The United Kingdom of Israel

1. The United Kingdom of Israel Lesson #11: History, Archeology and Chronology “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”(I Corinthians 10:11)

2. Introduction • The Bible is the words of God. • Divinely inspired - “All Scripture is given by inspiration [God-breathed] of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Tm. 3:16-17). • Main theme: The redemption of sinful humanity by means of grace through Jesus Christ.

3. Introduction – The Bible • A library of 66 books written by 40 people over 1600 years. • Written in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) by peasants, poets, fishermen, kings, etc. • Proven to be authentic by internal and external evidences (i.e. archaeology, science, history, geography, prophecies, style, survival, moral standard, etc.). • Covers three periods/ages of time: Patriarchal (2,513 years), Mosasical (1,491 years), and the Christian (33 AD to present). • The Old Testament is God’s covenant with the Jews during the preparatory time of redemption process. The New Testament is the revelation of Jesus’ new covenant for all mankind. • It is difficult to understand the New Testament without understanding the Old Testament (i.e. Hebrews, Galatians, I Peter, Gospels, etc.). • REMEMBER:The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

4. Discussion Questions • Lesson To Learn:The Bible is divinely inspired. It is the mind of God revealed to the mind of man. (II Tm. 3:16-17; Jh. 14:26; 16:33; I Pt. 1:20-21; Ep. 3:3-5; Jer. 10:23; Pr. 16:25; I Co. 1:21; 3:19; II Pt. 1:3; Mt. 7:21-23) • “All Scripture is given by inspiration [God-breathed] of God…” (II Tm. 3:16-17). • “…holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pt. 1:20-21). • “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (II Pt. 1:3). • “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:” (Ep. 3:3-5). • “…but he who does the will of My Father in heaven…” (Mt. 7:21-23).

5. Discussion Questions • Lesson To Learn:The theme of the Bible is redemption of man through Jesus the Christ. Every book contributes to the main theme. God executed His plan for man. (Mt. 1:21; Ep. 1:3-5; 3:3-5; Ga. 3:13; Ro. 3:19-26; Ph. 2:5-11) • “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ep. 1:3-5). • “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law…” (Ga. 3:13). • “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” (Ro. 3:19-26). • Jesus left heaven at the right time to save us from sin and death -“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Ph. 2:5-11).

6. Ancient and Modern Israel

7. Archaeological Discoveries 10th century carved limestone Sarcophagus of Hiram of Tyre Three-shekel receipt Provides evidence of King Solomon’s Temple Assyrian King Sennacherib’s Ivory throne may have been Patterned after Solomon’s. Solomon’s pillars mark The crossing of the Red Sea.

8. Discussion Questions • Genesis is the "book of beginnings." What were some "beginnings?" (Ge. 1:1-25; 26; 3:1-7, 8-24; 4:1-15, 16-9:29; 10:-11:; 12:-50:) What promises were made? (Ge. 3:15; 12:1-3) • Universe, Man/Woman, Sin/Death, Sacrifice, Murder, Civilization, Language, Abraham, Nations, Hebrews, etc. • Redemptive Promise:“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel” (Ge. 3:15). • Land, Nation and Seed Promises:“…Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Ge. 12:1-3).

9. Discussion Questions • What is the main theme of Exodus? What are some major events recorded in the book of Exodus? • Theme: Redemption from bondage. • Events: Deliverance, Law/Covenant, Tabernacle.

10. Discussion Questions • Compare and contrast the book of Joshua and Judges. For example, Joshua is a book of victory and Judges is a book of defeat. Describe the cycle of apostasy, oppression and deliverance in the book of Judges. • A Pattern of Sin (4 R’s): Relapse, Retribution, Repentance, and Rescue. • In 350 years (1400 – 1050 BC.), there were: • 7 Apostasies, Servitudes, Deliverances (Ac. 13:20) and 12 spiritually appointed military leaders. • Samuel was the 13th and final judge. • Summary of the Judges - “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” (Jud. 17:6)

