The Complex History of the Children of Israel: Exploring Beliefs, Behaviors, and Modern-Day Implications
Unfortunately, there is a lack of solid evidence about the history of the Children of Israel, as much of it has been intertwined with myths and distortions. Efforts to document their history have not been free from these shortcomings either. Distinguishing between truth and falsehood is only possible by examining their history through sacred texts such as the Quran and the unaltered versions of the Torah and the Gospel. This article provides a historical overview of the Children of Israel, focusing on the narratives found in divine scriptures.
The Prophet Jacob is also known as Israel, and the Children of Israel are named after him. Israel is a Hebrew term, attributed to Prophet Jacob because of the belief that he wrestled with God or an angel of God [1].
However, some biblical linguists interpret the term Israel to mean the servant of God [2]. While the term Children of Israel is entirely Quranic and was first used in the Quran, the Bible also contains numerous accounts regarding the children and descendants of Prophet Jacob, effectively narrating the history of the Children of Israel.
The Bible uses various terms to describe this group, such as the “descendant of Israel” [3], the “truly members of God’s people” [4], or the “ten tribes of Israel” to distinguish them from Judah [5]. Judah was one of the twelve sons of Prophet Jacob. When reviewing the history of the Children of Israel, after the migration of Jacob’s sons to Egypt during the time of Prophet Joseph, we observe numerous events that befell this group, which have been discussed in earlier articles. Ultimately, after enduring great hardships, God sent Prophet Moses to deliver the Children of Israel out of bondage.
Among the few nations whose detailed accounts are extensively discussed in the Quran are the Children of Israel and Prophet Moses. Although they emerged as a group after Prophet Jacob, the Quran predominantly refers to the followers and descendants of the Children of Israel after Prophet Moses, while also confirming their existence before him.
In the history of the Children of Israel, we see that God granted them immense honor and elevated their status over the people of their time. This is mentioned multiple times in the Quran concerning the Children of Israel and Prophet Moses [6]. However, this superiority was confined to the people of their era and location, not over all periods and all nations. The reason for this elevation was the blessings and miracles that God granted them, leaving no excuse for disbelief. Yet, they failed to use these blessings appropriately and persisted in their obstinacy.
God bestowed countless favors upon this group, including the presence of numerous prophets, independence, abundant miracles, and a privileged status among the people of their era. However, despite witnessing extraordinary miracles and receiving exceptional divine sustenance, they reached the peak of ingratitude and defiance against God and His prophets. As a result, God subjected them to the harshest punishments.
Fig. 1: The History of the Children of Israel Before and After the Prophethood of Moses
The History of the Children of Israel Before the Prophethood of Moses
The history of the children of Israel is full of ups and downs, which can be divided into two periods; before and after the prophecy of Moses. The first part includes the following main events as illustrated in figure 1:
Migration from Canaan to Egypt
According to the history of the Children of Israel, during the time when Prophet Joseph held a high rank in Egypt, a severe famine struck Canaan. Prophet Jacob and his children migrated to Egypt, where they lived for many years.
The Beginning of Hardships
After the death of Prophet Joseph and his brothers, who were considered the main patriarchs of the Children of Israel, their descendants grew and formed a large nation spread across Egypt. The Egyptian rulers, fearing the growing power and possible rebellion of the Children of Israel, began oppressing them. In a short time, most of the Children of Israel were enslaved by Egyptians. Egyptian people also mistreated these foreigners, subjecting them to servitude and torture. Additionally, prophecies and predictions from earlier prophets and Egyptian priests foretold that a boy from the Children of Israel would overthrow Pharaoh’s throne [7]. Consequently, the Children of Israel faced grave persecution, insecurity, and deep despair under Pharaoh’s regime. In such a harsh situation God kept baby Moses alive, for the future!
The Supplication of the Children of Israel
Years passed, and the prolonged suffering of the Children of Israel became unbearable. In their desperation, they gathered and devoted themselves to forty days of prayer and supplication, pleading with God to send a savior to rescue them from that harsh situation. Witnessing their sincere and desperate cries, God forgave the remaining 170 years of their destined suffering and chose Prophet Moses to lead them to salvation. Regarding this matter, Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said, “If you Shiites behave like them and plead for coming of the Promised Savior, God will help you as well. However, if you remain indifferent, the occultation will not be decreased” [8].
