In this episode, we continue our Biblical Story series. Throughout this series, we will explore the Bible's main themes, ideas, and overarching story. Each episode will focus on "blocks" of scripture and the narrative captured within them. We also will discuss how these stories are a part of one giant narrative about God's redemption of creation and humanity's role in that story. We hope this series can become a useful road map for you to use as you read the Bible for yourself.

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Episode Outline Notes:

Conquest narratives (Lev. 18, Sexual practice of nations) (Joshua 4-6 a contrast of obedience) (Conquest lang. is hyperbole (people still remained in those areas and God accepted those who turned to Him, I.E. Rahab and Gibeonites)

Distinction in war with Caanite nations and others (Det. 20)

Judges rise up to rule people (goes mostly poorly) Major: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson. Minor: Shamgar, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon

Key notes:

400 year period

No central govt, tribe rule

A period characterized by syncretism, because Canaanites remained.

Marked by cycles of disobedience, Enemies conquering the Israelites, Repentance, and God sending a judge to bring justice to the land on behalf of Israel.

Israel desires to be “like the nations,” and asks for a king (rejects God as king, important note!)

Keynotes:

- Samuel is the final “judge” and is raised by Eli from the unique birth and call of God.

-He becomes the ‘king-maker for Israel”

lack of unity, special interests, and fear of nations drove Israel to seek a king

David is chosen by God

-lives on the run from a jealous Saul

-eventually is crowned king in Hebron over Judea for several years before he is given rule over all of Israel

-David becomes the archetype of a “Godly King” not based on morality but obedience. He is not the outside picture of a king but internally he is. family drama, lack of character, and betrayal ultimately lead to a declining stability. Unclean hands prevent the temple from being made

Solomon:

Temple, Heaven, and Earth place, the center of God’s presence

massive workforce and projects

Harem of treaties ultimately leads to apostasy

Rehoboam (Solomon’s son) increases already existing tensions with forced labor and the kingdom splits in two. (Jeroboam rules in the north)

Two kingdoms Israel (north) and Judah (south)

Jeroboam although chosen by God fears people’s attachment to the temple in Jerusalem so he sets up two shrines in the north. One in Dan and one in Bethel. He also creates an image for YHWH in the form of a Bull. This leads to much criticism and conflict with future prophets.

Kingdom splits due to disobedience. Long line of varying success, and failure, comprise with neighbors all rising to climax in Ahab&Jezebel. (Samaria capital of north and Jerusalem south)

-This period is filled with conflicts between neighbors and the two kingdoms. Ahab becomes a king highly criticized by the prophet Elijah. Who sees the new religious systems of the north as leading people astray from YHWH. Jezebel wife of Ahab convinces him to depose YHWH and promote Baal.

-Threat of Assyria a massive and cruel power also looms over Palestine

Israel eventually fell to the Assyrian Empire, Samaria was destroyed and much of the population was deported (explain this deportation) 722BC

Under siege, Hezekiah trusts in the Lord and he delivers Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrian army.

Judah would follow around 150 years later to the empire of Babylon in 587 (the temple was destroyed, and Jerusalem was leveled.)

The biblical authors say both of these events as a result of broken covenant and acting like the nations before them. (Engaging in child sacrifice, abusing the poor, etc.)