1answer.
Ask question
Login Signup
Ask question
All categories
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Business
  • History
  • Health
  • Geography
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computers and Technology
  • Arts
  • World Languages
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • SAT
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
ZanzabumX [31]
2 years ago
7

What role did the kings play in ancient israel

History
1 answer:
spin [16.1K]2 years ago
8 0

Although surrounded by nations that had been governed by kings for many years—Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, and the nations of Canaan—kingship and a centralized form of government did not appear in Israel until about 1000 B.C. Before that time, the Jewish Scriptures say that “Israel wasn’t ruled by a king, and everyone did what they thought was right” (Judg 21:25). During this period the various tribes of Israel enjoyed a more or less independent existence. When attacked by a mutual enemy, however, they would join forces under the direction of special leaders chosen by God and called “judges.” As these attacks became more frequent many people in Israel felt the need for a more permanent form of leadership. Finally, the people said, “we want a king to be our leader, just like all the other nations” (1 Sam 8:5).

This demand caused serious problems for Israel. The people clearly needed a strong military leader to deal with the political situation. But when Israel said they were “just like all the other nations” they denied their special relationship with God. From the time of Moses, the people of Israel saw themselves as God’s chosen people, with God rather than a human being as their king. Samuel, a prophet and the last judge of Israel, warned the people about the dangers of having a human king (1 Sam 8:11-18). In the end, however, he agreed to take the matter to the Lord who allowed the Israelites to have a king. But this king would have to be chosen by God and would be expected to make God’s invisible rule over the people visible. In this way, the people had their “king,” but God would continue to rule over them.

The Jewish Scriptures reflect both positive and negative evaluations of how well kingship worked for Israel. For example, the first king, Saul, forgot his role as God’s appointed leader soon after he was crowned king. Saul’s kingship ended very sadly and tragically (1 Sam 15). On the other hand, David is clearly the best example of a faithful king. God rewarded David for his obedience by promising that someone from David’s family would always rule Israel (2 Sam 7). Some kings after David refused to obey God’s Law and did not rule according to God’s instructions. Very often these kings, like Ahab and Manasseh, were killed and quickly forgotten. Others, like Hezekiah and Josiah, did their best to serve God and were rewarded for their faithfulness with many years as king.

Israel’s four hundred year experiment with kingship began to come to an end in 721 B.C. when the northern kingdom (Israel) was destroyed by Assyria. When the Babylonians defeated the southern kingdom (Judah) and took King Zedekiah and its leading citizens into captivity, kingship in Israel ended for good.


You might be interested in
What impact did the V2 have after World War II in regards to technology advancements?
Charra [1.4K]

Answer:

The scientists who invented the V2 rocket and V1 flying bomb were  used by NASA to build the rockets that sent us to the moon. To think that the greatest achievement of mankind was also built  on the shoulders of its greatest atrocities. They also helped to create Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, and a new age of Nuclear warfare.

7 0
3 years ago
What were the consequences of the decline of the mughal empire​
AVprozaik [17]

A series of foreign invasions affected Mughal Empire very badly. Attacks by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, which were themselves the consequences of the weakness of the Empire, drained the Empire of its wealth, ruined its trade and industry in the North, and almost destroyed its military power.

8 0
2 years ago
Diets that are high in calcium magnesium sodium sugar are associated with an increased incidence of hypertension
MArishka [77]
They can be if the person is taking in too many calories.  It is really the sodium and sugar that is the problem.  A family history of hypertension also contributes to increase incidence.
6 0
2 years ago
Answer all of the questions on this photo
Alchen [17]
That's a lot yikes. i have no clue sorry
6 0
2 years ago
Humans have a basic need to evolve and fulfill their potential
Fudgin [204]

Answer:

where is the question?

3 0
2 years ago
Other questions:
  • What are some rights this document guarantees French Citizens?
    9·1 answer
  • When Russia lost , Czar Alexander II realized that his nation’s lack of industrial progress was a problem that needed to be reme
    9·2 answers
  • What connection does John Locke have on America today ?
    14·2 answers
  • How did diocletian try to end the roman empires ecomonical decay
    5·1 answer
  • Which are physical or human characteristics of place associated with the Indus Valley civilization? Choose all answers that are
    10·2 answers
  • Why was satchel Paige important to the fight of social equality for African Americans
    10·1 answer
  • Why did the U.s. Government open Ellis island in 1892
    10·2 answers
  • BRAINLIEST!!!Which scientist contributed directly to the development of atomic weapons?
    6·2 answers
  • Who is Theiophrastos?<br> List 10 facts.
    15·1 answer
  • Why was European interest in African colonies renewed after World War I?
    11·1 answer
Add answer
Login
Not registered? Fast signup
Signup
Login Signup
Ask question!