The Prophethood of Moses
Before Prophet Moses was appointed as a messenger, he lived in Egypt, where an incident occurred and led to the death of a Coptic man (the ancient Egyptian Christians who supported Pharaoh). Forced to flee, Moses left Egypt and went to Midian, where he married one of Prophet Jethro’s daughters. After spending ten years in Midian, Moses set out for Egypt. On his way, at Mount Sinai, God directly spoke to him without any intermediary, appointing him as a prophet. God commanded Moses to return to Egypt to guide and admonish Pharaoh and his people and to deliver the Children of Israel from Pharaoh’s oppression. Prophet Moses, accompanied by his brother Aaron and his family, set out for Egypt to fulfill God’s command.
You can find more details about this event in the history of the Children of Israel in earlier articles.
The History of the Children of Israel After the Prophethood of Moses
The period from Moses’ prophethood onward, though marked by both hardships and joy for Israelites, powerfully shows God’s miracles and blessings.
The Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt
The history of the Children of Israel recounts that when Prophet Moses invited Pharaoh to embrace monotheism and follow his teachings, Pharaoh stubbornly persisted in his disbelief and oppressive actions. God empowered Prophet Moses to perform numerous miracles before Pharaoh and his people, even bringing upon them severe and extraordinary plagues. Although Pharaoh and his people temporarily pledged to believe in God, they repeatedly broke their promises and returned to their previous ways.
Special Blessings for the Children of Israel
God commanded Prophet Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt to deliver them from their oppression. The Children of Israel accepted Moses’ guidance, but Pharaoh’s forces learned of their escape and pursued them.
In a moment of great distress, the Children of Israel found themselves trapped: The sea lay before them, and Pharaoh’s army was closing in behind them. By God’s command, Prophet Moses struck the sea with his staff, and the waters parted, allowing the Children of Israel to pass through safely. Pharaoh’s army, however, was drowned in the same sea.
Three months after their exodus from Egypt, the Children of Israel arrived at the land of Sinai. During this period, several significant events occurred, many of which are detailed in the Quran. Some of the miraculous events include water gushing from a rock to quench their thirst, the descent of manna and quail [9] from the heavens to satisfy their hunger, and clouds forming overhead to provide shade and cooling relief. These and other miracles are described in detail in the history of the Children of Israel and Prophet Moses.
Disobedience and Divine Punishment for the Children of Israel
Despite the numerous blessings that God granted Israelites, they repeatedly disobeyed His commands. As a result, they faced punishment in hopes of recognizing their mistakes. However, history shows that they ultimately failed to do so!
Defiance of the Command to Fight and Forty Years of Wandering
The history of the Children of Israel recounts that God had decreed the Holy Land of Palestine as their inheritance, intending for them to become its rightful heirs after Pharaoh’s downfall [10]. God’s plan was for the Children of Israel to live peacefully and prosperously in the Holy Land, but on the condition that they cleanse it of idolatry and polytheism and remain steadfast in the teachings of their prophets. Their residence in the Holy Land was contingent upon their willingness to jihad (fight against tyrants and oppressors) [11]; otherwise, God’s decree would be revoked, and the covenant would be annulled.
Prophet Moses conveyed God’s command to the Children of Israel, warning them of the great loss they would incur if they disobeyed or retreated. It was decided that twelve representatives from the Children of Israel would be sent to scout the land of Canaan. Upon their return, ten of them, terrified by the might and strength of the land’s inhabitants, discouraged the rest of the people. However, two of them, Joshua, son of Nun and Caleb, son of Jephunneh, trusted in God’s infinite power and urged the people to proceed with confidence and faith.
Despite this encouragement, the Children of Israel refused to fight, fearing the loss of their men and the enslavement of their women and children. They defied the explicit command of God and their prophet, Moses. Even the persistent efforts of Prophet Moses, Prophet Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb could not change their minds. The people expressed regret for leaving Egypt and even considered appointing a new leader to take them back. They brazenly told Moses, “We will stay here; you and your Lord can go and fight the inhabitants of the Holy Land” [12]. They disrespectfully placed conditions on God and His prophet, declaring that they would only enter the Holy Land if its current inhabitants had already vacated.
This sin and their defiance of God’s command, delivered by Moses, resulted in the Children of Israel being barred from entering the Holy Land for forty years. During this time, they wandered aimlessly in the wilderness, known as the Wadi of Tih, located in the Sinai Peninsula, at the southernmost part of Palestine—a barren, sandy desert with little vegetation, seeing many incidents [13]. This episode is also elaborated upon in the Torah and aligns remarkably with the Quran’s account of this phase in the lives of the Children of Israel and Prophet Moses.
