Saturday Bible Study Class 9-27-2025
Bible 101 – Lesson 7: The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
Exploring the division that shaped the Old Testament narrative and prophetic writings
Overview
In this lesson, we examine one of the most pivotal moments in biblical history: the split of the united kingdom under King Solomon's reign into two separate nations—Israel in the north and Judah in the south. This dramatic division fundamentally shaped the rest of the Old Testament narrative, influenced the prophetic writings, and provides crucial historical context for understanding God's people throughout Scripture.
The consequences of this split reverberated through centuries, affecting worship practices, political alliances, and spiritual faithfulness. Understanding this division is essential for comprehending the messages of the prophets and God's ultimate plan for restoration through the Messiah.
The Divided Kingdom
Following King Solomon's death, the united kingdom fractured into two distinct entities: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom, comprising ten tribes, established its capital in Samaria. The Southern Kingdom, consisting primarily of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, retained Jerusalem as its capital. This geographical and political division played a crucial role in the subsequent historical and spiritual narratives of the Old Testament.
Background of the United Kingdom
1
Saul (c. 1050-1010 BC)
Israel's first king, anointed by Samuel. Though chosen by God, his disobedience led to his rejection and the kingdom's transfer to David.
2
David (c. 1010-970 BC)
The "man after God's own heart" who established Jerusalem as the capital and received God's covenant promise of an eternal dynasty.
3
Solomon (c. 970-930 BC)
David's son, renowned for wisdom and wealth. Built the magnificent Temple but later turned to idolatry, setting the stage for division.
The construction of Solomon's Temple represented the pinnacle of Israel's united kingdom, serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and the center of worship for all twelve tribes.
The Division of the Kingdom
The Catalyst
After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. When the people requested relief from Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, Rehoboam foolishly rejected the counsel of his elders and threatened even harsher treatment.
This harsh response sparked Jeroboam's rebellion, fulfilling God's judgment on Solomon's idolatry. The prophet Ahijah had already foretold this division as divine consequence for Solomon's unfaithfulness.
The Result
- Ten tribes followed Jeroboam north, forming Israel
- Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam in the south
- The Davidic line continued through Judah
- Civil war was averted only by prophetic intervention
Northern Kingdom (Israel)
Political Center
Capital: Samaria (established by King Omri)
A strategically located fortress city that served as the administrative and military headquarters for the northern tribes.
Spiritual Decline
Jeroboam established golden calf worship in Bethel and Dan to prevent people from traveling to Jerusalem. This led to widespread Baal worship and pagan practices.
Prophetic Ministry
Major Prophets: Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Hosea
These courageous messengers called Israel back to covenant faithfulness despite persecution and rejection.
Despite repeated prophetic warnings and miraculous demonstrations of God's power—such as Elijah's victory over Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel—Israel persisted in idolatry and injustice, sealing their eventual judgment.
Southern Kingdom (Judah)
Jerusalem: The Holy City
As Judah's capital, Jerusalem remained the center of legitimate worship, housing the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant. This gave Judah significant spiritual advantages over the northern kingdom.
Davidic Dynasty Preserved
God's covenant with David was maintained through Judah's kings, despite periods of unfaithfulness. This preserved the messianic line that would eventually produce Jesus Christ.
Prophetic Voices
Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah
These prophets ministered during times of both revival and decline, calling for social justice and spiritual renewal.
The Fall of Each Kingdom
1
Israel Falls to Assyria (722 BC)
After centuries of idolatry and injustice, the northern kingdom was conquered by the Assyrian Empire under Sargon II. The ten tribes were deported and scattered, leading to their designation as the "lost tribes of Israel."
"This occurred because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God... and worshiped other gods." - 2 Kings 17:7
2
Judah Falls to Babylon (586 BC)
Despite experiencing seasons of revival under kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, Judah ultimately followed Israel's path of rebellion. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, burned the Temple, and exiled the people to Babylon.
This marked the end of the Davidic monarchy until the coming of the Messiah.
Prophetic Significance
Stage for Restoration Prophecies
The division created the context for numerous prophecies about future reunification under God's chosen King.
Ezekiel's Vision
The "two sticks" prophecy (Ezekiel 37) promised that Israel and Judah would become "one nation" again under one shepherd.
