The Monarchy and Dynasty

CHAPTER SIX

- Samuel warned Israel about the eventual, long-term consequences of having a king:

1.) The king will take the people’s sons and turn them into soldiers.

2.) Other people will be forced to work for the king as his farmers, weapon makers, perfumers, cooks, and bakers.

3.) The king will tax the people, taking one-tenth of their grain, livestock, and produce

The people still wanted a king so that they could be like other nations

Saul and the Philistines:

- First king of Israel

- Deeply troubled leader who failed to establish a centralized government

- During his rule Israel was not an organized entity

- A warrior, but with limited success against the Philistines

- Saul’s unfaithfulness to Yahweh and rise of one of his assistants lead to David’s anointing

The “United” Monarchy

- Positive aspects of David’s monarchy

• Israel became a nation with a strong central leadership

• Holy city was built in Jerusalem

• Dynasty formed with ancestral line leading to birth of a messiah

- Negative aspects of David’s monarchy

• Abused his power and had Bathsheba’s husband killed after they had an affair

• Compromised his faith in God for the sake of political alliances

• Historical books complain that Kings encouraged polytheistic worship

• Allowed an economic system to develop that rewarded rich and punished poor

Two versions of how David comes to power:

1.) He becomes Saul’s “armbearer”

2.) He comes to Saul after killing Goliath

The “United” Monarchy

- David’s path to the throne contained a great deal of blood:

• Eliminated rivals to the throne from Saul’s family

• Engaged in military conquests against Philistines

The “United” MonarchySolomon: son of David

- Great builder

• Built a temple and palace in Jerusalem

- Settled a dispute between two women claiming an infant

- Asked God for an understanding heart

- Downfall: many political marriages, (creating polytheistic religious practices among Israelites)

- Forced his own people into labor

- When Solomon died, Israel divided into two kingdoms:

Divided Monarchy

1.) Judah

2.) Israel

Divided Monarchy

Judah

-Southern kingdom after the split

-Ruled by Rehoboam

- Kings considered themselves the legitimate rulers because their ancestors could be traced to David

Divided Monarchy

Israel

- Made up of ten of the original 12 tribes

- Founded by Jeroboam