Kingdoms of Israel and Judah

The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah were ancient kingdoms in the Levant region of the eastern Mediterranean. They played a significant role in the history of the ancient Near East and hold great importance in the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Background

After the death of King Solomon, the Israelite kingdom split into two separate entities: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. This division occurred around 930 BCE and was the result of political and religious tensions within the Israelite population.

Kingdom of Israel

The Kingdom of Israel, also known as the Northern Kingdom, was centered around the city of Samaria. It was comprised of ten of the twelve tribes of Israel and was known for its instability and frequent changes in leadership. The kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BCE, and its population was exiled, leading to the legend of the "Lost Tribes of Israel."

Kingdom of Judah

The Kingdom of Judah, also known as the Southern Kingdom, was centered around Jerusalem and was comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was more stable than the Kingdom of Israel and lasted longer, eventually falling to the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Babylonian Exile, during which the elite of Judah were taken to Babylon, is a significant event in Jewish history.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah are central to the religious narratives found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). The stories of the kings, prophets, and events in these kingdoms form a crucial part of the religious and cultural heritage of Judaism and Christianity.

Study Guide

What were the causes of the division of the Israelite kingdom after the death of King Solomon?
Describe the differences between the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah in terms of geography, demographics, and political stability.
Explain the significance of the Babylonian Exile and its impact on the Kingdom of Judah.
Discuss the religious and cultural importance of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah in the traditions of Judaism and Christianity.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Ancient Israel

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures (e.g., the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, the development of technology, the rise of modern nation-states, and the establishment and breakdown of colonial systems).

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

World History Content Standards

Era 2: Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples, 4000-1000 BCE

The major characteristics of civilization and how civilizations emerged in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley.

The student understands how Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus valley became centers of dense population, urbanization, and cultural innovation in the fourth and third millennia BCE.

The student understands how commercial and cultural interactions contributed to change in the Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Nile regions.

Major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000-1000 BCE.

The student understands major trends in Eurasia and Africa from 4000 to 1000 BCE.

Era 3: Classical Traditions, Major Religions, and Giant Empires, 1000 BCE-300 CE

Innovation and change from 1000-600 BCE horses, ships, iron, and monotheistic faith.

The student understands the emergence of Judaism and the historical significance of the Hebrew kingdoms.