The Kingdom of Israel

Why did the Israelites chose a King?

• Threat of the Philistines– People were adopting their culture– People were worshiping their gods

• 12 tribes – Constant quarreling , needed one strong ruler

• Unification– Worried their religion and way of life would

vanish, if a strong empire wasn’t there to protect them

King Saul and King David

King Saul and David’s Rivalry

• King Saul– Israelites ask Samuel to chose a king to unite them

against the Philistines– Saul is chosen- anointed King – Wins many battles against Israel’s enemies– Great warrior– Doesn’t follow the commands of God– David is secretly anointed King

King David

• David is a famous warrior who killed the giant Philistine Goliath

• David is put in charge of Saul’s armies and his victories grew

• People of Israel sang his praises and King Saul becomes envious

• Saul plots to kill David, but David hides until Saul and his sons were killed in battle

• David returns and takes the throne

Building An Empire

Building the Empire – David

– drove the Philistines out of the area– Conquers neighboring countries and expands the

empire– Demands tribute from all conquered peoples,

Israel becomes a rich nation– Demands heavy taxes from Israelites – Builds the capital at Jerusalem, wanted a grand

temple for all sacred religious objects- permanent home

Solomon( David’s son)

• Built a beautiful temple in Jerusalem, became the center and symbol for the Jewish faith

• Built many great buildings in the empire• Expanded Israel’s economic influence• Hated by his people Why?– Taxed the people heavily – made men from the northern Israel work in mines

of neighboring countries to pay for his projects

Troubled Times

Israel’s Troubles Times

• Break-up of Israel– Northern peoples rebel after Solomon’s death,

fighting breaks out– 10 tribes set-up their own nation of Israel, capital

at Samaria– 2 southern tribes found a small kingdom of Judah,

capital at Jerusalem

Assyrians- 722B.C.

– 722B.C- conquer Israel– Destroyed the main buildings – Scatter the population- 10 tribes are broken up and

dispersed across their empire– Over time the people lost their way of life and religion-

known as the “lost tribes”– Assyrians settle around Samaria and become known as

Samaritans• Adopt the Torah• Offer sacrifices to Israel's god• follow the Israelites religion

Egyptians – 620 B.C.

• Judah is conquered by the Egyptians– Allowed to keep their King– Must pay tribute– Cut short when Egyptians are conquered by Chaldeans

• At first Israelites can keep their King and pay tribute• Jews rebel and Nebuchadnezzar punishes the Jews and picks

a new King• 10,000 forced to leave Judah• 2nd revolt- Jerusalem is destroyed , 1000’s more are put into

exile• King taken away in chains