Women

Women in Politics

  • Discussion on the role of women in politics with reference to biblical context and historical figures such as Deborah.

Understanding Ancient Israel

  • Two Kingdoms: Discussion of the period of two kingdoms in Israel (Israel and Judah).

    • Contextual understanding may not be easily accessible without prior biblical knowledge.

    • Emphasis on how ancient Israel is intertwined with biblical texts.

  • Historical References:

    • Oldest Non-Biblical Reference: Mention of isolated references outside the Bible.

    • Amarna Literature: Mention of the Amarna letters and their significance during the corresponding centuries.

    • Clarification that references in the Bible denote a stage in history where Israel had two distinct kingdoms.

Evidence Supporting the Two Kingdoms

  • Talbat Inscription: Historical inscription mentioning King of Damascus, boasting of victories over two kingdoms: Israel and the house of David.

    • Reinforcement of the biblical narrative of two kingdoms as inherently connected.

  • Chronology and Records:

    • Description of the books of Kings (1 Kings and 2 Kings) and their acknowledgment of two kingdoms: Israel and Judah.

    • Important to note the interlocking chronology of kings in both kingdoms, revealing their historical interdependence.

    • For example, new kings referenced in relation to the age of the other kingdom's king.

Insights into Biblical Writing

  • Biblical Composition:

    • Understanding that biblical narratives were formed through the lens of the two kingdoms.

    • Emphasis on how the writers incorporated perspectives from both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms (Judah and Israel).

  • Shaping of Biblical Narratives:

    • Book of Judges: Primarily addresses the Northern Kingdom.

    • Writings of David and Solomon: Focused on the Southern Kingdom (Judah and Jerusalem).

Key Historical Events and Endings

  • Downfall of Kingdoms:

    • Historical dates for the extinction of the Kingdom of Israel (722 BCE) and the Kingdom of Judah (586 BCE).

    • Biblical narrative focuses on Jerusalem, resonating with its Southern Kingdom ancestry.

Question of Kingship

  • Becoming King in Israel versus Judah:

    • Aim of the class: Explore how one becomes king in each kingdom.

    • Notable differences in practices regarding kingship between the two kingdoms.

Analysis of Kings in Israel

  • Accessing Kingship:

    • Discussion on the political dynamics in Northern Kingdom leading to the capturing and killing of kings.

    • Example of Bam's ascension by way of murdering the predecessor, illustrating a chaotic transition.

  • Role of the People:

    • Emphasis on how the people (not just military personnel) were involved in the kingship process through judgment of support or dissent.