Faced by a threat of attack, Israelite tribes formed the kingdom of Israel. When the threat ended, they quarreled and fought.
Israel and Judah
King Solomon died in 922 B.C.. When Solomon's son became king, the northern tribes refused to pledge their loyalty until he agreed to lighten their taxes and end forced labor on building projects. When he refused, the tribes rebelled. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal.
Israel split into two separate kingdoms. The northern part continued to be called Israel. The two tribes in the southern area, which included Jerusalem, called their new nation Judah. The words Judaism and Jewish come from the name Judah.
Two separate kingdoms existed for about two centuries. Throughout this period, Jerusalem remained an important center of worship.
King Solomon died in 922 B.C.. When Solomon's son became king, the northern tribes refused to pledge their loyalty until he agreed to lighten their taxes and end forced labor on building projects. When he refused, the tribes rebelled. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained loyal.
Israel split into two separate kingdoms. The northern part continued to be called Israel. The two tribes in the southern area, which included Jerusalem, called their new nation Judah. The words Judaism and Jewish come from the name Judah.
Two separate kingdoms existed for about two centuries. Throughout this period, Jerusalem remained an important center of worship.
Assyrians and Babylonians Take the Land
By 738 B.C., both kingdoms faced new threats to their independence from the Assyrians. The Assyrians forced Israel and Judah to pay tribute. In 722 B.C., Assyria invaded Israel and conquered it. The kingdom of Israel ended. Around 612 B.C., the Assyrian Empire fell to the Babylonians.
For many years, King Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylonia. In 586 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem. When Judah's leaders resisted his rule, the Babylonians destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. They took thousands of Jews to Babylon as slaves.
Jewish Exiles Return to Judah
The exiles from Judah spent about 50 years in Babylon. This time is known as the Babylonian Captivity. During this period, the Israelites became known as Jews.
Beliefs During the Babylonian Captivity
During their years in Babylon, the Jews struggled to keep their identity. They continued to observe religious laws, celebrate holidays, and worship as they had in Judah. They hoped someday to return to their homeland in Judah and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
The exiles also looked forward to a time when they would have their own king again. Before the exile, Hebrew leaders were anointed, or had special oils poured on their heads, when they assumed their office. The Hebrew word Messiah means an “anointed one” charged with some task or leadership. Throughout the centuries of foreign rule, the people kept hoping for their own king. This was sometimes expressed as a hope for an anointed king, an heir to the throne of David, a Messiah.
During times of trouble, both in Judah and in exile, the Jewish people turned to spiritual leaders called prophets for advice. These were men and women thought to have a special ability to interpret God's word. They warned the people when they strayed from the Jewish code of conduct. They criticized rulers who were not living according to God's laws. The prophets also comforted the people in times of trouble.
The exiles also looked forward to a time when they would have their own king again. Before the exile, Hebrew leaders were anointed, or had special oils poured on their heads, when they assumed their office. The Hebrew word Messiah means an “anointed one” charged with some task or leadership. Throughout the centuries of foreign rule, the people kept hoping for their own king. This was sometimes expressed as a hope for an anointed king, an heir to the throne of David, a Messiah.
During times of trouble, both in Judah and in exile, the Jewish people turned to spiritual leaders called prophets for advice. These were men and women thought to have a special ability to interpret God's word. They warned the people when they strayed from the Jewish code of conduct. They criticized rulers who were not living according to God's laws. The prophets also comforted the people in times of trouble.
White Board Check
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Answer these questions:Short answer:
On your piece of paper answer this question using 3 or more sentences. What were prophets and why did people seek them? |