Were Adam & Eve Jewish?

[Marston]

If not, who was the first Jew and how, please? 

[Indentured Servant]

51 minutes ago, Marston said:

If not, who was the first Jew and how, please? 

 No, Adam and Eve weren't Jews. 

Technically, the term Jew refers to someone who is a descendant of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob.

Some refer to all twelve tribes as Jews, which is usually understood or assumed if the context is clear.

The only similarity to Israel is that scripture does reference making sacrifices (and/or offerings) to God as early as the sons of Adam and Eve.

Although, prior to Israel, such offerings were personal or a family related requirement, and didn't require a priest.

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, Marston said:

If not, who was the first Jew and how, please? 

The call of Abraham sets the scene for Israel to become a nation precious to God. 

The lineage from Abraham to David is a significant part of biblical history, tracing the ancestry of the Israelite people and the royal line of King David. Here's a brief overview:

1. Abraham: The patriarch of the Israelite people, chosen by God to be the father of many nations.
2. Isaac: Abraham's son, born to Sarah, and the child of promise.
3. Jacob: Isaac's son, renamed Israel, whose twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel.
4. Judah: One of Jacob's sons, from whom the royal lineage descends.
5. Perez: Son of Judah and Tamar, continuing the line.
6. Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed: Successive generations leading to Jesse.
7. Jesse: The father of David.
8. David: The shepherd who became the king of Israel and established the royal lineage.

This genealogy is detailed in the Bible, particularly in the books of Genesis and Matthew. 

[Marston]

Is Abraham the first Jew or is it unclear? Was Abraham in Israel or Judea when God annointed him?

Edited March 29 by Marston

[Michael37]

Just now, Marston said:

Is Abraham the first Jew?

Hebrew first, then Israelite, then Jew when the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin were governed separately from the other tribes of Israel.

The divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah emerged after the death of King Solomon around 930 BCE, marking a significant split in the united monarchy of Israel.

Key Points:

1. Division: The kingdom split into:

   • Israel (Northern Kingdom): Comprised of 10 tribes, with its capital in Samaria. Jeroboam became its first king.
   • Judah (Southern Kingdom): Included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, ruled Judah.

2. Reasons for Division:

   • Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor policies created dissatisfaction among the tribes.
   • Rehoboam's refusal to ease these burdens led to rebellion, fulfilling a prophecy by Ahijah the Shilonite.

3. Distinct Paths:

   • Israel: Known for idolatry and instability, it fell to the Assyrians in 722 BCE, leading to the exile of the 10 tribes.
   • Judah: Maintained the Davidic lineage but also faced periods of idolatry. It was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, resulting in the Babylonian Captivity.

4. Prophets: Both kingdoms had prophets who warned against idolatry and injustice, such as Elijah and Elisha in Israel, and Isaiah and Jeremiah in Judah.

This division profoundly shaped the history and identity of the Israelite people. 

[Michael37]

46 minutes ago, Marston said:

Is Abraham the first Jew or is it unclear? Was Abraham in Israel or Judea when God annointed him?

Technically it was Abram who was called out of the idolatry of Ur of the Chaldeans.

Gen 12:1-9  Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you.  (2)  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.  (3)  I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."  (4)  So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.  (5)  Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan.  (6)  Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.  (7)  Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.  (8)  And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.  (9)  So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

 

Gen 15:1-7  After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."  (2)  But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"  (3)  Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!"  (4)  And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."  (5)  Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."  (6)  And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.  (7)  Then He said to him, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it."
 

[Marston]

Thanks Michael. 

By chance are or were you an educator?

[Michael37]

44 minutes ago, Marston said:

Thanks Michael. 

By chance are or were you an educator?

I am often in positions to teach and train, but in Christian Service and as an employer and manager, not as a state certified teacher.