- 1. The term 'Divided Kingdom' often refers to the historical period in ancient Israel following the death of King Solomon, during which the united monarchy split into two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division, which occurred around the 10th century BCE, was driven by a combination of political, economic, and social factors, including heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon on the northern tribes. The northern kingdom, comprising ten tribes, established its capital in Samaria and sought to differentiate itself from the southern kingdom, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and maintained Jerusalem as its capital, along with its central place of worship at the Temple. Each kingdom developed its own identity, political alliances, and religious practices, often leading to conflict and rivalry. The northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 BCE, leading to the exile of many of its inhabitants, while the southern kingdom of Judah continued to exist for over another century until it was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. This period of division is significant not only for its impact on the fate of the Israelite people but also for its theological implications, as it shaped the narratives found in the Hebrew Bible regarding leadership, faithfulness to God, and the consequences of disobedience. The concept of a divided kingdom resonates through subsequent historical and political discourse, symbolizing themes of fragmentation, conflict, and the challenges of unity in the face of diverse interests.
What event marked the beginning of the Divided Kingdom in Israel?
A) The Babylonian exile. B) The formation of Israel as a nation. C) The death of Solomon. D) The conquest by Assyria.
- 2. Which two kingdoms were formed after the division?
A) Israel and Moab. B) Israel and Judah. C) Judah and Edom. D) Israel and Philistia.
- 3. What was the primary reason for the split of the kingdom?
A) Religious differences. B) Territorial disputes. C) Heavy taxation and forced labor. D) Pressure from foreign nations.
- 4. Who served as king of Judah after Solomon?
A) Jeroboam. B) Hezekiah. C) Rehoboam. D) Ahaz.
- 5. Which prophet confronted Jeroboam over idol worship?
A) Jeremiah. B) Isaiah. C) Elijah. D) Ahijah.
- 6. Which kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC?
A) Judah. B) Egypt. C) Philistia. D) Israel.
- 7. Who was the Assyrian king during the fall of Israel?
A) Sennacherib. B) Shalmaneser V. C) Tiglath-Pileser III. D) Esarhaddon.
- 8. Which king of Judah was known for his reforms and revival of worship?
A) Ahaz. B) Jehoiakim. C) Manasseh. D) Josiah.
- 9. What major event occurred in 586 BC concerning Judah?
A) The division of the kingdom. B) The construction of the second temple. C) Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. D) The defeat by Egypt.
- 10. Which prophet warned the people of Judah about their impending destruction?
A) Isaiah. B) Hosea. C) Ezekiel. D) Jeremiah.
- 11. Who was the last king of Judah?
A) Josiah. B) Zedekiah. C) Jehoiachin. D) Ahaz.
- 12. Who conquered Judah after 586 BC?
A) Babylonians. B) Persians. C) Assyrians. D) Greeks.
- 13. What significant document emerged after the fall of Jerusalem?
A) The Babylonian Exile. B) The New Testament. C) The Torah. D) The Book of Ruth.
- 14. Which king led a major rebellion against Assyria during the divided kingdom period?
A) Hezekiah. B) Zedekiah. C) Ahaz. D) Rehoboam.
- 15. What is the name of the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel?
A) Hebron. B) Jericho. C) Samaria. D) Jerusalem.
- 16. Who was the queen who challenged the prophet Elijah?
A) Deborah. B) Esther. C) Jezebel. D) Athaliah.
- 17. What was the outcome of the Battle of Mount Carmel?
A) Ahab killed Elijah. B) The prophets of Baal won. C) Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal. D) Jezebel defeated Elijah.
- 18. Who wrote much of the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes?
A) David. B) Jeroboam. C) Hezekiah. D) Solomon.
- 19. Who was the prophet exiled to Babylon and became a leader among the exiles?
A) Hosea. B) Daniel. C) Ezekiel. D) Jeremiah.
- 20. What did Jeroboam set up to prevent people from going to Jerusalem?
A) Stone altars B) High places C) Golden calves D) Wooden idols
- 21. Who discovered the Book of the Law during Josiah's reign?
A) Ezekiel B) Isaiah C) Jeremiah D) Hilkiah
- 22. Which king of Judah was known for his wickedness?
A) Jehoiakim B) Manasseh C) Hezekiah D) Josiah
- 23. Who was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel?
A) Rehoboam B) Jeroboam I C) David D) Saul
- 24. Who led the first wave of exiles from Judah to Babylon?
A) Zedekiah B) Jehoiachin C) Jeremiah D) Ezra
- 25. What was the main language spoken in the northern kingdom of Israel?
A) Hebrew B) Aramaic C) Latin D) Greek
- 26. What was a key characteristic of the prophets during the Divided Kingdom period?
A) Promoting pagan worship B) Focusing on wealth and prosperity C) Encouraging foreign alliances D) Calling the people back to God
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