A Kingdom Divided
Excerpt
What happened after Solomon’s death is often referred to as ‘the division of the kingdom’. As a statement of fact, that is what happened: the extensive empire ruled over by Solomon was split into two. To a large extent, however, this split seems to have been the natural culmination of an ideological division that had existed for much longer. The northern tribes, led by Ephraim, and the southern tribes, led by Judah, had only ever been truly united by their common allegiance to David. Both groups looked on him as a leader following in the footsteps of the judges, whose position was therefore assured only because God had chosen and equipped him. His continued rule was valid only insofar as he lived up to the responsibility that was involved in such a lofty calling. Solomon had come to power in different circumstances altogether, and became king for no other reason than that David was his father. …
Drane, John William. Introducing the Old Testament. Completely rev. and updated. Oxford: Lion Publishing plc, 2000. Print.
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