The Northern and Southern Kingdoms

Transcription

1 1 of 23 Session 7 - Lecture The Northern and Southern Kingdoms I. THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH B.C. 1. Introduction The death of Solomon in 922 B. C. marks the end of the United monarchy. Two nations emerged: Israel (the northern kingdom) dating from 922 to 722 B. C. and Judah (the southern kingdom) dating from 922 to the Babylonian destruction in 586 B. C. While the southern nation of Judah continued after the destruction of 586 B.C., Judah was no longer able to function as an independent kingdom. The divided monarchy ( ) forms the background of much of the Old Testament. Prophets such as Amos, Isaiah, Hosea Micah, and Jeremiah preached during this time. 1 Kings 12 to 2 Kings 25 and 2 Chronicles record events from this time period. Click map to see a larger image 2. The Division of the Kingdom At the death of Solomon the tribe of Judah accepted Rehoboam as heir to the Davidic throne (1 Kings 11:43). Rehoboam was not so

2 2 of 23 easily accepted in Shechem where "all Israel" came to confirm Rehoboam as king. The people that the new king went to meet were representatives of the northern tribes. These people had serious grievances that they wanted to negotiate with the king before they would accept his leadership. They asked Rehoboam to modify Solomon's policies of taxation and forced labor on the northern tribes. When Rehoboam refused, the assembly of tribes rejected his rule and Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:16). The northern tribes then placed Jeroboam, a former overseer of Solomon's forced labor gangs who had returned from exile in Egypt, as the king of the northern tribes. Jeroboam consolidated his control over the northern tribes and established his capital at Shechem. However, religious loyalties of his people presented a problem. Jerusalem (in the southern kingdom) remained the religious center for the Israelite people. The temple of Yahweh was a focal point for the religion as it held the ark of the covenant. Jeroboam had two temples built: one at Dan and the other at Bethel. He had golden bulls erected for worship in order to offset the worship at Jerusalem. High Place or Altar at Dan

3 3 of 23 Golden Calf 3. Northern Kingdom Israel also called the northern kingdom or Ephraim was very different from the kingdom of Judah. Israel was wealthier, more powerful, and larger than its southern counterpart. Two major trade highways transverse Israel's territories: the International Coastal Highway and the Kings's Highway. A main source of income came through Israel's trade relationship with the Phoenician cities on the northwestern border of Israel. 4. Capitals of the Northern Kingdom Shechem, Tirzah, and Samaria (all located close together in Manasseh) served as capitals. From about 850 onward, Samaria became the nerve center of Israel until its fall to Assyria in 722 B. C. Click map to see a larger image

4 4 of Northern Monarchy The northern kingdom did not enjoy the benefits of a stable political structure. In its 200 years of existence, it had 19 kings, only 10 of whom succeeded to the throne. Nine came by way of coups d'etat (violent political takeover). Seven of Israel's kings were assassinated and one committed suicide. 6. Chronology of Northern Kings Jeroboam I Nadab Baasha Elah Zimri 876 Omri Ahab Ahaziah Jehoram /2 Jehu 843/2-815 Jehoahaz Jehoash Jeroboam II Zechariah Shallum 745 Menahem Pekahiah Pekah Hoshea Period of Conflict ( ) There were continual boarder conflicts between Israel and Judah. Abijah (Rehoboam's successor) was able to take the territory of

5 5 of 23 Benjamin and add it to the southern kingdom. Asa who succeeded Abijah was able to induce the Arameans to invade the northern kingdom during which time the southern kingdom moved its orthern boarder to Mizpah. Conflict between the two states continued until the rise of king Omri of the Northern kingdom. 8. Early Conflicts and Invasions Early after the division skirmishes occurred between Israel and Judah, Egyptian pharaoh Shishank I attacked Judah and pillaged Israel around 918 B.C. Click map to see a larger image The Aramean states were often adversaries with Israel during this time Click map to see a larger image

