them. Allah said, 'Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.' Ibrahim said, 'And of my descendants?' Allah said, 'My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.”
2:125: "And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [his] son, Isma'il, [saying], 'Our Lord, make us both submissive to You and [grant] us of our descendants submissive. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful.'"
2:126: "And [mention] when Ibrahim said, 'My Lord, make this city secure and keep me and my sons away from worshiping idols.”
Surah Al-Isra 17:104: "And We said to the Children of Israel after him, 'Dwell in the land. But when the final promise comes, We will bring you forth as a mixed crowd.”
Surah Al-Hajj 22:26-27
22:26: "And [mention] when We designated for Ibrahim the site of the House, [saying], 'Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.”
22:27: "And proclaim to the people the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel coming from every distant pass."
Surah Al-Ankabut 29:27: "And We gave him Isaac and Jacob and placed in his descendants prophethood and the Scripture. And We gave him his reward in this world, and indeed, he is in the Hereafter among the righteous."
Surah Al-Muminun 23:50: "And We made the son of Maryam and his mother a sign, and We gave them shelter on high ground having a calm place and flowing springs.
Surah As-Saffat 37:102-112:
37:102: "And when he reached with him [the age of] activity, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream [that] I must slaughter you, so see what you think.' He answered, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, patient.'"
37:103: "And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead,"
37:104: "We called to him, 'O Ibrahim,'"
37:105: "‘You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good."
37:106: "Indeed, this was the clear trial."
37:107: "And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice."
37:108: "And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations."
37:109: "Peace upon Ibrahim."
37:110: "Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good."
37:111: "Indeed, he was of Our believing servants."
37:112: "And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous."
Each religion has its own historical and theological narrative about Abraham and his descendants. These narratives influence how adherents view historical claims and contemporary conflicts. For instance, the Jewish narrative emphasizes the covenant and land promise, while the Islamic narrative highlights Ishmael’s role and contributions to the region.
The historical and religious stories of Abraham and his sons contribute to the identities and nationalistic feelings of both Jews and Arabs. These identities shape the political and social dynamics of the conflict.
The land of Israel/Palestine is considered sacred in all three Abrahamic religions. For Jews, it is the Promised Land. For Muslims, it holds significant religious sites, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Christians also view it as a significant location due to its association with Jesus.
The religious significance of the land has historically led to conflicts over its control.
Understanding the history of Abraham and his sons helps illuminate the deep-seated historical and religious motivations behind the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It reveals how the shared ancestry and religious significance of the land contribute to the competing claims and enduring tensions. This historical context can foster a deeper understanding of the conflict, promote dialogue, and support efforts towards reconciliation and peace.
Mending Family Ties By Finding Common Ground and Mutual Respect
It seems this long running dispute over a small piece of land stems from a poor decision that Abraham and Sarah made for each other that created a family divided. It’s time for the people of all nations to work to heal this divide.
Acknowledging the deep historical and religious roots for all mankind and recognizing the shared ancestry and religious significance can help in fostering mutual respect and provide a common ground for dialogue. Understanding the historical and theological perspectives of both sides can foster empathy and pave the way for more effective conflict resolution. It’s important to appreciate each side's narrative and historical claims to address the conflict more comprehensively.
The Legacy of Abraham
Abraham’s legacy is not confined to his immediate descendants. His story has transcended time and geography, shaping the religious and cultural landscapes of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through his faith, Abraham established a narrative that unites these three religions and all of humanity, each interpreting his story in ways that affirm their own beliefs while acknowledging his central role.
Abraham’s life and the lives of his sons serve as powerful symbols of faith, perseverance, and divine promise. They remind us of the shared roots of these major religions and the common spiritual heritage that binds their followers together. Understanding Abraham’s significance helps to appreciate the deep historical and theological connections that underpin these world religions, offering insights into their shared origins and diverse expressions.
In essence, Abraham’s story is not just about an individual’s journey; it is about the foundational principles that have shaped the beliefs and practices of billions of people across the world. His legacy continues to inspire faith and dialogue among followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, illustrating the enduring power of his spiritual example.
Now that we have learned about the origins and history of Palestine/Israel, and humanities major monotheistic religions, we can move on to discussing what we do about this centuries old family feud that plagues humanity. Mending family ties will be complicated and complex. It will require vast internal changes as individuals and as groups of individuals. It’s going to require a huge paradigm shift for all of humanity.
Sign up for our free membership at www.ProjectHPF.org to learn with us weekly. Next week we’ll begin our discussion of what the paradigm shift is and how we achieve it. Hint: It’s the organizing of a revolution!
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