Looking to help your church and family stay connected to the Word while social distancing?
Check out our free church library, church online resources, and family resources.
Divided Kingdom
Excerpt from the Lexham Bible
Dictionary, the most
advanced Bible dictionary.
Also called the “Divided Monarchy.” Refers to the period of Israel’s history when the tribes of Israel were divided into two rival kingdoms—Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The “United Kingdom” or “United Monarchy” of Israel refers to the period from around 1050 to 920 bc when the tribes of Israel were united under one king: first Saul, then David, and lastly Solomon. The division occurred under Solomon’s son Rehoboam in 922 bc (1 Kgs 11:43–12:24) when the northern tribes seceded under the leadership of Jeroboam, son of Nebat. Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel; he reigned until 901 bc. Ahab’s father, Omri, established Samaria as the new capital city of Israel in the early 9th century bc (1 Kgs 16:20–28). The separate kingdoms existed until the fall of Samaria in 722/721 bc (2 Kgs 17:1–18).