6 6 of 23 file:///c:/users/sparsons/documents/dbu/6321s15/session #7/Lec1.htm 9. The House of Omri The brief Biblical account of the Omride dynasty depicts the Omride period as a dark age in Israel's history. Omri and Ahab are recognized for patronizing Baalism to an unprecedented degree. The achievements of the Omrides are ignored with the exceptions of a few minor instances. However, the archaeological discoveries dating to the ninth century B. C. provide a different picture of the Omrides. The architectural remains throughout Israel during the Omride period indicate an era of great wealth and prosperity for the northern kingdom. Archaeological data reveals Omri and Ahab as aggressive builders. Cities during this period were marked by monumental architecture with a high standard of craftsmanship. 10. A History of the Omride Dynasty Click map to see a larger image King Baasha of Israel was succeeded by his son Elah. Elah was murdered after the second year of his reign (approximately 886 B. C.) by Zimri, a general of the chariotry. Zimri's kingship only lasted seven days when Omri (the army's field commander who had been fighting the Philistines at Gibbethon) was declared king by the Israelite army. Omri quickly marched towards Tirzah, the capital of Israel, to secure his kingship. When Zimri realized that the city was about to be taken by Omri he set the palace on fire and killed himself. The death of Zimri did not solidify Omri's reign in Israel. Tibni "son of Ginath" attempted to take the throne of Israel creating a four year dispute for control. The extent of the conflict between Omri and Tibni is not clear. After four years of battle Tibni was killed and Omri was the undisputed king of Israel. The dynasty that Omri established lasted for a total of 33 years from the time of Omri's sole rulership; encompassing the reigns of Omri, his son Ahab, and two grandsons Ahaziah and Jehoram. The kings of the

7 7 of 23 dynasty and their corresponding dates are: Omri B. C. Ahab B. C. Ahaziah B. C. Jehoram B. C. Omri's ascension to the throne of Israel brought about a new era for both the northern and southern kingdoms of the divided monarchy. The Deuteronomic historians disapproved of the kings of Israel because they had broken with the Jerusalem priesthood and established bull images at Dan and Bethel. Omri is condemned as "one who did more wickedly than all those who were before him" yet, Omri was an able ruler who initiated a period of prosperity in Israel that probably exceeded the time of David and Solomon. The prosperity was initiated through a policy of foreign treaties and diplomatic marriages. When Omri took the throne of Israel the kingdom's territory had been reduced by Aram-Damascus. Israel had lost the Northern Transjordon, and with it the income from the trade routes from Aquaba up through the Transjordon. Omri was able to re-establish the political importance of Israel through a treaty with Phoenicia. In order to secure the treaty with Phoenicia Omri's son Ahab was married to Jezebel, daughter of Ittobaal, king of Tyre. Tyre was the strongest sea power on the Mediterranean during this period. Israel provided agricultural surpluses such as grain, fruits and spices to Phoenicia in return for wood and finely manufactured wares. Israel further benefitted from the Phoenician trade that traveled through the Northern Kingdom from the east to the Mediterranean. Omri also initiated a new relationship between Israel and Judah. He dissolved the tensions with Judah through the marriage of his daughter or granddaughter Athaliah to Jehoram son of Jehosaphat, the king of Judah. Omri is credited with rebuilding the nation of Israel and restoring its position as a power with which to be reckoned. His son Ahab was the king who consolidated the new position of Israel and increased the nations importance in Palestine. Ahab's rule brought an increase in military strength as well as economic growth. The building projects of Ahab bear witness to the magnitude of the prosperity of Israel during this time. Ahab continued to build at Samaria as well as at cities such as Hazor, Megiddo, Dan, and Jezreel.

