You have learned that the Israelites came back to Canaan from Egypt. When they returned, they fought to regain control of the land and clashed with their neighbors.
Early Kings of Israel
The Israelites' belief in one God and their religious practices set them apart from others in the region. They traded with other groups in Canaan but did not adopt the culture or beliefs. However, sometimes individuals from different groups did mix. One such example is the story of Ruth and Naomi, which we read in class the other day.
Saul and David
About 1029 B.C., the Israelites faced the Philistines, another people in the area. The Philistines invaded and conquered Israelite territory.
The Israelites agreed to unite under one king in order to fight the Philistines, although many feared a king with too much power. A judge named Samuel shared these concerns, but helped select the first kings of the 12 tribes.
Saul and David
About 1029 B.C., the Israelites faced the Philistines, another people in the area. The Philistines invaded and conquered Israelite territory.
The Israelites agreed to unite under one king in order to fight the Philistines, although many feared a king with too much power. A judge named Samuel shared these concerns, but helped select the first kings of the 12 tribes.
A New Leader
The Israelites chose Saul, a respected military leader, as their first king in 1020 B.C.. Under Saul, the Israelites fought the Philistines. These battles forced the Philistines to loosen their control over the Israelites. After Saul's death, the Israelites looked for a new leader.
According to the Bible, Samuel chose a young man named David as the next king. The choice was a wise one. In about 1000 B.C., David and the Israelites drove out the Philistines. David won control of Jerusalem.
The Israelites chose Saul, a respected military leader, as their first king in 1020 B.C.. Under Saul, the Israelites fought the Philistines. These battles forced the Philistines to loosen their control over the Israelites. After Saul's death, the Israelites looked for a new leader.
According to the Bible, Samuel chose a young man named David as the next king. The choice was a wise one. In about 1000 B.C., David and the Israelites drove out the Philistines. David won control of Jerusalem.
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Solomon
David established a line of kings. He chose his son Solomon to succeed him. Solomon became the third king of Israel in about 962 B.C.. Solomon, too, was a strong leader.
During Solomon's rule, Israel became a powerful nation. Solomon built on the trade ties between Phoenicia and Israel established by David. Solomon also formed new trade alliances.
Solomon oversaw many building projects. His most famous was the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple became the center of religious life for the Israelites. People came there from all parts of the kingdom to say prayers and leave offerings. Many also came to ask the wise king to settle their disputes.
David established a line of kings. He chose his son Solomon to succeed him. Solomon became the third king of Israel in about 962 B.C.. Solomon, too, was a strong leader.
During Solomon's rule, Israel became a powerful nation. Solomon built on the trade ties between Phoenicia and Israel established by David. Solomon also formed new trade alliances.
Solomon oversaw many building projects. His most famous was the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple became the center of religious life for the Israelites. People came there from all parts of the kingdom to say prayers and leave offerings. Many also came to ask the wise king to settle their disputes.