Topical Encyclopedia The division and subsequent strife between Judah and Israel is a significant theme in the history of the ancient Israelites, as recorded in the Old Testament. This division, which led to the formation of two separate kingdoms, is rooted in both political and spiritual causes, and it had profound implications for the people of God.Historical Background The united monarchy under King David and his son Solomon represented the zenith of Israel's political and spiritual unity. However, following Solomon's reign, the kingdom was divided due to a combination of heavy taxation, forced labor, and Solomon's idolatry, which led to divine judgment. The prophet Ahijah foretold this division, declaring that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon's son, Rehoboam, and give ten tribes to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:31-35). The Division of the Kingdom Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam ascended to the throne. When he refused to lighten the burdens imposed by his father, the ten northern tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam their king, forming the Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam retained control over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the Kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16-20). Religious and Political Strife The division led to ongoing strife between the two kingdoms. Jeroboam, fearing that his subjects might return to Rehoboam if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves (1 Kings 12:26-30). This act of idolatry was a direct violation of God's commandments and set a precedent for the spiritual decline of the northern kingdom. The two kingdoms frequently engaged in warfare. The Bible records several conflicts, such as the battle between Abijah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel, where Judah emerged victorious due to their reliance on the Lord (2 Chronicles 13:13-18). Prophetic Voices and Divine Judgment Throughout the period of the divided kingdom, prophets played a crucial role in calling both Judah and Israel back to faithfulness. Prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea warned Israel of impending judgment due to their idolatry and injustice. Similarly, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah called Judah to repentance, warning of the consequences of their unfaithfulness. The strife culminated in divine judgment. In 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel, leading to the exile of the northern tribes (2 Kings 17:6). Judah, though spared for a time, eventually faced a similar fate when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and exiled its people in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8-11). Legacy and Theological Implications The strife between Judah and Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and division among God's people. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the dangers of idolatry and injustice. Despite the division and strife, God's promises remained steadfast, ultimately finding fulfillment in the coming of the Messiah, who would unite all believers under a new covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 19:41-43And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Secret of victory The History of David The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) The Record of Two Kings David's Charge to Solomon One Fold and one Shepherd The Assyrian Captivity Rhapsody Samuel Manasseh and Josiah Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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