11. Discussion Questions • Compare and contrast the book of Joshua and Judges. For example, Joshua is a book of victory and Judges is a book of defeat. Describe the cycle of apostasy, oppression and deliverance in the book of Judges. Con’t Key Words - Joshua: • Victory • Freedom • Faith • Progress • Spiritual Vision • Fidelity to God • Joy • Strength • Sense of Unity • Sin is Judged Key Words - Judges: • Defeat • Servitude • Unbelief • Decline • Earthly emphasis • Apostasy • Sorrow • Weakness • Anarchy • Sin is lightly regarded

12. Discussion Questions • Describe the "united kingdom" and its kings. • Kings of the United Kingdom: Saul, David and Solomon. Friction between Israel and Judah escalates. • Envy and jealousy is the root cause of the contention and becomes a crack for division later – “…We have ten shares in the king; therefore we also have more right to David than you…So all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative of ours. Why then are you angry over this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?... Why then do you despise us—were we not the first to advise bringing back our king?” Yet the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel” (II Sm. 19:43). • Sheba leads of rebellion of Israel against Judah – “So every man of Israel deserted David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri. But the men of Judah, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem, remained loyal to their king” (II Sm. 20:1-22).

13. Archaeological Discoveries Chambered Gates of King Solomon at Hazor Queen of Sheba’s Palace in Ethiopia Gezer’s chambered gates. Merchant ships used by Punts For trade routes. Trade routes during Solomon’s reign.

14. Discussion Questions • How did the "united kingdom" become a "divided kingdom?" • God was angry and punishes Solomon – “So the LORD became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the LORD God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not keep what the LORD had commanded. Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. Nevertheless I will not do it in your days, for the sake of your father David; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However I will not tear away the whole kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David, and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen” (11:9-13).

15. Discussion Questions • How did the "united kingdom" become a "divided kingdom?“ Con’t • God raised up enemies (external) of Israel from the Edomites, and Syrians – “Now the LORD raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he was a descendant of the king in Edom…” (I Ki. 11:14-25). • God raises up Jeroboam from within (internal) Israel as a rebel and soon to be ruler (10 tribes) – “Then Solomon’s servant, Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite from Zereda, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also rebelled against the king…Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon” (11:26-40).

16. Discussion Questions • Describe the kings of Israel and Judah during the divided kingdom? How many were good and how many were bad? Who were the major and minor prophets and what was their role? (See the following charts). After the death of King Solomon, the nation of Israel splits into two kingdoms (Refer to 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, & Jeremiah).

17. Kings of Judah And Israel. Key Facts: - Only 8 good Kings out of a total of 40. - There were no good kings in Israel.

20. Discussion Questions • When was the Northern and Southern Kingdoms captured? Who conquered them? • Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 721 BC. Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BC. A remnant was permitted to return (3 groups). • The kingdom prophesy:“And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Dan. 2:44). • 1st Kingdom = Babylonian – “you are this head of gold” (Dan. 2:38). • 2nd Kingdom inferior to Babylon = Medes and Persian. • 3rd Kingdom of Bronze = Greek – “…which shall rule over all the earth” (Dan. 2:39). • 4th Kingdom of Iron = Roman – “…so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile” (Dan. 2:42).

21. Discussion Questions • What important history is recorded in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah? • Israel is saved from a death decree by Esther who becomes queen – “Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke” (Esther 8:7-8).

22. Discussion Questions • What important history is recorded in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah? Con’t • Zerrubabbel leads a group of returning exiles in rebuilding the temple – “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,  Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah.…Those who came with Zerubbabel were…” (Ez. 1:1-2; 2:2). • Ezra goes to Jerusalem and restores the temple system of worship (Ez. 7-8). • The walls of the city were rebuilt by Nehemiah – “And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it” (Neh. 8:5).

