The division of the kingdom

After the death of King Solomon, the unified kingdom of Israel was divided into two separate political entities: the Kingdom of Israel in the north, with Jeroboam as its first king, and the Kingdom of Judah in the south, with Rehoboam as its ruler. This division was the result of political and economic tensions that had accumulated during Solomon’s reign, when he centralized power and increased taxes to finance his projects.

After the division of the Kingdom of Israel under the reign of Jeroboam I, a tumultuous period arose in both the Kingdom of Israel (in the north) and the Kingdom of Judah (in the south). Here is a closer look at both kingdoms and their historical contexts.

Jeroboam, upon establishing his rule in the north, faced the challenge of maintaining political and religious cohesion in a newly formed kingdom. To prevent the northern tribes from continuing to travel to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, he set up golden calves in Dan and Bethel as alternative centers of worship. This action was considered a grave apostasy by the prophets of the time, who warned of the spiritual and political consequences of turning away from God’s commandments.

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Judah, Rehoboam sought to consolidate his authority over the southern tribes, maintaining Jerusalem as the capital and promoting the continuity of the Davidic line. Although Judah preserved a closer connection to the religious traditions established at the Temple in Jerusalem, it also faced internal challenges and occasional conflicts with the Kingdom of Israel.

Both kingdoms, Israel and Judah, experienced periods of prosperity as well as hardship throughout their separate histories. However, the division marked a turning point in the political and religious identity of the people of Israel, shaping their future developments and regional dynamics in the ancient Levant.

In addition to religious issues, the Kingdom of Israel also suffered from social injustice and corruption. Prophets such as Amos and Hosea denounced the oppression of the poor, economic exploitation, and the lack of equity in society, accusing Israel’s leaders of neglecting their moral and ethical responsibilities.

Politically, the kings of Israel sought alliances with foreign powers instead of relying on God’s protection and guidance. These alliances often drew Israel into conflicts and compromising situations that weakened its autonomy and eventually contributed to its downfall.

Despite the warnings and rebukes of the prophets, who called for repentance and a return to God, the northern kingdom persisted in its path of apostasy. This lack of repentance, along with the continuation of false religious and political practices, ultimately led to Israel’s destruction and conquest by the Assyrians in 722 B.C.

In summary, the sins of the Kingdom of Israel included persistent idolatry, social injustice, political corruption, and the pursuit of foreign alliances instead of trusting in God. These factors played a crucial role in the collapse and disappearance of the northern kingdom in Israel’s ancient history.

During the reign of King Ahab in Israel, who had introduced the worship of Baal, the prophet Elijah appeared as God’s messenger. At a time of great apostasy and drought in the land, Elijah was instructed by God to present himself before King Ahab and announce that there would be no rain in Israel until he declared it.

After pronouncing this prophecy, God instructed Elijah to go to the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan, where he would be fed by ravens. This is notable because, under Jewish law, ravens were considered unclean and therefore unsuitable for use in religious rituals. Yet here, the ravens acted as agents of divine provision.

During his stay by the brook, Elijah drank from its waters and received bread and meat brought to him by the ravens, morning and evening. This miraculous act of being fed by ravens not only demonstrated God’s supernatural provision for His servant during a time of severe drought but also underscored God’s faithfulness and power over all circumstances, including natural and cultural limitations.