Kings of Israel: United Monarchy

Study Notes

Kings of Israel

The kingdom of Israel was divided into two periods: the United Monarchy and the Divided Monarchy
The United Monarchy lasted from approximately 1020 to 930 BCE and consisted of:
- Saul (1020-1010 BCE): first king of Israel, appointed by God but later rejected due to disobedience
- David (1010-970 BCE): second king of Israel, established Jerusalem as the capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city
- Solomon (970-930 BCE): third king of Israel, built the Temple in Jerusalem and established a strong economy
The Divided Monarchy lasted from approximately 930 to 586 BCE and consisted of:
- Kingdom of Israel (930-722 BCE): consisted of 10 tribes, with capitals in Tirzah and later Samaria
  - Notable kings:
    - Jeroboam I (930-909 BCE): first king of Israel, established worship centers in Bethel and Dan
    - Ahab (874-853 BCE): married Jezebel, introduced Baal worship, and fought against the prophet Elijah
    - Jehu (841-814 BCE): assassinated Jehoram and Jezebel, and destroyed the house of Ahab
- Kingdom of Judah (930-586 BCE): consisted of 2 tribes, with its capital in Jerusalem
  - Notable kings:
    - Rehoboam (930-913 BCE): first king of Judah, son of Solomon
    - Asa (913-873 BCE): implemented reforms and defeated the Ethiopians
    - Hezekiah (716-687 BCE): implemented reforms, defeated the Assyrians, and experienced a miraculous healing
    - Josiah (640-609 BCE): implemented reforms, discovered the Book of the Law, and was killed in battle

Kings of Judah

There were 20 kings of Judah, with the following notable characteristics:
- 8 good kings:
  - Asa
  - Jehoshaphat
  - Uzziah
  - Jotham
  - Hezekiah
  - Josiah
  - Jehoahaz
  - Zedekiah
- 12 bad kings:
  - Rehoboam
  - Abijam
  - Asa's son
  - Jehoram
  - Ahaziah
  - Athaliah
  - Joash
  - Amaziah
  - Uzziah's son
  - Manasseh
  - Amon
  - Jehoahaz
The kings of Judah were eventually exiled to Babylon in 586 BCE, marking the end of the kingdom of Judah.

Kingdom of Israel

The kingdom was divided into two periods: United Monarchy and Divided Monarchy
United Monarchy (1020-930 BCE):
- Saul (1020-1010 BCE): first king, appointed by God, but later rejected due to disobedience
- David (1010-970 BCE): established Jerusalem as the capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city
- Solomon (970-930 BCE): built the Temple in Jerusalem and established a strong economy
Divided Monarchy (930-586 BCE):
- Kingdom of Israel (930-722 BCE):
  - Comprised 10 tribes
  - Capitals in Tirzah and later Samaria
  - Notable kings:
    - Jeroboam I (930-909 BCE): first king of Israel, established worship centers in Bethel and Dan
    - Ahab (874-853 BCE): introduced Baal worship and fought against Elijah
    - Jehu (841-814 BCE): assassinated Jehoram and Jezebel, and destroyed the house of Ahab
- Kingdom of Judah (930-586 BCE):
  - Comprised 2 tribes
  - Capital in Jerusalem
  - Notable kings:
    - Rehoboam (930-913 BCE): first king of Judah, son of Solomon
    - Asa (913-873 BCE): implemented reforms and defeated the Ethiopians
    - Hezekiah (716-687 BCE): implemented reforms, defeated the Assyrians, and experienced a miraculous healing
    - Josiah (640-609 BCE): implemented reforms, discovered the Book of the Law, and was killed in battle

Kings of Judah

20 kings of Judah, with 8 good kings and 12 bad kings
Notable good kings:
- Asa
- Jehoshaphat
- Uzziah
- Jotham
- Hezekiah
- Josiah
- Jehoahaz
- Zedekiah
Notable bad kings:
- Rehoboam
- Abijam
- Asa's son
- Jehoram
- Ahaziah
- Athaliah
- Joash
- Amaziah
- Uzziah's son
- Manasseh
- Amon
- Jehoahaz
Kings of Judah were eventually exiled to Babylon in 586 BCE, marking the end of the kingdom of Judah.

Description

Learn about the first three kings of Israel: Saul, David, and Solomon, who ruled during the United Monarchy period from 1020 to 930 BCE. Discover their achievements and significance in biblical history.