History of Eretz Israel - From Creation until the Flood

Today, we will simply briefly take a look at the references Chazal (Our Rabbis) give us on the Land of Israel from the creation of the world until Avraham Avinu.

In Massechet Taanit (10a), we are told that the Land of Israel was the first piece of land created during the creation of the World. Only after the land of Israel was created did the whole world get created as well.

We are told (In Sanhedrin 39b) also that Adam Harishon was created from the land. Chazal explain that in order to create Adam Harishon, God used land from all around the world. However, in order to create his head, he only used land from the most cherished land of Israel.

The story of Kane and Abel also has a reference to Israel. Rabbi Yehudah Halevy in the Kuzari teaches us that the real fight between Kane and Abel was a fight to see whose decedents would inherit the land of Israel. Once God accepted Abel’s sacrifice and not Kane’s, Kane thought Abel received the inheritance and got jealous – thus killing his brother.

Finally, during the big Flood in the time of Noah, the Sages teach (in Zvachim) that God flooded the whole world except for the land of Israel.

These are a few sources detailing the history of the land of Israel before Avraham Avinu. My goal today was simply to share these sources with you to prepare our journey through history detailing the connection between our nation (starting with our forefathers) and it’s land.