8 8 of 23 Tell of Samaria Acropolis at Samaria Water System at Megiddo

9 9 of 23 1 Kgs. 22: records that Ahab died in a battle with the Arameans over the city of Ramoth-Gilead. Chapter 22:40, further states that Ahab was "laid to rest with his fathers," a phrase which is generally used for a non-violent death. Verse 40 has been interpreted by some scholars to indicate that Ahab died a natural death in the city of Samaria. Ahab was succeeded by his sons Ahaziah and Jehoram. Ahaziah's short reign (about two years) did not allow him to make any major changes in Israel. Jehoram's rule marked the decline and fall of the house of Omri. Jehoram and the entire house of Omri were put to death by Jehu at the city of Jezreel. 11. Omri and the Phoenicians During the Omride dynasty had close economic cooperation with the Phoenicians. 12. Phoenician Origin The origin of the Phoenicians is a much debated issue. The essentially uniform body of linguistic, political, religious and artistic expressions that characterize the Phoenician nation as an independent entity, developed at around 1200 B. C. The people that occupied the Phoenician territory prior to the Iron Age have many of the same characteristics of the Phoenician culture. However, they are part of a broader cultural context embracing the whole area of Syria and Palestine. The oldest archaeological information from the Phoenician coast comes from the city of Byblos and dates to the fifth millennium B. C. A clear distinction between Phoenician and non-phoenician cities at the beginning of the Iron Age cannot be made. The earliest inhabitants of Byblos were engaged in fishing and the production of woven goods and yarns which were typical of Phoenicia during the Iron Age. The site of Ugarit has also yielded valuable information revealing the continuity of the development of the Phoenician and Canaanite culture. The typical Phoenician production of gold and silver embossed bowls can be traced back to Ugarit. Carved ivories that were so typical of Phoenician art are also found at the ancient city of Ugarit in artifacts such as the goddess of the wild beast or the ivory carvings created for the decoration of a bed. Ugarit has also provided valuable information with regard to the development of the Phoenician religion. The gods recognized in Iron Age Phoenicia are a mixture of the deities known from earlier Canaanite periods. While Iron Age Phoenicia represents a later phase of the general Canaanite culture, they developed a unique culture that distinguishes them from their ancestors and neighbors.

10 10 of 23 Ruins at Byblos Ruins at Ugarit Phoenician Ivory

11 11 of 23 Phoenician Ivory Several important factors led to the rise of the Phoenician nation during the Iron Age. Shortly after 1200, the land of Canaan was transformed by events that brought the Late Bronze Age to an end. Two groups of people were primarily involved in the transition, the Israelites and the Sea People. According to the biblical account, at the time the Israelites entered into the land of Canaan the entire Mediterranean coastal belt from Arvard to Gaza was in Canaanite control. Within a short period of time the political control of the land was drastically altered. In the south, the Philistines took control of the land between Jaffa and Gaza. The central sector of the coast in the area of Dor was occupied by another tribe of Sea Peoples known as the Sikila. The Canaanite harbor of Akko was settled by another group of Sea People most likely the Shardana. The Israelites also took control of Canaanite land, in particular the tribes of Asher, Zebulun and Dan took control of the hinterland between Akko and Tyre. The remaining area the Canaanite population was able to maintain was known as Phoenicia. Phoenicia generally escaped the destruction of the "Sea Peoples" and continued to develop in the way of life of the preceding periods. The rise of the Phoenician culture should not be attributed to the migrations of new people into the land of Phoenicia, but to the migration of people into the areas surrounding the Phoenician land. The migration of peoples such as the Philistines, Hebrews and Arameans compressed the Phoenician towns into a certain coherence. The Phoenicians had no specific characteristics. Their language is Semitic like their neighbors. The independence of the Phoenicians as a people was determined as a result of the geopolitical condition, and should not be attributed to a to a particular home or race. The Phoenicians have clear ties to the Canaanite culture of the Late Bronze Age. The lifestyles of sites such as Ugarit and Bronze Age Byblos indicate a clear development

12 12 of 23 of Canaanite culture into Phoenician culture. The Phoenician culture rises out of the Canaanite culture of the Late Bronze Age. However, Phoenicia is not a continuation of the previous culture but a new entity. 13. Elijah and Elisha Elijah was God s prophet who was a foe of Baalism and confronted Ahab concerning his disobedience to God. Elijah was tasked with Anointing Hazael king of Damascus Anointing Jehu as king of Israel Designating Elisha as his successor Elisha was Elijah s successor and a prophet of God. Click map to see a larger image 14. Jehu and the Effects of His Revolution The revolution that placed Jehu on the throne was the most bloody in the history of the northern kingdom. However, his rule as well as the rule of his dynasty marked a decline in the prosperity of the northern kingdom. The Jehu dynasty face immediate threat form the Aramean kingdoms in the Transjordan. Hazael attacked Israel on several occasions, drastically reducing Israel's territory ( 2 Kings 10:32-33; 13:1-5). However, the rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire posed a greater threat to Israel. Jehu was forced to pay tribute to Shalmaneser III in 841 B. C. Jehu's loyalty to the Assyrian king provided protection from the Aramean kingdoms.

