Discover the History of Israel and the Jewish People

The Story Behind the Splitting of the Sea The event commonly referred to as the splitting of the sea takes place in the Book of Exodus, chapter 14. After centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were finally granted their freedom. Led by Moses, they began their journey into the wilderness. But soon after their departure, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to recapture them. Trapped between the advancing Egyptian forces and the sea, the Israelites cried out in fear. In that moment of desperation, Moses was instructed to stretch out his hand over the sea. When he...

The Destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile In 586 BCE, the Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in Jerusalem, a devastating blow to the Jewish people. The Temple had been the spiritual heart of Jewish life, built by King Solomon centuries earlier. Its destruction marked not only the loss of a sacred space but also the beginning of a long and painful exile. The Babylonian exile was a time of mourning and reflection. Far from their homeland, the Jewish people preserved their identity through prayer, study, and community. They longed for the day they could return to Jerusalem...

The Importance of Ancient Maps in Understanding History Maps are more than just tools for navigation—they are windows into the past. When we examine ancient maps of the Levant, especially those highlighting Tyre and Sidon, we gain insight into how people understood geography, politics, and culture in biblical times. These maps help us visualize trade routes, territorial boundaries, and the proximity of key cities to one another. The map of Tyre and Sidon reveals their strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea, north of ancient Israel. Their coastal positions made them ideal hubs for trade and communication. These cities were not...