Session 7 | In the Shadows of the Eastern Super-Powers (I):
The Northern Israelite Kingdom
#22-29
#22. Introduction
Lecture 7 will examine the history of the Land from the break-up of the Davidic/Solomonic kingdom ca. 930 BCE into two states, Israel and Judah, until the demise of the northern kingdom of Israel ca. 720 BCE. This two hundred year period is characterized by conflicts between Israel and its neighbors, such as the Moabites and the Assyrians. It was the latter empire which brought about the final destruction of this northern kingdom.
#23. Map of Palestine
The map provided below portrays the borders of the ancient kingdoms of Judah and Israel subsequent to the division of the Davidic/Solomonic kingdom as well as the two primary trade routes that traversed Israel in antiquity: the Via Maris, which means “Way of the Sea”, and the so-called King’s Highway. Which of the two kingdoms had the greatest amount of control of these routes?
Question
Return to the maps in the online course pack entry #2 and delineate the path of these trade routes beyond Palestine. What are the benefits and dangers of having such routes in your territory?
24. Kings
Chapter 12 in the first book of Kings provides an inside look into the dynamics that brought about the rupture of the Davidic kingdom. Read it carefully and try to reconstruct the various powers that shaped this crucial junction. List the demands of the people which, if accepted by Rehoboam, would have allowed the realm to remain united.
Question
Which individuals are explicitly blamed in this text for the break-up of the kingdom (mark the verses that express this blame)? Is Solomon culpable in any way? If so, is his responsibility explicitly or implicitly referenced in the text? What is the reason for that?
#25. J. Andrew Dearman and Gerald L. Mattingly
The Anchor Bible Dictionary (ABD) – located in the library and online – provides a helpful source of information on biblical-related characters, books, events, archaeological finds, etc. The entry on the “Mesha Stele” offers a succinct overview of the inscription. Note the date of the inscription, its language, and the context of discovery.
#26. Mesha/Introduction
As has been referenced above, Mesha is mentioned in 2 Kings as well as in the Mesha Inscription. Both of these texts are presented below. In reading them, pay special attention to the direct or indirect quotes assigned to Chemosh, the god of Moab, and to YHWH (LORD), the god of Israel, and mark them with an asterisk.
#27. 2 Kings
#28. Mesha Stele/Moabite Stone
The black portions of the stele have been reconstructed; the brown-colored portions are the original.
Translation
Question
In what ways are deities presented in texts #27 and #28, i.e., to what extent do they assist their followers in the affairs of the state? Who won the conflict between Moab and Israel according to each text? What does the discrepancy tell us about the practices of dynastic writing in the ancient world? Can you think of an analogy today (Hint: news-article writing?)
#29. 2 Kings
The following chapters from 2 Kings describe the final days of Israel. Observe the manner in which religiosity is used to explain the reasons for the decline of Israel.
Question
Are there any non-religious reasons given for the demise of Israel? If so, what are they? How does the author convey the notion that there was an alternative to exile? What message might the author be saying to those in exile when 2 Kings was written (cite the appropriate verses from the above text that support your answer)?