Judaism
The Monarchy of Israel: Kings, prophets and division
· 7 min read
From Saul to the destruction of the First Temple, the Jewish monarchy lasted about 450 years. David unified the kingdom; Solomon built the Temple; then came division and exile.
The Monarchy of Israel
Saul, David and Solomon
The people asked for a king (1 Samuel 8). Samuel anointed Saul, first king. Saul disobeyed God and was replaced by David, the shepherd of Bethlehem. David conquered Jerusalem, unified the tribes, established the capital, and brought the Ark of the Covenant. Solomon built the First Temple.
Division and fall
After Solomon, the kingdom split into Israel (north, 10 tribes) and Judah (south, 2 tribes). Israel was destroyed by Assyria (722 BCE) and its ten tribes were lost. Judah was conquered by Babylon (586 BCE); the Temple was destroyed and the people exiled.
Reading: 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Chronicles. The prophet Jeremiah describes the fall. Psalm 137 (By the rivers of Babylon).
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