Definition

Noun: 1. The descendants of the biblical patriarch Jacob (also called Israel): A term for the ancient people who formed the Twelve Tribes of Israel, considered the chosen people of God in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). 2. The ethnic and national community in the biblical narrative: The nation with whom God established a covenant, as described in scriptures like the Book of Exodus.

Usage Examples

• According to the biblical narrative, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt before their exodus to the Promised Land.
• The covenant at Mount Sinai was made between God and the Israelites.
• Ancient texts describe the Israelites as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Advanced Usage

• "The Children of Israel": A synonymous poetic or formal term for the Israelites, emphasizing their lineage from the patriarch Jacob, who was renamed Israel.
  • The prophet spoke to the Children of Israel.
• In academic and historical contexts, "Israelites" specifically refers to the people in the pre-monarchic and monarchic periods of ancient history, before the Babylonian exile. The terms "Hebrews" or "Ancient Israelites" are often used similarly in this context.

Variants and Related Words

• Israelite (adj): Of or relating to the ancient Israelites.
  • Israelite history and culture.
• Israeli (adj/noun): Pertaining to the modern State of Israel or its citizens. (Note: This is distinct from the ancient "Israelites").
• Israel (noun): The name given to the patriarch Jacob; the ancient kingdom; the modern nation-state.

Synonyms

• Hebrews (in the ancient biblical context)
• Children of Israel
• The Twelve Tribes (of Israel)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• The Exodus: The central event describing the Israelites' departure from Egypt under the leadership of Moses.
• The Covenant: The formal agreement between God and the Israelites, establishing them as His chosen people.
• The Promised Land (Canaan): The land God promised to give to the descendants of Abraham, which the Israelites sought to enter.

Noun

1. the ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob); the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19)