Lecture 3The History of IsraelThe Former Prophets

Joshua 2Kings

Lynn Brinkley Campbell University

Categories Which Comprise the Prophets

The Former ProphetsJoshua-2 Kings

The Latter ProphetsIsaiah-Malachi

Deuteronomistic History (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings)Deuteronomistic HistoryMany scholars believe this material was influenced by the book of DeuteronomyTells the rise and fall of the Kingdom of IsraelCovers period from the conquest of the Promised Land to the Exile.Perspective: Retribution TheologyObey GodGood things happenDisobey GodBad things happenDate: written about 587 BCEPurpose: to explain the Exile as due to sin

Joshua: Conquest of CanaanJoshua

Successor to Moses

Military conquest of Promised Land (Joshua 1-12)

Tribes assigned geographical portions of the land after the successful military campaign (Joshua 13-21)

Covenant Renewal Ceremony at Shechem (Joshua 24)

Joshua: Conquest of CanaanGift of the LandInvasion accompanied by signs and wondersWaters of Jordan parted, walls of Jericho tumble, sun stands still, etc.Emphasis: God is fighting for Israel and giving land (fulfillment of covenant promise)Book of Joshua is optimistic

Judges: Struggle for the LandJudges Another perspectiveJewish people influenced by CanaanitesTemporary military leaders named Judges appointed by God to rescue the people when neededDeborahRealistic view of the ConquestCanaanites not driven outIsraelites in continuous struggle for landComplete mastery: 200 years after JoshuaJudges Cycle (Judges 2:11-23)Apostasy Oppression - Repentance Deliverer Deliverance - Peace

Judges: Struggle for the Land12 Judges: Charismatic military heroesRaised in crisis, rally troops, defeat the enemyE.g., Deborah, female judge, defeated Canaanite king in north (Judges 4-5), Gideon: delivers from Midianites (Judges 6-8), Samson, fails to break back of Philistines (Judges 13-16)

Judges: closes on pessimistic note

United Monarchy1-2 SamuelThe story of the United MonarchySamuel (the last of the Judges) appoints Saul as kingBecause of his refusal to obey God, he is rejected by GodDavid becomes successor to Saul and Israels greatest kingDavids weaknessesSolomon

SaulReigned from 1020 1000 BCEThreat by the Philistines leads to need for military leadership/kingSelected and anointed by SamuelLoses confidence from GodSaul dies in battle with Philistines (1 Samuel 31)

DavidReigned from 1000 960 BCESamuel prepares David to succeed SaulMusicianFame comes when kills Philistine giant GoliathBecomes military officerIsraels most popular/beloved kingsReign known as Golden Age of Israel

DavidBrief division/civil war between 10 northern and 2 southern tribesCapital moved from Hebron to JerusalemMore centralArk of Covenant movedJerusalem, city of DavidPlans made for building temple and emphasis on worship of Yahweh aloneDavid = model ruler

DavidBible does not leave his moral lapses untoldAffair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)Adultery, murderNathan reprimands David (2 Samuel 12)Results in turmoil for rest of his reignRetributionDeath of the child (2 Samuel 12:15-18)

1 and 2 Kings

Shows the wickedness of Israelite kings leading nation down the path to ruin

Solomon succeeds David

Solomons reign 1 Kings 1-11

SolomonReigned from 960 922 BCECharacterized by wealth, wisdom, and womenForeign tradeBuilt Temple in JerusalemWisdom movement in IsraelAssociated with books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes700 wives and 300 concubines

SolomonNegative aspects of his reignHigh taxesForced laborToleration of the pagan worship of his foreign wivesDeath of Solomon (922 BCE)End of United MonarchySon Rehoboam to succeed SolomonRule like his father?Upheld the harsh rule of his father and even going beyond in taxation and forced-labor polices

Divided Monarchy (922 BCE)10 northern tribesKnown as IsraelJeroboam, king of the north2 southern tribesKnown as JudahRehoboam, king of the south

Israel (Northern Kingdom)Lasted from 922 722 BCECapital: SamariaKings of the north: wickedDisloyal to Davidic dynasty and Jerusalem TemplePagan worship Ahab and wife, JezebelProphets raised voices against evil and injustice722 BCE: Israel conquered and destroyed by AssyriaScattered and lost identityWhy? Sin (2 Kings 17:7-8)

Judah (Southern Kingdom)Lasted from 922 587 BCECapital: JerusalemDavidic dynastyEvil king, Manasseh (687-642 BCE)Baal-worship, pagan images, child sacrificeReforming kingsHezekiah, JosiahProphets brought warnings587 BCE: Judah conquered by BabyloniaJerusalem and Temple destroyedExile in Babylonia

Chroniclers HistoryIncludes:1 and 2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahWritten in 4th centurySources: Deuteronomistic History and othersParallel to Deuteronomistic History from a different perspectiveE.g., David (emphasis on valiant warrior vs. developer of temple and priesthood)Ezra-Nehemiah: continues history into post-exilic period

Chroniclers HistoryExile (587-539 BCE)Judeans or Jews resettled in BabyloniaKept identity and preserved traditionsProphets: Turn back to God and be restoredTradition, literature, etc.Birth of Judaism

Chroniclers HistoryRestoration (538 333 BCE)Described in Ezra-Nehemiah539 BCE: Babylonia conquered by PersiaPersian King Cyrus sent Jewish exiles home to rebuild Temple (Ezra 1:1-4)Three notable milestones:Zerubbabel: rebuilding Temple (516 BCE)Nehemiah: rebuilding walls of Jerusalem (445?BCE)Ezra: Law of Moses to Jerusalem (398 BCE)

Later HistoryHellenistic Period (333-166 BCE)Conquered by Alexander the Great167 BCE: Antiochus IV outlawed Jewish religious practicesBook of Daniel (written about 165 BCE)Maccabean Revolt (166-163 BCE)Rebellion for Jewish independence

BibliographyThis PowerPoint originally created by Dr. Glenn Jonas, Professor of Religion at Campbell University. Other materials provided by Dr. Derek Hogan, Assistant Dean, Divinity School.

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