Division of the Kingdom and Solomon's Reign

After the reign of King Solomon, Israel split into two kingdoms:
- Northern Kingdom (Israel): Ten tribes, capital in Samaria.
- Southern Kingdom (Judah): Two tribes, capital in Jerusalem.
The division was fueled by:
- Heavy taxation and forced labor under Solomon.
- Discontent among Solomon's subjects.
- Rehoboam (Solomon's son) refusing to lighten the burdens of the people, leading to rebellion.

Solomon, son of David, ruled during a prosperous period (approximately 970–931 BCE).
Notable achievements:
- Renowned for wisdom; famously judged between two women claiming to be the mother of a baby.
- Expanded trade and alliances, including marriage to foreign princesses.
- Known for his wealth and building projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem.
His reign, however, was marked by:
- Increasing idolatry due to foreign influences.
- A gradual shift away from the worship of Yahweh.

The prophet Elijah emerges during the reign of King Ahab in the Northern Kingdom.
Key events:
- Confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
- Famine in Israel as a consequence of Israel’s idolatry.
- Elijah's prophetic role included denouncing sinful practices and calling for Israel to return to Yahweh.
Significant miracles attributed to Elijah:
- Multiplication of food for the widow at Zarephath.
- Raising the widow’s son from the dead.

Solomon oversaw the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, dedicated to Yahweh.
Key features:
- Built using fine materials like cedar and gold, symbolizing Israel's glory.
- Included the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed.
The Temple served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.
Solomon dedicated the Temple through a grand ceremony, emphasizing the importance of divine presence.

Post-Solomon, Israel faced significant challenges with idolatry, especially in the Northern Kingdom.
Key figures:
- Jeroboam (first king of Israel) introduced golden calves at Bethel and Dan to prevent pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Reforms were often initiated by righteous kings in Judah:
- King Hezekiah and King Josiah are noted for their efforts to eliminate idolatry.
- Found the Book of the Law, leading to religious reforms and the restoration of proper worship practices.
Prophets like Elijah and later Jeremiah criticized idolatry and urged repentance.

Israel split into two kingdoms after King Solomon's reign: Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah).
The Northern Kingdom consisted of ten tribes with Samaria as its capital; the Southern Kingdom included two tribes with Jerusalem as its capital.
Key reasons for the division included heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon, discontent among citizens, and Rehoboam’s refusal to ease burdens, leading to rebellion.

Solomon ruled from approximately 970 to 931 BCE, noted for a prosperous and influential period.
Famous for his wisdom, exemplified by the judgment between two women arguing over a baby.
Expanded trade and formed alliances, including multiple marriages to foreign princesses.
His reign was highlighted by immense wealth and significant building projects, particularly the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Solomon's era also saw increasing idolatry, influenced by foreign cultures, leading to a decline in exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Prophet Elijah played a crucial role during King Ahab's reign in the Northern Kingdom.
Key milestones included a dramatic confrontation with Ahab and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.
Elijah's prophetic ministry addressed the consequences of Israel's idolatry, including a famine.
Notable miracles performed by Elijah included multiplying food for a widow at Zarephath and raising her son from the dead.

Solomon directed the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, dedicated to Yahweh.
The Temple was built with luxurious materials like cedar and gold, reinforcing Israel's glory.
It housed the Holy of Holies, the sacred area where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
The Temple served as the primary site for worship and sacrifices among the Israelites, with a grand dedication ceremony emphasizing the significance of divine presence.

Following Solomon's reign, both kingdoms, particularly the Northern Kingdom, faced widespread challenges related to idolatry.
Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, established golden calves at Bethel and Dan to discourage travel to Jerusalem for worship.
Reforms to combat idolatry were notably led by righteous kings in Judah, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, who sought to restore proper worship.
The rediscovery of the Book of the Law under Josiah prompted significant religious reforms.
Prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah were vocal critics of idolatry, urging the Israelites to repent and return to Yahweh.