What is the Difference Between Israelites and Jews

The two terms “Israelites” and “Jews” refer to people with a common ancestral and religious heritage. Sometimes, people even use them interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between Israelites and Jews.

What is the difference between Israelites and Jews? “Israelites” refers to the ancient people who descended from Jacob (Israel) and lived in the biblical Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, whereas “Jews” refers to the descendants of the Israelites who follow Judaism, particularly after the Babylonian exile and in modern times.

Key Areas Covered

1. Who are Jews
     – Definition, Features 
2. Who are Israelites  
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Israelites and Jews
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Israelites and Jews
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Israelites and Jews
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Israelites, Jews, Jewish

Who are Jews

Jews are a group of people with a shared ethnic and religious identity, originating from the Land of Israel, which is now the modern-day State of Israel. Throughout history, Jews lived in the Land of Israel under their own rule, but after various empires conquered the region, they were often expelled. The most significant expulsion occurred in 70 CE by the Roman Empire. Though a small number of Jews remained in the region, many others scattered across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and later, North and South America. This movement of Jews outside Israel is known as the Jewish Diaspora.

Figure 1: Jewish Diaspora

Traditionally, a person is considered Jewish if their biological mother is Jewish or if they have undergone the formal process of conversion to Judaism.

Who are Israelites

The Israelites are an ancient group of people whose history dates back to around 1200 BCE. They are believed to have emerged from a mix of indigenous Canaanites and other local peoples. The Israelites spoke an early form of Hebrew, which was a variation of the Canaanite languages, and they focused on worshiping Yahweh, their God.

In the Iron Age, two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, were established. The Kingdom of Israel, with its capital at Samaria, fell to the Assyrian Empire around 720 BCE. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. After the fall of Judah, some Israelites were exiled to Babylon but later returned when Cyrus the Great conquered the region.

Figure 2: Map of the Twelve Tribes of Israel

According to the Bible, the Israelites are descendants of Jacob, who was later named Israel. Jacob and his twelve sons fled to Egypt during a famine in Canaan, where they formed the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Eventually, under the leadership of Moses, the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt and later conquered Canaan under Joshua’s guidance.

Similarities Between Israelites and Jews

1. Israelites and Jews trace their lineage to the same ancient ancestors.
2. They are historically and traditionally connected to the land of Israel.
3. Both groups follow the foundational beliefs of Judaism.

Difference Between Israelites and Jews

Definition

• The term “Israelites” refers to the descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, who was later named Israel. They are the people before the establishment of the Jewish religion. On the other hand, “Jews” refers to the descendants of the Israelites, particularly those from the Kingdom of Judah, after the term “Jew” became used for people following Judaism.

Culture

• The Israelites were a group that emerged from various Semitic tribes and developed their culture, which later evolved into Jewish culture. Jews, on the other hand, are people who share a common culture, religion (Judaism), and identity shaped by centuries of religious and social development.

FAQ: Israelites and Jews

1. When did the Israelites become Jews?

The Israelites became Jews after the development of Judaism as a religion, particularly during and after the Babylonian exile around the 6th century BCE.

2. What religion are the Israelites?

The Israelites followed the religion of ancient Judaism, which is the foundation of modern Judaism. They worshiped Yahweh, the God of Israel. They followed religious practices and laws outlined in the Hebrew Bible (known as the Old Testament in Christianity).

3. Are Jews also called Israelites?

Yes, Jews are also called Israelites. But the term “Israelite” typically refers to the ancient people who lived in the Kingdom of Israel and Judah, particularly before the destruction of these kingdoms. Over time, the term “Jew” became more commonly used.

4. Who are the Israelites in Islam?

In Islam, the Israelites are the descendants of the Prophet Jacob (known as Ya’qub in Arabic). He is considered a prophet and patriarch. The Quran also mentions the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from his twelve sons, as part of the broader history of the Abrahamic faiths.

5. What are Jews called in the Quran?

The Quran refers to Jews as “Banu Isra’il” or “the Children of Israel.” This means the descendants of Prophet Jacob (Ya’qub in Arabic). The Quran also refers to them as “Yahud,” which is the Arabic word for Jews.

Reference:

1. “Israelites.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Jews.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Map of the Jewish Diaspora in the World” By 12 tribus de Israel.svg: Translated by Kordas12 staemme israels heb.svg: by user:יוסי12 staemme israels.png: by user:Janzderivative work Richardprins (talk) – 12 tribus de Israel.svg12 staemme israels heb.svg12 staemme israels.png (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “12 Tribes of Israel Map” By Allice Hunter – Empty map: File:World map: World Jewish Population in the World. Berman Jewish DataBank (2018). Retrieved on 22 June 2019. (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia