Discoveries in 1947 provided manuscripts nearly 1,000 years older than previously known versions, confirming the antiquity of the biblical text.

The central organizing principle, defining a binding relationship between God and Israel. It includes unconditional promises to patriarchs (like Abraham) and conditional obligations for the nation (at Sinai).

This is the authoritative Hebrew version of the Tanakh, formalized by Jewish scholars (the Masoretes) between the 7th and 10th centuries CE to include vowel markings and cantillation for accurate reading.

A recurring call for ethical behavior over empty ritual, with prophets acting as God's messengers to rebuke social injustice.