13 13 of 23 The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III Jehu paying tribute as shown on the Obelisk

14 14 of The Neo-Assyrian Empire This empire arose in Mesopotamia around 1000 B.C. The empire was used as a rod of God s wrath and was a great power until it eventually fell around 610 B.C. 16. History of Neo-Assyrian Empire from 1076 to 722 B. C. After the death of Tiglath-pileser I in 1076 B.C., the Assyrian Empire began to decline. The decline continued for over a century until the ascension of Ashur-dan II in 934 B. C. A. Kirk Grayson suggested several reasons for the decline of the state. The first reason was the lack of a systematic administration for the vast territory which Tiglath-pileser I had acquired. A second reason proposed was the pressure applied by the Arameans during this period. By the beginning of the millennium, Assyria was under pressure from all fronts; to the north and east were the peoples of the Nairi lands and from the south and east were the Arameans. Not until the restoration of internal stability by Ashur-dan II was Assyria able to asset her influence in the surrounding lands. Grayson notes that Ashur-dan II's reign ( B. C.) should be recognized as the beginning point for the Neo-Assyrian Empire. However, H.W.F. Saggs, believes that the beginning point should be placed during the rule of Ashurnasirpal II ( ). Saggs argues that Ashurnasirpal II's "records are voluminous and their scale reflects the achievements as the real founder of the final Neo-Assyrian empire." If Ashur-dan II was the not the founder of the empire, then he must be recognized as the king who laid the foundation in Assyrian for the future accomplishments of Ashurnasirpal II. Ashur-dan II's activities were aimed towards economic development as much as it was towards the military security of the country. His policies were concentrated on establishing control within Assyria's natural borders, from the near side of the Tur Abdin to the foothills beyond Erbil. Ashur-dan II was also responsible for rebuilding the city of Ashur which had been neglected for over a century. One gate built in the city appears to be the main entry for traffic from the west, indicating that trade from that direction was reviving. Ashur-dan II was succeeded by his son Adad-nerari II ( ). Georges Roux argues that Adad-nerari was the king who "loosened the grip of Assyria's enemies and unknowingly opened the last and most brilliant chapter in the history of the northern kingdom." He campaigned to re-establish Assyrian control in the north-west, beyond the Tur Abdin. The greatest problem for Assyria continued to be the Arameans. The Arameans had settled between the Habur and the western elbow of the Euphrates after the reign of Tiglathpileser I.

15 15 of 23 Adad-nerari II conducted six annual campaigns against the Arameans in this region. Adad-nerari claimed the title of "conqueror of the entire land of Karduniash" (Babylonia). Yet, his activities in the region were probably nothing more than border skirmishes to push the Assyrian frontier south to either Adhaim or the Diyala river. Tukulti-Ninurta II ( B. C.) took the throne and continued to regain control of the northern and eastern mountain regions. In the south he pushed his border to approximately where the current city of Baghdad stands, bringing Aramean settlements along the Tigris, Euphrates, and Habur under his control as Assyrian vassals. Tukulti- Ninurta II conducted several building projects at Shur and Nineveh. Little is known concerning his building projects at Nineveh, but at Ashur he improved the fortifications and restored the temples and palace. Ashurnasirpal II ( ) took the throne at the death of Tukulti- Ninurta II. When Ashurnasirpal II ascended, the frontier of Assyria included the whole of northern Iraq from Khabur to the Zargos and from Nisibin to Anat and Samaria. Ashurnasirpal II quickly established himself as a successful military leader. He led the Assyrian military into numerous battles during his reign (at least 14 major campaigns during his 25 year reign) and established the tradition that an Assyrian king should campaign every year of his reign. Ashurnasirpal appeared to have a clear strategy for expanding his kingdom. He first dealt with the Arameans in the Habur and middle Euphrates regions, and then extended Assyrian control eastwards into Kurdistan and northwards beyond the eastern Taurus. Ashurnarsirpal broke the powerful kingdom of bit-adini and reached the Syrian coast by way of Carchemish and the Orontes, receiving tribute form as far as Tyre. Click map to see a larger image

