The Ancient Hebrews developed some of the most influential ideas in today's society well over 2000 years ago. Monotheism, or the belief in a single God, is one of the many ideas thought up by the ancient civilization that continues to thrive in today's society. Many monotheistic ideas originally developed by the Hebrews greatly influenced Christianity and Islam. The ancient Hebrews influenced not only today's religious beliefs, but also many of today's basic laws and surviving traditions.
             A large number of people have failed to notice the fact that many of the same ideas that flourish today were first implanted into people's heads as far back as 1000 B.C. One of these ideas was the belief in a single omniscient God--who was all seeing and all knowing. Many beliefs from differing faiths are based on the idea that there is only one god, rather than two, three, or even seven gods. However, at the time monotheism was invented, many peoples were polytheistic and worshipped many gods. To think that in spite of every one around them believing that there was a god for harvest, god for death, god for light, and so forth, that another peoples could believe otherwise is extraordinary. A majority of the denominations today are now Christian, Islamic, and Jewish; all of which are monotheistic.
             Besides influencing religion, the ancient Israelites also influenced the law in many societies today. Many of the basic principles that are upheld even today are the Ten Commandments. One of the Ten Commandments is "Thou shall not steal." Even today, stealing is a crime and is more than just frowned upon. Another one of the Then Commandments of God that has become las is "Thou shall not murder." To murder someone is a crime--in the eyes of God and in the eyes of other people as well. Another command, though not law, is "Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor." This command basically menas do not lie. As the saying goes, "...