Chapter 6 Lesson 2

1. Chapter 6 Lesson 2 The Kingdom of Israel

2. Objectives • Explain how the achievements of Saul, David, and Solomon led to the growth of the kingdom of Israel and the Jewish religion. • Describe what everyday life was like for the ancient Israelites after their return to Canaan.

3. Vocabulary • Territory – region • Proverb - short sayings that express a truth about life

5. The Israelites Get a King 1020 BC: Southern Canaan • The Israelites returned to Canaan 40 years after the Exodus and lived there as 12 independent tribes • They were attacked and without unity had trouble fighting off their attackers • They decided they needed to unite under one king, Saul, as the first ruler of the kingdom of Israel

6. Saul and David • Saul defeated many Israelites enemies and expanded his kingdom • King Saul died in a war in about 1000 BC • David, of the tribe of Judah, became the new king • David was a strong ruler who established Jerusalem as the center of government and religious life in Israel (capital) • Jerusalem laid between the lands of David’s tribe, Judah’s and other tribes but did not belong to any single Israelite tribe • David’s kingdom stretched from Egypt to Mesopotamia

8. The Kingdom of Solomon • After David died in 967 BC, his son Solomon became next king of Israel • Solomon’s reign was a peaceful one, marked by economic prosperity and numerous building projects • All were funded by heavy taxes and completed with forced labor • Trade agreements with Phoenicia and Egypt helped the economy grow • Solomon also made alliances with Israel’s neighbors leading to peace during his rule

9. Life in Ancient Israel • Judaism guided everyday life in Solomon’s peaceful kingdom; growth of religion • High taxes and forced labor caused some people to be unhappy • Men were farmers, metal workers, carpenters, weavers, government officials of soldiers • Women cooked, cleaned, collected water, made clothing and some worked for wealthy Israelites • Solomon was known for his proverbs

10. Impact of Ancient Israel • Covenant= formal agreement between Hebrews and God (Yahweh); Hebrews worshipped God and only God, and in return, they would be God’s Chosen People and given Canaan as the Promised Land • Spiritual ideas profoundly influenced Western culture, morality, ethics and conduct • Three of the world’s most dominant religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam all derive their roots from the spiritual beliefs of the Ancient Israelites

11. Lesson 2 Summary • The Israelites settled in Canaan. Attacks by unfriendly neighbors convinced them that they needed a king. Saul served as the first king. King David, the second King, expanded the kingdom. David’s son Solomon brought wealth and stability. He built a temple in Jerusalem. For the most part, life in the kingdom was peaceful.

12. How would the fact that Jerusalem did not belong to any single Israelite tribe make it a good choice for Israel’s capital?

13. How would the fact that Jerusalem did not belong to any single Israelite tribe make it a good choice for Israel’s capital? • Because no single Israelite tribe had control over Jerusalem, this may have reduced political struggles among the tribes.

14. What caused Israel to have a strong economy under King Solomon’s rule?

15. What caused Israel to have a strong economy under King Solomon’s rule? • King Solomon established trade agreements with Phoenicia and Egypt. He created a large army to protect trade routes

16. What were some of the jobs ancient Israelites had?

17. What were some of the jobs ancient Israelites had? • Metal workers, carpenters, weavers, government officials, soldiers

18. Why did King Solomon build a temple in Jerusalem? • He wanted a place to worship god

19. Links • Judaism Religion and Ethics • Ancient History Sourcebook- Israel • Ancient Israel