Summer of the Bible 2014 - Week 6

Week 6:  "Judges and Kings"

“Elijah and the Prophets of Baal” – woodcut, England ca. 1539 

Background:

From the books of Joshua and Judges to the books of Samuel, as well as both books of Kings and Chronicles – here is the “remembered” history of Israel and her leaders once they enter the Promised Land.  The extent of the material is wide-ranging and includes history as well as songs, liturgies, confessions, even folk tales (check out Samson!).  While filled with historical accounts, we are not to read this as simply a “history” of Israel.  This material develops the theology of the covenant relationship between Israel and God and it tells us of the many times that Israel failed in keeping her promises to God.

The book of Joshua was primarily written to remind the people of God’s promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The book ends with a “covenant renewal” ceremony so that the people of Israel in every age might remember who it is whom they serve.

The book of Judges covers the transitional period between Joshua’s death and the beginning of the monarchy (under Saul and David). This is the time in Israel’s history when the 12 tribes settled into their different regions of the Promised Land and operated independently – a “confederacy” of tribes rather than a single nation.

Whenever Israel was tempted to forget the God of Israel who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, whenever they would find themselves oppressed by one of the tribes already living in Canaan, a “judge” would be raised up and for a time would unite several of the tribes to meet the threats that faced them. While God continuously judges the people for their unfaithfulness, God always provides a chance for them to start again. However, through the cycle of unfaithfulness and deliverance we see the ever-worsening decline of Israel – leading to the establishment of the monarchy.

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel describe the beginning of the monarchy in Israel covering the reigns of Saul and David.  1 and 2 Kings take the story from King Solomon to the division of the kingdom into 2 (Israel and Judah) and covers them both to the point where Israel is taken into exile. These books are pretty easy reading, consisting mostly of stories. But along with history, they also contain theology, hero stories, songs and poems, and lots of other material.

1 and 2 Chronicles retell much of what is in the books of Samuel and Kings, but there is some additional material.  These two books of Chronicles should be read as a theological, rather than a historical rewriting of the earlier history.  They are designed to demonstrate the continuity of Israel united under David and Solomon with the struggling community of Israel after the exile – during which time the books of Chronicles were written.

Readings for Week #6:

• Joshua 24:14-24 – covenant renewal ceremony
• Judges 2:6-7, 10-19 – disobedience and defeat
• 1 Samuel 8:4-22 – Israel demands a king
• 1 Samuel 16:14-23 – Saul’s evil spirit

• 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5, 12-23  – David crowned king, captures Jerusalem, and brings the Ark of the Covenant to the city.
•  1 Kings 19:1-18 – Elijah flees from Ahab (see also 1 Kings 18 for the encounter between Elijah and the prophets of Baal
• 2 Kings 17:7-23 – theological interpretation of the Exile
•  2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Israel is taken into exile

Additional Readings for Week 6 - there is a LOT to cover in this section.  Here are some additional readings - 

• 1 Samuel 17: 31-54 – David and Goliath
• 1 Samuel 18:1-9 – David and Jonathan (the whole story extends to 20:42)
• 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 6:1-5, 12-23  – David crowned king, captures Jerusalem, and brings the Ark of the Covenant to the city.
• 2 Samuel 11:2-27 – David and Bathsheba
• 1 Kings 3:3-28 – Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, and the story of the women quarreling over the baby
• 1 Kings 8:12-21 – Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple
• 1 Kings 10:1-10 – Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
• 1 King 18:17-40 – the Story of Elijah, Ahab and Jezebel, and the priests of Baal. (The whole story is 17:1-19:3).
• 2 Kings 25:1-11 – King Zedekiah, the last king of Israel, defeated by Nebuchadnezzar.  Jerusalem destroyed, the people carried into exile.

Additional study resources:

http://www.enterthebible.org/periods.aspx?rid=903 - on the Period of the Judges

http://www.enterthebible.org/periods.aspx?rid=904 - on the United Monarchy

http://www.enterthebible.org/periods.aspx?rid=905 - on the Divided Monarchy

http://www.enterthebible.org/periods.aspx?rid=906 - on the Kingdom of Judah