16 16 of 23 Ashurnasirpal was known for his cruelty in battle. Roux recognized that "all conquerors in antiquity practiced a policy of terror, and the Assyrians were no exception. But Ashurnasirpal surpassed them all." He not only punished captured rebels but in some occasions he punished innocent civilians: I built a pillar over against his city gate and I flayed all the chiefs who had revolted, and I covered the pillar with their skin. Some I walled up within the pillar, some I impaled upon the pillar on stakes, and others I bound to stakes round about the pillar... And I cut the limbs of the officers, of the royal officers who had rebelled...many captives from among them I burned with fire, and many I took as living captives. from some I cut off their noses, their ears and their fingers, of many I put out the eyes. I made one pillar of the living and another of heads, and I bound their heads to tree trunks round about the city. Their young men and maidens I burned in the fire. Twenty men I captured alive and I immured them in the wall of his palace... "the rest of their warriors I consumed with thirst in the desert of the Euphrates... One significant accomplishment of Ashurnasirpal's reign was the construction of the city of Calah. The city was strategically located both economially and militarily. Calah was located on the east bank of the Tigris just north of the point where the Upper Zab River flows into the Tigris. From a military perspective, Calah was protected on all sides except it's north flank. From an economic point of view, the city was in the center of the Assyrian heartland, in a rich agricultural region. Ashurnasirpal constructed huge fortifications, a large palace, and numerous temples. The main temple at the city was dedicated to the war god Ninurta. Shalmaneser III ( ) campaigned and constructed as vigorously and extensively as his father, Ashurnasirpal II. The most important areas in which he expanded Assyrian control were to the north and west. In the number and scope of his military campaigns, Shalmaneser III surpassed his father. Of his thirty-five years of reign, thirty-one were devoted to war. The objective of Ashurnasirpal II's campaigns had simply been to plunder, Shalmaneser III's expeditions "bore the earmarks of a grand design." He annexed the areas which he could, imposed annual tribute on the states strong enough to maintain a measure of autonomy, and sought trade relations with states that were too powerful or too distant to maintain as vassals. Shalmaneser III expanded the Assyrian control in several areas. He led his troops on numerous campaigns in the west against the kingdom of Damascus. He took his troops into Cilicia to corner the region's iron and tap into the lucrative western trade. In the year 853 B. C. he encountered a powerful military coalition near Qarqar on the Orontes River. The coalition consisted of Syrian and Palestinian kings, including Hadad-ezer of Damascus and Ahab of Israel. The only information concerning the battle

17 17 of 23 comes from Assyrian records. Shalmaneser claims to have won the battle, yet the outcome may not have been as successful as he has claimed. However, he must have been partially successful because within twelve years the Assyrian empire had subjugated Palestine. The close of Shalmaneser's reign was marked by internal strife. One of the king s sons, Ashurbanipal, revolted causing twenty-seven city to join him. Some of the most important cities in Assyria such as Nineveh, Erbil, Ashur, and Arrapkha along with several provincial center rose up against Shalmaneser. Shalmaneser entrusted his son Shamshi-Adad V with the task of putting down the revolt. Shamshi Adad V was able to subdue the revolt after a five year period. However, the rise of Shamshi-Adad V (824 B.C.) marked a period of Assyrian stagnation which lasted for almost a century. Shamshi-Adad V's reign was characterized by instability and conflict. His first concern was the rising power of Urartu at his northern border. Urartu had encroached upon Assyrian territory and posed a potential threat to Assyria proper. The problems with Urartu continued for almost a century ( B. C.). For a time, Urartu replaced Assyria as the dominate power in Mesopotamia. Assyrian preoccupation with Urartu enabled other states to grow and break away from Assyrian domination. Arameans and other states in the west renounced Assyrian vassal ship and declared independence or aligned themselves with Urartu. Adad-nerari ( B. C.) inherited an empire in decline. His entire reign was spent attempting to regain the lost prestige of Assyria. The next three kings of Assyria (Shalmaneser IV ( B. C.), Ashur-dan III ( B. C.), and Ashur-nerari V ( B. C.)) "showed no marked initiative." During this time the Assyrian empire was fragmented into a number of independent states ruled by former Assyrian governors. Urartu had complete control of all of the land north of the Assyrian heartland from the Iranian plateau in the east to north Syria and the Mediterranean in the west. Assyria was on the verge of destruction. The rise of Tiglath-pileser III ( B.C.) marks the beginning of the late Assyrian empire ( B. C.). This period is often called the Sergeant Age, due to the fact that all but two kings (Tiglath-pileser III and Shalmaneser V) were descendants of Sargon II. Tiglath-pileser III was a usurper, but perhaps of royal blood. He and his successor Shalmaneser V were able to recover and consolidate Assyria's control over its old territories and reestablish Assyrian military and economic power in the Ancient Near East. During his campaigns "the west was re-conquered, Urartu was intimidated, and the Babylonian crown was placed on the Assyrian King's head." Tiglath-pileser concentrated on territorial

