Page 63 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Revised

only to enjoy trade goods from this location but to impose taxes on those who would travel through her
borders. But because of their idolatry, the Lord cut off much of these trade routes and brought drought
to their lush fields. Numerous foreign countries invaded Israel and drained their economy. God took
from them what they could have had if they would only obey His commandments.

Marriage and Family

Cases of polygamy, a man having more than one wife, were usually a sign that a person was rich and
powerful, such as King Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:21). Polygamy may have been practiced only by the
upper class. The Greeks were monogamous, and the Romans regarded polygamy as degenerate or
barbarian. The Jews by the New Testament period were generally monogamous.

The Kingdom in Israel Divides
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Qw7eZN97M

Let’s Practice…

1. While Solomon was a very wise man, what did he impose on his people that eventually caused Israel
to split into two nations?

2. Agriculturally, how did the Northern Kingdom compare to the Southern Kingdom?

3. Describe the relationship that the northern Kings had with Yahweh.

4. Describe the judgment of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BCE.

5. Why did Jeroboam create two worship centers in Israel?

6. Describe the type of worship Jeroboam set up in the Northern Kingdom.

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