Ultimately, after much hardship and repentance, God accepted their atonement, and the subsequent generations of the Children of Israel were able to conquer the Holy Land [14] led by prophet Joshua [15].
The Worship of the Golden Calf During the Absence of Moses
In the Quranic account of the history of the Children of Israel and Prophet Moses, we read that Moses went to Mount Sinai to engage in worship, receive the Torah and establish a monotheistic system. Before departing, he appointed Prophet Aaron as his deputy in his absence and gave him detailed instructions. Initially, Moses intended to spend thirty nights in communion and supplication with God, but the meeting was extended by divine command for an additional ten nights, culminating in a total of forty nights [16]. This period is known as the Forty-Day Spiritual Retreat. During this time, Moses was granted the tablets and the Torah [17]. After forty nights, he prepared to return to the Children of Israel.
The history of the Children of Israel reveals that during Moses’ prolonged absence, rumors of his death began to spread among his people [18]. Misled by Satan, the Children of Israel sought a new deity to worship. A man named Samiri crafted a golden calf, and along with his followers, invited the Children of Israel to worship it.
The veneration of cows was a sacred tradition in Egyptian culture, and this influence had seeped into the beliefs of the Children of Israel. According to the Quran, Samiri was responsible for creating the golden calf and leading the people astray [19], while the Torah attributes the creation of the calf to Prophet Aaron [20]. Prophet Aaron, who was acting as Moses’ deputy among the Children of Israel during this time, warned the people against idolatry and tried to dissuade them from following Samiri [21]. However, the majority of the people ignored his guidance and succumbed to calf worship.
When Moses returned and discovered what had happened, he was filled with anger. He smashed the tablets in frustration [22], reprimanded the people, confronted Prophet Aaron, and punished Samiri. The golden calf was ultimately destroyed—it was burned, reduced to ashes, and its remains were thrown into the sea [23].
The Quran describes the punishment God decreed for the idolaters as unprecedented in the history of prophets. Despite witnessing extraordinary miracles firsthand, the Children of Israel had reverted to idol worship. God’s wrath descended upon them [24], bringing humiliation in this world. As part of their divine punishment, the Israelites were commanded to kill the idolaters among them [25].
The Torah recounts that each person killed friends and acquaintances who had worshiped the calf, resulting in the death of about three thousand individuals [26]. After this mass execution [27], or possibly the elimination of all sinners [28], the Children of Israel’s repentance was accepted.
The Nature of Samiri’s Calf
The Quran describes Samiri’s golden calf as a lifeless, animal-shaped object that emitted the sound of a cow [29]. Commentators explain that Samiri positioned the calf in a way that allowed the wind to pass through it, producing the sound [30]. Other interpretations suggest that after witnessing the parting of the sea for the Children of Israel, Samiri took a handful of dust from beneath the hooves of the animal carrying Angel Gabriel [31]. He placed this dust inside the calf, enabling it to produce sound [32]. Some narrations even state that God informed Prophet Moses that He had allowed the calf to produce sound as a test for the Children of Israel [33].
The Foolish Demands of the Children of Israel from Moses
When someone does not like to do something, they usually start making excuses. The Israelites have been a symbol of making excuses in history. Here are just a few examples of them:
The Request to See God
Even after hearing God’s voice and witnessing His communication with Moses, the representatives of the Children of Israel were not satisfied. They insisted that Moses show them God directly [34]. In response to their audacious request, a thunderbolt struck them, killing them all [35]. However, Moses prayed fervently on their behalf, and God, in His mercy, revived them [36].
Asking Moses to See God
The Children of Israel continued to persist in disbelief and said to Moses, “If only you alone see God, that will suffice, and we will believe in you.” Despite Moses’ admonitions, they remained obstinate. According to the history of the Children of Israel, Moses spoke to God about their request, and God instructed him: “Look at the mountain; if it remains firm, then you will be able to see Me.” Suddenly, by God’s will, the mountain was shattered, and Moses, overwhelmed by God’s greatness, fell unconscious.