18 18 of 23 aggrandizement and administrative reforms. His reorganization of the army and administrative reform brought needed internal peace to Assyria. The administrative reform was aimed at strengthening the royal authority and reducing the power of the great lords of the empire. In Assyria proper the districts were divided. Outside of Assyria the states that had been conquered were deprived of their local rulers and transformed into provinces. Provinces were treated like an Assyrian district and entrusted to a "district lord" who was responsible to the king. States and people that could not be incorporated into the provincial system were placed under the direction of an "overseer." Reforms to the military during this period consisted of the addition of a permanent army formed mostly from contingents levied in the peripheral Provinces. Click map to see a larger image Tiglath-pileser III's son Shalmaneser V ( B. C.) remained on the throne for five years. Almost nothing is known about his rule. The most significant achievement of his reign was the conquest of Samaria. According to Sargon II, Shalmaneser V was removed from the throne after imposing a tax and corvee on the traditionally free cities of Ashur and Haran. 17. Recovery of Israel and Judah During the first half of the eighth-century B. C. the two kingdoms of the divided monarchy experienced a period of national restoration and expansion. The kings attributed with much of the success during this time are Jeroboam II of Israel and Uzziah of Judah. Both rulers are credited with the expansion of their kingdoms and the rise of economic prosperity. From a theological standpoint both kings played a minor role in the Old Testament. However, the biblical references pertaining to these men indicate that they were important and powerful kings in the history of Israel and Judah.

19 19 of Jeroboam II Click map to see a larger image Jeroboam II was the son and successor of Joash king of Israel ( B. C.). He was the grandson of Jehu (843/2-815 B. C.) and a contemporary of the Southern kingdom rulers Amaziah ( B. C.) and Uzziah ( B. C.). Information pertaining to Jeroboam is meager. His rule has been assessed by modern scholarship as a period of political success and a time of prosperity, yet the biblical historians dismiss his reign in a few verses (2 Kings 14:23-29). Biblical sources regarding Jeroboam's reign are limited to 2 Kings and the eighth-century prophets of Israel, Amos and Hosea. The presentation of Jeroboam II's life in 2 Kings has proved to be problematic. The author's account of the scope of Jeroboam II's expansion of Israel has been widely debated. Aside from a brief mention of military success Jeroboam II is quickly dismissed due to his continued apostasy similar to that of his namesake Jeroboam I. 19. Israel under the rule of Jeroboam II The assessment of Jeroboam II in 2 Kings 14:24 is the standard judgment of kings from the northern kingdom. Jeroboam is noted as "doing evil in the sight of the Lord" and following in the sins of his grandfather and namesake Jeroboam I. The text records the success of Israel under Jeroboam II. However, the prosperity is viewed as a season of grace from God as opposed to the material achievement of the king. The books of Amos and Hosea provide additional information related to Jeroboam II and his reign in Israel. Both prophetic books depict a prosperous urban elite living in luxury based on the social