23. Discussion Questions • What important history is recorded in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah? Con’t • A remnant of 42,360 exiles (3 waves) returned 70 years later (Neh. 7:66; II Ki. 17; 6:28), while the other Jews are dispersed in what is called “The Dispersion” (Jh. 7:35). • Establishment of the Synagogue system due to the restriction to return to Jerusalem for worship. • The synagogue system of worship and The Dispersion was pivotal to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

24. Discussion Questions • What major historical and archeological events confirm the Biblical record? What scientific evidence supports the Biblical record? (External - Science has done more to prove God and His words are true): • Isa. 40:22 (700 BC) – The “circle of the earth” was confirmed by Megellan and others in 1506 AD. • Job 26:7 (3460 BC) – The “earth hangs on nothing” and confirmed to be suspended in space. • Lev. 17:11 (1500 BC) – In 1615, William Harvey discovers blood circulation which confirms “life is in the blood.” • Ps. 8:6-8 (1000 BC) – In 1855, Matthew Fontaine Maury documented the “paths in the sea.” • Job 28:25 (3460 BC) – Element tables developed in the early 1900’s confirms that “air has weight.” • Ge. 2:7; 3:19; Eccl. 12:7 – The 16 identical elements in humans are found in ordinary soil of the earth. If electrical values are lost, then the body would fly into dust.

25. Discussion Questions • What major historical and archeological events confirm the Biblical record? What scientific evidence supports the Biblical record? (External - Geographical) • Ur, Haran, Nahor, Shechem, Bethel, Dothan, Gerar, Jerusalem (Salem) existed during Abraham’s day (Ge. 11:27-31; 12:1-50:26). • Vale of Siddim (Ge. 14:3), called Sodom and Gomorah (Ge. 19:1-32), has shown an earthquake and explosion of salt and sulfur made a burnt our region of oil and asphalt. • Excavations of Jericho, Ai, Lachish, Delrir, and Hazor in 1866 confirmed the conquest of Canaan (Josh. 1:1-11:23).

26. Discussion Questions • What major historical and archeological events confirm the Biblical record? What scientific evidence supports the Biblical record? (External - Historical) • Excavations have confirmed the history recorded in Joshua regarding Egyptian, Hittite, Aramean, Assyrians, Phoenicians, and Hurrian history. In 1906, Hugo Winckler uncovered tablets in Turkey confirming the Hittite empire existence. • Archaeology confirms the reign of Solomon and his mighty chariots, army, copper furnaces, national alliances, fleet of Tarshish, trade, commerce, and the temple. • Nebuchadnezzer’s Babylonian empire (521-485 BC) was excavated in 1899 revealing the palace, hanging gardens, and bricks with his name (Da. 2:1-4:37). • In the 1800’s, the ark of Noah was discovered in the mountains of Arat along with sea fossils (Ge. 6-7). Sea fossils have been discovered on Mt. Everest.

27. Archaeological Discoveries Vale of Siddim. Brimstone with sulfur inside. Petrified Antler and dung. Noah’s Ark Below Mt. Arat.

28. Discussion Questions • Lesson To Learn:If the Bible record is true, then God's instructions must be heeded and obeyed. Internal and external evidence prove or validate the Biblical record. (II Th. 1:7-9; Hb. 11:3, 6; Jh. 8:24, 31-32; 17:17; Ro. 6:3-4, 17; Mt. 25:46; 28:18-20; Ac. 2:38) • Internal evidence – “…Your word is truth” (Jh. 17:17): • 66 books written over a period of 1600 years by 40 different writers yet one great book with the central theme of redemption. • Fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies (i.e. Christ, church, nations, judgment, etc.). • “…if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (Jh. 8:24; cf. I Jh. 4:1-6).

29. Discussion Questions • Lesson To Learn:If the Bible record is true, then God's instructions must be heeded and obeyed. Internal and external evidence prove or validate the Biblical record. (II Th. 1:7-9; Hb. 11:3, 6; Jh. 8:24, 31-32; 17:17; Ro. 6:3-4, 17; Mt. 25:46; 28:18-20; Ac. 2:38) Con’t • “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hb. 11:3). • We are responsible for our choices (i.e. Baptism, repentance, love, obedience, etc.) – “…in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (II Th. 1:7-9).

30. Discussion Questions • How did God deliver the Old Testament word via the Holy Spirit and Prophets? (Jm. 1:17; II Co. 2:9-13; II Pt. 1:20-21; Dt. 18:18; Hb. 1:1; Dt. 29:29; Ro. 15:4; Ga. 3:24; Jh. 10:34-35; Ps. 82:6) • “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,” (Hb. 1:1). • “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pt. 1:20-21). • “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him” (Dt. 18:18). • “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Ga. 3:24).