Messianic Expectation
The division heightened anticipation for the promised Son of David who would restore the kingdom and rule in righteousness.
Jesus the Fulfillment
Christ (Yeshua) represents the ultimate fulfillment of these restoration prophecies as the true King of both Israel and Judah.
Key Scriptures (Part 1)
1
1 Samuel 8:4–7
Israel's demand for a king like the nations, despite Samuel's warnings about the consequences of earthly monarchy.
2
1 Samuel 10:1
Samuel anoints Saul as Israel's first king, marking the beginning of the monarchy period.
3
2 Samuel 7:12–16
God's covenant with David promising an eternal dynasty—a foundational messianic prophecy.
4
1 Kings 6:1
The construction of Solomon's Temple begins, representing the height of Israel's united kingdom.
5
1 Kings 11:1–13
Solomon's idolatry through foreign marriages leads to God's judgment and the promised division.
Key Scriptures (Part 2)
01
1 Kings 12:1–24
Rehoboam's harsh response to the people's plea leads to the kingdom's division, fulfilling God's prophetic word.
02
1 Kings 12:25–33
Jeroboam establishes golden calf worship in the northern kingdom, leading Israel into systemic idolatry.
03
1 Kings 14:21–24
Judah also falls into idolatrous practices, showing that division didn't solve the underlying spiritual problems.
04
1 Kings 18:17–40
Elijah's dramatic confrontation with Baal's prophets on Mount Carmel demonstrates Yahweh's supremacy over false gods.
05
2 Kings 2:9–15
Elijah's translation and Elisha's double portion of his spirit continue the prophetic ministry in Israel.
Key Scriptures (Part 3)
2 Kings 17:6–23
The detailed account of Israel's fall to Assyria, with theological explanation of why God allowed this judgment.
2 Kings 25:1–12
Jerusalem's destruction and the Temple's burning mark the end of the Davidic kingdom and beginning of exile.
2 Chronicles 36:15–21
The Chronicler's perspective on why both kingdoms fell, emphasizing God's patience and justice.
Isaiah 1:1–4
Isaiah's opening indictment of Judah's rebellion, despite God's faithful love and provision.
Jeremiah 3:6–14
God's call for both unfaithful Israel and treacherous Judah to return to Him with promises of restoration.
Key Scriptures (Part 4)
Hosea 1:6–11
Through the prophet's marriage to Gomer, God illustrates His enduring love for unfaithful Israel and promises of eventual restoration and reunification.
Amos 5:21–24
God's rejection of empty religious ceremonies while demanding justice and righteousness—a call that applies to both kingdoms.
Micah 3:8–12
Prophetic indictment of corrupt leaders in both kingdoms, with the famous prediction of Jerusalem's destruction.
Ezekiel 37:15–28
The vision of two sticks becoming one, promising reunification under the Davidic Messiah in the latter days.
Hebrew Word of the Week
מַלְכוּת
Malkuth - Pronounced "mal-KOOTH"
Meaning
Kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty
Root Word
מלך (Melech) meaning "king"
Biblical Usage
Used for both earthly kingdoms (like Israel and Judah) and God's divine, eternal reign
Theological Significance
Points to the ultimate Kingdom of God that transcends all earthly political divisions
Homework / Study Guide
For deeper understanding, research each major book mentioned in this lesson using the following framework:
1
Identify the Genre
Historical narrative, prophecy, wisdom literature, etc. Understanding genre helps interpret the text correctly.
2
Write the Purpose
Why was this book written? What was the author trying to communicate to the original audience?
3
Place in Structure
Where does this book fit in the overall biblical narrative and theological development?
Books to Study: Kings, Chronicles, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Ezekiel, Amos, Micah
Reflection Questions
Why did the kingdom of Israel split? Consider both the immediate political causes and the deeper spiritual reasons rooted in Solomon's unfaithfulness.
How did the sins of leadership affect the whole nation? Examine the principle that leaders' spiritual condition impacts their people.
What role did the prophets play in both kingdoms? Consider their function as God's messengers calling for repentance and announcing judgment.
How do the prophecies of restoration point to the Messiah? Trace the connection between divided kingdoms and the promise of ultimate reunification under Christ.