Some accounts suggest that after Moses returned from Mount Sinai and encountered Israelites worshiping the golden calf, he was instructed by God to take a group of Israelites back to the mountain so they could repent for their sin. Moses chose 70 representatives and brought them to Mount Sinai. There, they experienced a severe tremor (Rajfa), which caused them to collapse. Witnessing their plight, Moses prayed for them, and they were revived [37].
The demand to see God was an ignorant and audacious request by the Children of Israel. They insisted on seeing God with their physical eyes, despite the impossibility of such a vision [38]. While Moses himself believed that God could not be perceived by human eyes, the Israelites, disregarding both the prophet’s capacity and their own limitations, persisted in their demand.
There are differing opinions about the timing of this event. Some believe it occurred before the golden calf incident, while others assert it happened afterward. The former perspective appears to be more logical and substantiated.
Regardless of the timing, this episode underscored the persistent stubbornness of the Children of Israel, who consistently sought excuses and resisted accepting divine guidance.
The Excuses of Israelites and the Story of the Cow
The story of the cow in the history of the Children of Israel, recounted in the Quran [39], was discussed earlier in the article on the miracles of Moses. It involved the murder of a wealthy elderly man by members of his family, who then accused others to claim his wealth. The ensuing dispute led them to seek judgment from Moses.
God, through Moses, instructed them to slaughter a cow and use a piece of it to touch the corpse, which would then reveal the identity of the murderer. Initially, the Israelites dismissed the command as a mockery. However, they eventually agreed to carry it out, though reluctantly.
They began questioning Moses, asking for more details about the cow: “What kind of cow? Young or old? What color should it be? Ask God for further clarification.” For each question, God provided a specific answer. Finally, after much delay, they slaughtered the cow, struck the corpse with its tail, and the dead man came back to life, identifying his killer. This story, one of the numerous events from the history of the Children of Israel and Moses mentioned in the Quran, is also the reason behind the naming of Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), as Baqarah means a female cow.
This episode highlighted the relentless excuses and resistance of the Israelites, who complicate even the simplest divine commands.
The Story of Qarun and the Children of Israel
During his prophethood, Moses faced three major oppressive forces: Pharaoh, symbolizing power and tyranny; the golden calf of Samiri, symbolizing deceit and polytheism; and Qarun, symbolizing wealth and materialism. After overcoming the challenges of Pharaoh and Samiri’s golden calf, Moses was confronted with Qarun.
Qarun, a close relative of Moses [40], is mentioned in the history of the Children of Israel in the Quran. He had considerable knowledge of the Torah and outwardly displayed faith [41]. He amassed immense wealth, either through Pharaoh’s treasures or, according to some accounts, through his expertise in alchemy and trade. The situation remained stable until God commanded Moses to introduce the obligation of zakat (almsgiving).
At this point, Qarun’s true character was revealed. He refused to pay zakat and began opposing Moses, attempting to discredit him. He launched a campaign of false accusations against Moses, including allegations of theft and immorality. Tragically, some members of the Children of Israel sided with Qarun, causing significant trouble for Moses.
Eventually, Moses defended himself with God’s support, and God’s wrath descended upon Qarun and his followers. God instructed Moses to curse them [42], leading to their destruction as the earth swallowed them alive. As they were sinking into the ground, they desperately begged Moses for mercy and rescue, but he ignored their pleas, and they were consumed by the earth [43].
Following this event, God revealed to Moses: “You showed no mercy to them, but had they turned to Me in repentance and supplication, I would not have rejected their plea” [44].
Breaking the Sanctity of the Sabbath by Fishing
Another act of disobedience by the Children of Israel involved violating the sanctity of the Sabbath. They were commanded not to fish on Saturdays, but they defied this command [45]. As a result, they incurred God’s punishment and were transformed into apes as a consequence of their disobedience.
The Quran recounts many instances of breaking covenants [46] and facing the consequences [47] in the history of the Children of Israel. Their violation included hard-heartedness, altering the Torah to suit their desires, killing prophets, and attempting to crucify Prophet Jesus. Only a small number of them embraced the final prophet, Muhammad (PBUH).
Due to their repeated disobedience, hypocrisy, open and hidden Fisq (straying from the right path), hostility, and stubbornness, God warned them of disgrace in this world and severe punishment in the hereafter [48].
Conclusion
The various events related to the history of the Children of Israel and Prophet Moses, as mentioned in the Quran, are filled with important lessons about the building of civilizations and the proper delivery of the divine mission across centuries. The Children of Israel serve as a symbol of a people who consistently oppose the establishment of a divine civilization, prioritizing their personal preferences and standards over God’s will and the guidance of His prophets.
