The division of ancient Israel into two kingdoms after the origin of Israel is an important event in the history of Christianity. It is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Kings 12:20, “So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.” This event marks the beginning of the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which were divided by the death of King Solomon.
The division of Israel into two kingdoms was a result of the death of King Solomon. After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam became king of the united kingdom of Israel. However, the people of Israel were not happy with Rehoboam’s rule and rebelled against him. As a result, the kingdom was divided into two parts, with the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
The northern kingdom of Israel was ruled by Jeroboam, who was anointed by the prophet Ahijah. Jeroboam set up his own religious system, which was different from the one established by King Solomon. He set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, which were symbols of the worship of the god Baal. This was seen as a form of idolatry and was condemned by the prophets of the time.
The southern kingdom of Judah was ruled by Rehoboam’s son, Abijah. Abijah was a faithful follower of the Lord and he re-established the worship of the Lord in the kingdom. He also re-established the temple in Jerusalem and the worship of the Lord in the temple.
The division of Israel into two kingdoms had a profound effect on the history of Christianity. It was a sign of the Lord’s judgment on the people of Israel for their idolatry and rebellion against Him. It was also a sign of the Lord’s mercy, as He allowed the kingdom of Judah to remain faithful to Him and to continue to worship Him.
The division of Israel into two kingdoms is also mentioned in the Bible in 2 Chronicles 10:19, “So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.” This verse is a reminder of the Lord’s judgment on the people of Israel and His mercy towards the kingdom of Judah.
The division of Israel into two kingdoms is an important event in the history of Christianity and it is a reminder of the Lord’s judgment and mercy. It is also a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to the Lord and of the need to remain faithful to Him.
Quiz
1. What event caused the division of Israel into two kingdoms?
a. The death of King Solomon
b. The rebellion of the people of Israel
c. The anointing of Jeroboam
d. The re-establishment of the temple in Jerusalem
2. What was the northern kingdom of Israel ruled by?
a. Rehoboam
b. Abijah
c. Jeroboam
d. Solomon
3. What was the southern kingdom of Judah ruled by?
a. Rehoboam
b. Abijah
c. Jeroboam
d. Solomon
4. What was the sign of the Lord’s judgment on the people of Israel?
a. The death of King Solomon
b. The rebellion of the people of Israel
c. The anointing of Jeroboam
d. The division of Israel into two kingdoms
5. What was the sign of the Lord’s mercy towards the kingdom of Judah?
a. The death of King Solomon
b. The rebellion of the people of Israel
c. The anointing of Jeroboam
d. The re-establishment of the temple in Jerusalem
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think were the consequences of the division of Israel into two kingdoms?
2. How did the division of Israel into two kingdoms affect the history of Christianity?
3. What do you think were the reasons for the Lord’s judgment on the people of Israel?
4. How did the Lord show mercy towards the kingdom of Judah?
5. What lessons can we learn from the division of Israel into two kingdoms?
FAQs
Q: What event caused the division of Israel into two kingdoms?
A: The division of Israel into two kingdoms was caused by the death of King Solomon.
Q: Who was the northern kingdom of Israel ruled by?
A: The northern kingdom of Israel was ruled by Jeroboam, who was anointed by the prophet Ahijah.
Q: Who was the southern kingdom of Judah ruled by?
A: The southern kingdom of Judah was ruled by Rehoboam’s son, Abijah.
Q: What was the sign of the Lord’s judgment on the people of Israel?
A: The sign of the Lord’s judgment on the people of Israel was the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
Q: What was the sign of the Lord’s mercy towards the kingdom of Judah?
A: The sign of the Lord’s mercy towards the kingdom of Judah was the re-establishment of the temple in Jerusalem and the worship of the Lord in the temple.
Answers: 1. a, 2. c, 3. b, 4. d, 5. d
#Israel_Xgospel #Historical_background_of_Israel #Salvation_of_Israel_Guidelines
