THE KINGS

Joshua ● A great general and military leader. ● Led the Israelites to battle against Jericho, and as they circled the city 7 times (God’s number) the walls of the city crumbled. ● Eventually, Joshua helped lead the Israelites into Canaan—the promised land!

Judges ● Definition: someone inspired by God to lead the Israelites in battle and govern them afterward. ● We start to see this pattern: i. Following Yahweh and the Covenant, Peace and Prosperity ii.People lose their way from Yahweh, suffering followed iii. People cry out for help, and help is granted iv. They return to following the Covenant, at least for a little while. v. “sin, punishment, repentance, deliverance.”

Samuel A prophet and the most influential of the judges ● Leaders of Israel came to Samuel to ask him to anoint a King. ● Samuel = No! Yahweh was the one and only King of Israel, so anointing a human king was a rejection of God. Also, Kings are tyrants! ● God tells Samuel to give the people what they are asking for.

Saul ● First king chosen and anointed by Samuel. ● Disobeyed direct Samuel and God, and so lost favor.

David Israel under David was most united, peaceful and prosperous. ● Military Leadership: Finally defeated the Philistines. ● Statesmanship: Moved the capital city to Jerusalem (neutral and central in location, defended) ● Religious Leader: Brought the Ark of the Covenant out of hiding. Tent was built in desert to house it.

Davidic Covenant Belief that God had made a covenant with David that promised that David and his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel forever. Even when the kingdom had been destroyed, God’s word was unbreakable and God would establish a “Son of David” to sit on Israel’s throne forever. (JESUS)

Solomon, David’s Son ● His strength was a deep wisdom he was given by God. ● Built the Temple. ● Policies contributed to the eventual division of Israel o Violated the Covenant Law with forced labor and foreign wives who worshiped other gods. ● Wealth not equally distributed o Solomon built a large palace with rooms for his harem of women.

Divided Monarchy ● After Solomon’s death, the kingdom divides into the southern kingdom of Judah, and the northern kingdom of Israel (c. 930)