This is a nation that finds fault in every blessing and raises doubts and questions about every divine command and wisdom. For example, when God saved them from starvation and sent them heavenly food and meat, they complained and demanded lentils and onions instead [49]!
Anyone who shares similar thoughts, behaviors, or attitudes with this complaining and cursed group should be wary and seek to reform their character before it is too late. Otherwise, they risk having the same status as that of the Children of Israel, standing as obstacles to the establishment of the divine civilization by the Promised Savior.
References
[1]. Genesis, 32:22-32
[2]. Al-Tabarani, al-Mujam al-Kabir, Beirut, Dar Ihya al-torath al-Arabi, 1991, V. 1, P. 278. (Arabic)
[3]. Corinthians 10:18/ Romans 9:6
[4]. Romans, 9:6
[5]. Samuel, 11:8
[6]. Quran, 2:47, 122
[7]. Tabarsi, Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, Tehran, 1993, V. 7, P. 375 (Arabic)
[8]. Muhammad b. Masud al-Ayyashi, Tafsir al-Ayyashi, Rasuli Mahallati, Tehran, 1960, V. 2, P. 154. (Persian)
[9]. Quran, 2:57
[10]. Ibid, 7:137
[11]. Ibid, 5:21-23
[12]. Ibid, 5:24
[13]. Tabarsi, Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, Tehran, 1993, V. 1, P. 424 (Arabic)
[14]. Isidore Epstein, Judaism, a Historical Presentation, Britain, Cox and Wyman Ltd., 1959, P. 33.
[15]. Ibid.
[16]. Quran, 7:42/ Exodus 24:18, 34:28
[17]. Ibid, 7:142-145
[18]. Modarres, Man Hoda al-Quran, Tehran, Dar Moheb al-Hussain, V. 3, P. 450 (Arabic)
[19]. Quran, 20:87,88
[20]. Exodus, 32:1-6
[21]. Quran, 20:90
[22]. Ibid, 20:85/7:150
[23]. Ibid, 20:92-97
[24]. Ibid, 7:152
[25]. Hussaini Shirazi, Tabeen al-Quran, Beirut, Dar al-Olum, 2002, P. 18 (Arabic)
[26]. Exodus, 32:27,28
[27]. Qomi, Tafsir al-Qomi, Musavi Jazayeri, Qom, Dar al-Kitab, 1983, V. 1, P. 47 (Persian)
[28]. Tabatabaee, al-Mizan, Musavi Hamedani, Dar al-Kitab al-Islami, Bita, V. 1, P. 47 (Persian)
[29]. Quran, 20:8
[30]. Ibid, 7:152
[31]. Fakhr Razi, Mafatih al-Ghayb, Beirut, Dar Ehya al-Tarath al-Arabi, 1999, V. 22, P. 95 (Arabic)
[32]. Zamakhshari, al-Kashshaf, Beirut, Dar al-Kitab al-Arabi, 1986, V. 2, P. 160 (Arabic)
[33]. Qomi, Tafsir al-Qomi, Musavi Jazayeri, Qom, Dar al-Kitab, 1983, V. 2, P. 62 (Persian)
[34]. Quran, 4:53
[35]. Ibid, 2:56
[36]. Ibid, 2:55,56
[37]. Muhammad Rashid Reza, Tafseer al-Quran al-Hakeem, Beirut, Dar al-Marafa, 1993, V. 9, P. 215 (Arabic)
[38]. Quran, 6:103
[39]. Ibid, 2:67-73
[40]. Ibid, 28:76, 79
[41]. Sheykh Toosi, al-Tebyan fi Tafsir al-Quran, Beirut, Dar Ehya al-Tarath al-Arabi, Bita, V. 8, P. 175 (Arabic)
[42]. Ibn Asir Jazari,al-Kamel fi al-Tarikh, Beirut, Dar Sadar, 1965, V. 1, P. 205 (Arabic)
[43]. Quran, 28:81
[44]. Tabari, Tarikh al-Umam val-Moluk, Beirut, Dar al-Tarath, 1967, V. 1, P. 262, 265 (Arabic)
[45]. Quran, 2:65
[46]. Ibid, 5:12, 13
[47]. Ibid, 2:61/ 3:112
[48]. Ibid, 2:85
[49]. Quran, 2:61
