Divided Kingdom
Israel and Judah, their kings and prophets, Assyrian pressure, the fall of Israel, and Judah’s last years.
Empire in this era: Assyria took over, from tribute in 841 and 738 BC to the fall of Samaria about 722–720 BC and Sennacherib’s attack on Judah in 701 BC, while Egypt meddled and Babylon began to rise from 605 BC.
On the strip: Before Assyria (931–853 BC; Egypt’s Shishak raided about 925 BC) → Assyria (853–609 BC: contact from 853, empire ends 612, remnant to 609) → Egypt (609–605 BC: Necho holds Judah) → Babylon (from 605 BC). The strip shows who held the stage over the land of Israel, not who was biggest in the world.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
After Solomon, the kingdom divides. The northern kingdom, Israel, has a series of dynasties and falls to Assyria. The southern kingdom, Judah, remains under David’s line until Babylon takes Jerusalem.1 Kgs 12; 2 Kgs 17; 2 Kgs 25
- Outside evidence
Outside records confirm many names and events. These include Ahab at the battle of Qarqar (853 BC), Omri in the Mesha Stele, Jehu’s tribute on Shalmaneser III’s Black Obelisk, Sennacherib’s siege of Judah in 701 BC, and the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem in 597 BC.Kurkh Monolith; Mesha Stele; Black Obelisk; Sennacherib Prism; Babylonian Chronicle (ABC 5)
- Debated
Dates for individual kings differ by a few years among scholars, because Israel and Judah counted reigns differently. Edwin Thiele’s scheme is widely used, but others propose changes.
- Christian conclusion
Christians read the prophets of this era as warnings of judgment and promises of a coming king and a new covenant.Isa 9:6–7; Jer 31:31–34