31. Discussion Questions • How did God deliver the Old Testament word via the Holy Spirit and Prophets? (Jm. 1:17; II Co. 2:9-13; II Pt. 1:20-21; Dt. 18:18; Hb. 1:1; Dt. 29:29; Ro. 15:4; Ga. 3:24; Jh. 10:34-35; Ps. 82:6) Con’t • “Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself…Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me” (Lk. 24:25-27, 44).

32. Discussion Questions • How did God deliver the New Testament word via Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Apostles?(Jm. 1:17; II Co. 2:9-13; Hb. 1:3; Col. 2:9-10; Jh. 4:34; 5:30; 14:6-11, 26; 15:26; 16:8-14; 17:17; Ac. 1:5-8; 2:1-4; I Co. 14:37; Ga. 1:9-12; II Pt. 1:3; Ac. 4:13; I Jh. 1:3-4; Jude 3; II Jh. 9; Re. 22:18-19; Hb. 4:12; I Pt. 4:11) • “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hb. 1:2-3). • “Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me…Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (Jh. 17:7-8, 17).

33. Discussion Questions • How did God deliver the New Testament word via Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Apostles? (Jm. 1:17; II Co. 2:9-13; Hb. 1:3; Col. 2:9-10; Jh. 4:34; 5:30; 14:6-11, 26; 15:26; 16:8-14; 17:17; Ac. 1:5-8; 2:1-4; I Co. 14:37; Ga. 1:9-12; II Pt. 1:3; Ac. 4:13; I Jh. 1:3-4; Jude 3; II Jh. 9; Re. 22:18-19; Hb. 4:12; I Pt. 4:11) Con’t • “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (Jh. 16:13). • “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (I Jh. 1:3-4).

34. Discussion Questions • How did God deliver the New Testament word via Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Apostles? (Jm. 1:17; II Co. 2:9-13; Hb. 1:3; Col. 2:9-10; Jh. 4:34; 5:30; 14:6-11, 26; 15:26; 16:8-14; 17:17; Ac. 1:5-8; 2:1-4; I Co. 14:37; Ga. 1:9-12; II Pt. 1:3; Ac. 4:13; I Jh. 1:3-4; Jude 3; II Jh. 9; Re. 22:18-19; Hb. 4:12; I Pt. 4:11) Con’t • “…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). • “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (Jh. 20:30-31).

35. Discussion Questions • Lesson To Learn:We learn comfort and hope from the Old Testament. We should learn not to make the same mistakes as Israel. (Ro. 15:4; I Co. 10:1-3; Ga. 3:24; 5:4; Col. 2:14) • “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:14). • “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Ro. 15:4). • “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Ga. 3:24). • “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted…Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition” (I Co. 13:6, 11).

36. Discussion Questions – Final Thoughts • Lesson To Learn:The history of the Jewish nation shows us how God deals with His people and nations today. Think of God's love, longsuffering, promises, care, etc., then and now. (I Pt. 2:5-11; I Co. 10:1-13; Ga. 6:16; Ro. 15:4; Mt. 6:25-34; II Pt. 1:4; 3:9; Ro. 8:28; 13:1-7) • God is in control of all things: • Nations – “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…” (Ro. 13:1-7). • Nature – “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Ro. 1:20). • His Own People – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Ro. 8:28).

37. Discussion Questions – Final Thoughts • Lesson To Learn:The history of the Jewish nation shows us how God deals with His people and nations today. Think of God's love, longsuffering, promises, care, etc., then and now. (I Pt. 2:5-11; I Co. 10:1-13; Ga. 6:16; Ro. 15:4; Mt. 6:25-34; II Pt. 1:4; 3:9; Ro. 8:28; 13:1-7) Con’t • He desires all to be saved – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (II Pt. 3:9). • We have strong incentives for deciding to follow God’s way – “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (II Pt. 1:4). • Key Question – “…And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?...” (Ro. 2:1-9).

38. Timeline of the Kingdom of Israel

39. Timeline of the Kingdom of Judah

40. Timeline of the Exile and World Kingdoms