Page 57 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

Connect…

Have you ever heard the saying, “You reap what you sow?” It comes from the idea that farmers plant
seeds, and after the growing season is complete, the seeds grow into the very plants that the farmer
placed in the tilled soil. The Bible states the same idea in Galatians 6: 7-10:

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7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who
sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the
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Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do
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not give up. So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those
who are of the household of faith.

When Joshua brought the nation into the Promised Land, he took them to a place called Shechem.
There he divided the tribes of Israel into half; six stood on Mt. Gerizim and six on Mt Ebal. Mt. Gerizim is
covered with fruitful terraces and blessed with life, celebration, and joy. On the other side, Mt. Ebal is
arid, dark brown, and barren. It looks dead. God was trying to help Israel understand that if they
obeyed Him, he would bring them the blessings of Mt. Gerizim. But, if they turned from Him, He would
curse them and eventually destroy them.

Today we sadly look back at the history of Israel when they divided from Judah and turned away from
God. We need to learn that God has not changed. He will bless those who honor Him and curse those
who reject Him.

Objectives…

1. The student will be able to summarize why and how Israel turned to be to a Divided Monarchy.

2. Students should be able to understand the background stories in the history books of 1 Kings 12-22,
and the Prophets in the areas of the location of settling, government, religion, social, and commercial
factors in the society.

3. The student will be able to explain the importance of maintaining a good relationship with God.

The Lesson ...

Location

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