20 20 of 23 discrimination of the monarchic system through widespread exploitation. This idea is linked with a decline in ethical standards and widespread apostasy. Amos 7:10-11 provides a direct attack upon the king: "Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel, saying, Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel; the land is unable to endure all his words. For thus Amos says, Jeroboam will die by the sword and Israel will certainly go from its land into exile." Amos' message states that both Jeroboam and his family would be destroyed by the sword. This passage is often seen as the culmination of Amos' rejection of the state religion of Jeroboam II's reign, a cult which maintained the status quo of social and religious inequality. Hosea predicts the death of the Jehu dynasty as he recalls the "blood of Jezreel" (Hos. 1:1-4). Hosea continues to pronounce judgment on Jeroboam II claiming that the Jehu dynasty does not represent Yahweh (Hos. 8:4). 20. Uzziah and the kingdom of Judah Uzziah succeeded his father Amaziah in Jerusalem at the age of sixteen. Biblical tradition remembers Uzziah as a good king who did what was right in the sight of the Lord during his early years. Uzziah is later described as falling out of God's favor due to his pride and defiance of the ordinance of God. He is remembered for reorganizing and re-equipping the Judean military, strengthening the fortifications at Jerusalem, maintaining control of several important trade routes to the south, and expanding Judah's borders in the areas of the Philistines and Edomites. 21. Judah Under the Rule of Uzziah The only accomplishment recorded in 2 Kings concerning Uzziah is his restoration of Elath (14:22). However, the Chronicler indicates that Uzziah was responsible for numerous building projects and agricultural endeavors during his reign: "Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the corner buttress and fortified them. And he built towers in the wilderness and hewed many cisterns..."(25:9-10). Archaeological evidence pertaining to Uzziah's building is limited. Some of the locations identified with Uzziah are Arad, Kadesh-Barnea, Timnah, and Ashod. He was reported to have made engines to fire arrows and great stones. The "war engines" referenced in the passage are not clearly understood. Ancient depictions of Judean cities from this era do not depict any type of catapult or related machinery. Yigael Yadin suggested that the writer is not describing firing engines but instead "special structures built on top the towers and battlements to facilitate the firing of arrows and the casting down on the heads of the assaulting troops 'great stones'." Accompanying Uzziah's

21 21 of 23 building was the strengthening and reequipping of the Judean army. 2 Chronicles states that the standing army consisted of 2600 officers and 370,500 men (2 Chron. 26:13). The size of the army is questionable. However, the reference to equipping the army with new weapons is understandable as he expanded the territory and protected the trade routes. Uzziah is recognized for his success in battle against the Philistines, Arabs, Meunites, and the Moabites. His success in foreign campaigns led to his fame extending as far as Egypt. The strength of Jeroboam II would have forced Judah to look southward for any opportunity of expansion. However, the extent of his victories over the Philistines and the accuracy of the claims in 2 Chronicles continues to be a matter of debate. Artist Picture of Uzziah's War Engines 22. Syro-Ephraimite War Rezin king of Damascus organized an anti-assyrian coalition that included Pekah king of Israel. Judah under the leadership of Jotham and then Ahaz refused to join the coalition. In 735 Damascus and Israel attacked Jerusalem for the purpose of removing king Ahaz in order to replace him with a king who would support the coalition (2 Kings 16:5; Isa. 7:1-14). The attack on Jerusalem by Israel and Damascus is known as the Syro-Ephraimite War.

22 22 of Fall of Samaria Click map to see a larger image During the reign of Shalmaneser V ( ) Hoshea king of Israel rebelled against Assyria. Shalmaneser responded quickly by besieging Samaria for three years until the city fell in 722 (2 Kings 17:5-6). Shalmaneser's successor Sargon II ( ) deported and resettled many Israelites in the upper Habor valley, near Nineveh, and Media (2 Kings 17:6; 1 Chr. 5:26. Some Israelites fled to Judah. However, most were deported or had to suffer under the Assyrian occupation in the newly formed Assyrian province of Samaria. Click map to see a larger image 24.Eighth Century Prophets. Amos Preached his message in the 760 s B.C. He attacked the social sins of the people. He preached in Israel.

23 23 of 23 Hosea Preached his message from B.C. He attacked the spiritual idolatry of Israel against God. He preached in Israel. Micah Preached his message from 730 s to 700 s B.C. He attacked the social sins of the people and called the people to turn back to God. He preached in Judah. Isaiah Preached his message from 742 B.C. to after 701 B.C. He addressed the social evils, the true nature of religion, and the coming ideal Davidic king. He preached in Judah. Click map to see a larger image