History and Theology II: Joshua to Kings Test A

Division of Canaan

• Judah received the largest portion of Canaan when the land was divided by Joshua.

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

• Joshua emphasized the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God during the covenant renewal ceremony.

Apostasy Cycle in Judges

• The first stage of the Apostasy Cycle is Sin, leading to oppression, repentance, and ultimately deliverance.

Judges and Their Feats

• Gideon is known for defeating the Midianites with a small army, demonstrating faith and strategy.
• Jephthah made a rash vow that resulted in the sacrifice of his daughter, illustrating the consequences of impulsive decisions.
• Deborah is recognized as the only female judge in the Book of Judges.

Political Structure During Judges

• Israel was characterized by 12 distinct tribes with unique identities rather than a unified monarchy or powerful warlords.

Saul's Rejection

• Saul was rejected as king due to his disobedience to God's commands, undermining his leadership.

Samuel's Teachings

• Samuel taught that obeying God is more crucial than performing rituals, stressing genuine adherence to divine will.

David's Rise to Prominence

• David's rise began with his anointing by Samuel, followed by his victory over Goliath and establishment of a monarchy.

Nature of the Monarchy

• The monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon is referred to as the United Monarchy, a period of relative stability and strength.

Key Events in David's Reign

• David captured Jerusalem, which became a central city of significance during his reign.
• Internal rebellion, particularly from Absalom, represented civil strife during David's rule.

Division After Solomon's Reign

• The division of the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign was primarily caused by heavy taxation and forced labor.

Solomon's Notable Achievement

• Solomon is best known for constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem, a pivotal religious structure.

Elijah's Confrontation with Ahab

• Elijah confronted Ahab regarding the worship of Baal versus Yahweh, highlighting the struggle against idolatry.

First Temple Features

• Solomon’s First Temple featured the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark of the Covenant.

Jeroboam’s Religious Changes

• To prevent pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Jeroboam introduced golden calves for worship at Bethel and Dan.

Religious Reforms in Judah

• Kings Hezekiah and Josiah are notable for implementing significant reforms against idolatry in Judah.

Impact of Idolatry During Solomon's Reign

• Increasing idolatry during Solomon's reign led to a gradual shift away from exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Miracles of Elijah

• One of Elijah's recorded miracles was raising a widow's son from the dead.

Kingdom Division Context

• The significant event marking the division after Solomon’s reign was the split between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Hezekiah's Reforms

• King Hezekiah is recognized for implementing significant religious reforms in Judah during his reign.

Assyrian Exile

• The kingdom of Israel was carried into permanent exile by Assyria in 722 BCE, marking a critical historical shift.

Kings of Israel's Strategies

• Kings of Israel often formed alliances with Judah or engaged in diplomatic relations to combat threats from neighboring nations.

Focus of the Book of Joshua

• The primary focus of Joshua is Israel’s entry into the Promised Land, detailing conquests and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Jericho and Ai Battles

• The battles of Jericho and Ai contrast God’s faithfulness with Israel’s failures, illustrating faith and obedience.

Purpose of Violence in Joshua

• The violence described in Joshua is explained in the context of self-defense and the morally corrupt practices of the Canaanites.

Spiritual Warfare in Promised Land

• The Book of Joshua emphasizes that the battle for the Promised Land ultimately depends on obedience and trust in God rather than military strength.

Significance of the Number Seven in Scripture

• The number seven symbolizes completeness, as shown when the Israelites marched around Jericho seven times.

Consequences of Achan's Sin

• Achan’s family was punished as they likely participated in covering up his sin of theft.

Joshua's Final Instructions

• Joshua instructed the Israelites to turn away from Canaanite gods and remain faithful to Yahweh.

Warning about Unfaithfulness

• Joshua warned that unfaithfulness would lead to divine judgment and possible exile from the land.

Focus of the Book of Judges

• The Book of Judges primarily focuses on Israel's moral corruption and poor leadership during this chaotic period.

Symbolism of Forty in Scripture

• The number forty often represents a period of transition, as reflected in the seven years of peace in Judges.

Notable Judges

• Ehud, a left-handed judge, delivered Israel from King Eglon of Moab, showcasing unconventional techniques.
• Deborah is the only female judge recorded in the text, highlighting women's roles in leadership.

Shamgar's Remarkable Feat

• Shamgar is noted for delivering Israel by defeating 600 Philistines with an ox goad, emphasizing faith and courage in battle.

Gideon’s Family Idol

• Gideon secretly destroyed the altar of Baal at night, showing bravery and a commitment to abolishing idolatry.