What drove the intellectual flourishing of the Hebrews around 1200BC?

The intellectual flourishing of the Hebrews around 1200 BC can be attributed significantly to the weakening of Egypt and the fall of the Hittites. During this period, the geopolitical landscape of the Near East underwent substantial changes. As Egypt's influence diminished, the power vacuum allowed various groups, including the Hebrews, to thrive culturally and intellectually.

This environment fostered the development of new ideas, religious beliefs, and social structures, leading to advanced theological concepts and literary production. The decline of the Hittite Empire also meant that territories and resources became accessible, facilitating not just cultural growth but also interactions with neighboring civilizations. The combination of reduced external pressures and the resultant opportunities for engagement and exploration enabled the Hebrew people to cultivate a rich intellectual and spiritual life, setting the stage for further developments in their cultural identity.