What was the primary intellectual development of the Hebrews that contributed to their cultural significance?

The primary intellectual development of the Hebrews that significantly contributed to their cultural significance was their emphasis on religion. This is particularly evident in the formulation and development of monotheism, the belief in one true God, which became a defining feature of Hebrew culture. The religious texts, notably the Torah, laid the foundation for moral and ethical standards and influenced later religious systems, including Christianity and Islam.

Furthermore, the Hebrews' religious practices and narratives articulated their identity and sense of community, providing a framework for understanding the world around them and their place within it. Their unique conception of God and emphasis on a covenant relationship shaped their societal norms and laws, affecting not just their own community but also impacting neighboring cultures and civilizations.

While philosophy, engineering, and agricultural techniques certainly played roles in various cultures, the religious developments of the Hebrews were particularly transformative and left a lasting legacy on human civilization.