Kings of Israel | David Solomon

November 14, 2019December 12, 2019

#16 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 1)

The beginnings of literary prophecy

The prophets of Israel emerged into history with positions and authority unprecedented across the ancient world. In this podcast episode, the first of a four-part series on the rise of the prophets of Israel, David Solomon examines this extraordinary social and spiritual phenomenon. Providing comprehensive historical background to the societies into which these prophets emerged, he explores the beginnings of literary prophecy through the extraordinary lives and inspiring words of the early prophets, Amos and Hoshea.

The Prophet Hoshea and his wife Gomer. Public Domain.

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August 15, 2019August 26, 2019

#3 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 3

The houses of David and Omri in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel are the focus of this episode. David provides a geo-political picture of the region at this time, including what was happening with Aram, Moab, Edom and Assyria as well as the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the spread of the Baalist cults. As he warns, this lecture is complex – with a number of kings of the same name in different kingdoms at different times. It also contains a lot of battles, assassinations, and general bloodshed.

Jezabel-and-Ahab-Meeting-Elijah-in-Naboth-s-Vineyard — Jezabel and Ahab Meeting Elijah in Naboth’s Vineyard Giclee. Print by Sir Frank Dicksee (1853-1928) [Public domain]

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August 8, 2019August 26, 2019

#2 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 2

This episode examines the history, context and personalities of the periods of King David and his son King Solomon; the separation of the united kingdom into the kingdoms of Judah and Israel; and the first few kings of these divided kingdoms.

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July 31, 2019August 26, 2019

#1 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 1

This episode examines the historical setting that led to the first king of Israel; the Prophet Samuel; and the reign of King Saul.

For more than a thousand years, the nation of Israel was led socially and politically by monarchs. Kings and queens of the Jewish people gained the throne of sovereign power through a wide variety of means: some through Divine selection, some through inheritance, and others through violent rebellion. Most were exceptional, but some were banal; many were wicked, but a few were righteous; most were hated, but some were truly loved. David explores the historical role of Jewish kingship, outlines its main epochs, discusses every monarch in their historical context, delves into remarkable personalities and seeks to understand the dramatic events that drove them or defeated them. Continue reading “#1 Players upon Thrones: Kings and Queens of Israel part 1”