THE205 Midterm = Traditional Dates/Periods

Patriarchs

Abraham, Isaacm Jacob. (2000-1700 BCE). Largely Mesopotamia and Canaan. Established covenant relationship between God and the chosen people. Central promises of land, offspring, and blessing. Shows faith and Gods providence in human history.

Moses and the Exodus

God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt under Moses’ leadership. Key Events: burning bush, ten plagues and the first passover; crossing Red Sea; Covenant at Mount Sinai (ten commandments;) Foundational salvation event in israels history. Revealing of Yahweh. 

Joshua and Conquest

Israelites enter and settle in promised land of Canaan. Key Events: crossing of Jordan River; fall of jericho and other battles; division of the land among the twelve tribes. Fulffilment of Gods promised land to Abraham’s decendents. Emphasis on faithfulness, obediance, and divine leadership

Period of Judges 

A loose tribal confederation without centralized rule. Cycle of judges isreal sins, oppressed by enemies, cries out to God, God raises a judge, temporrary peace, sin returns. Judges served as military leaders, dilverers, and spiritual reformers. Illustrates ISrael moral decline and need for righteous leadership. Monarchy

United Monarchy

Saul, David, Solomon. Saul first king, David united tribes, conquers Jerusalem, establshes as capital. Solomon builds first temple in jerusalem. period of Israel poltiical and cultural peak. Covenant promises tied to Davids line - future messiah expected from his descendents. Solomons idolatry sets up Israels division.

Divided Monarchy

After Solomons death, kingdom splits. Northern Kingdom (Isreal) capital at Samaria and Southen Kingdom (Judah) capital at Jerusalem. Political instability. Shows consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. Prophets call for repentence and justice but are ignored.

Exile of the North

Assyria conquers the Northern Kingdom and capital falls. Ten northern tribes deported or assimilated. Persistent idolatry and disobedience to Yahweh. Warning about breaking covenant with God. demonstrated gods justice and prophetic all ignored. 

Exile of the South

Babylon conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and First Temple. Leaders and poeple are exiled to Babylon. Jerimiah and Ezekiel. Major spiritual crisis, loss of land, temple, monarchy. Shifr from temple worship to scripture and synagogue. Inspired reflection and hope for restoration. 

Cyrus’s Decree

Issues decree allowing exliled peoples including Jews, to return to their homelands. Return from Babylon exuile rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Second temple. Marks beginning of Second Temple period.