Sunday, May 30, 2021
How Israel became kingdom of Jews:
The establishment of the Kingdom of Israel is a significant event in Jewish history and is described in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the books of Samuel and Kings. According to biblical accounts, the Kingdom of Israel was established around the 11th century BCE.
1. Leadership of Samuel: The transition from the period of judges to a monarchy began when the people of Israel requested a king. The prophet and judge Samuel, a significant figure in Jewish tradition, anointed Saul as the first king of Israel in approximately 1020 BCE.
2. Reign of King Saul: Saul was chosen as king to unify the tribes of Israel and defend them against external threats, particularly the Philistines. Saul's reign, however, faced challenges, and he eventually fell in battle against the Philistines.
3. Reign of King David: After Saul's death, David, a shepherd and warrior, was anointed as the king of Israel. He is considered one of the greatest kings in Jewish history. Under David's leadership, the Kingdom of Israel expanded its territory, and Jerusalem was established as its capital.
4. Construction of the First Temple: During David's reign, preparations were made for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, it was his son Solomon who completed the construction of the temple around 957 BCE. The First Temple became a central religious and political symbol for the Jewish people.
5. Division of the Kingdom: After the death of Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel was divided into two separate entities: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division occurred due to political and religious differences among the tribes.
6. Exile and Return: Both kingdoms faced challenges and were eventually conquered by foreign powers. The people of Judah were taken into Babylonian exile in 586 BCE after the destruction of the First Temple. Later, after the Persian conquest of Babylon, some Jews returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the Second Temple, marking a significant period of Jewish history.
It's important to note that while the biblical accounts provide a religious and cultural foundation for Jewish identity, they are also viewed differently by historians and scholars, who consider various sources and archaeological findings to understand the historical context of ancient Israel. The establishment of the Kingdom of Israel represents a crucial moment in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the monarchy and the centralization of religious worship in Jerusalem.