1. 1 Kings 12 – 2 Kings 25

5. Internal Politics Divided Kingdoms Lots of fighting People turning away from God Mostly bad kings

6. Prophets God sent messengers Reminder of God’s love Often ignored Unpopular Warning messages Must not abandon God

11. International Politics Three very powerful empires Egypt Assyria (Iran) Babylon (Iraq)

12. Assyrian Invasion 722 BCE Invades and destroys Israel Deported many Israelites New culture emerges: Samaritans

13. Babylonian Exile 597 BCE All middle and upper classes of Judah relocated Babylonians destroy temple Outlaw Judaism End of the Jews? End of the world?

14. New Beginnings 538 BCE Babylonians defeated by Persians Cyrus the Great Allowed to return Laid Foundations for a new Temple