The Kingdom of Israel, also known as the Northern Kingdom, was one of the two successor states that emerged following the division of the united monarchy of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. This division occurred around 930 B.C. and resulted in the formation of the Northern Kingdom, known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, known as Judah.

Formation and Geography

The Kingdom of Israel was established under the leadership of Jeroboam I, who was one of Solomon's officials. The division was a result of political and social tensions, exacerbated by Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor policies. The ten northern tribes—Reuben, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and Manasseh—aligned themselves with Jeroboam, forming the Kingdom of Israel. The capital of the Northern Kingdom was initially Shechem, later moving to Tirzah, and finally to Samaria under King Omri.

Geographically, the Kingdom of Israel occupied the northern part of the land of Canaan, stretching from the Galilee in the north to the central hill country. It was bordered by the Kingdom of Judah to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and the Transjordanian highlands to the east.

Religious Practices

The religious practices in the Kingdom of Israel diverged significantly from those prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Jeroboam I, fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem in Judah would undermine his rule, established alternative centers of worship at Bethel and Dan. He set up golden calves at these sites, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). This act was a direct violation of the first and second commandments and led to widespread idolatry.

The prophets of the Lord, such as Elijah and Elisha, were active in the Northern Kingdom, calling the people back to the worship of Yahweh and denouncing the idolatrous practices. The prophetic ministry was a significant aspect of the religious life in Israel, as God sent His messengers to warn the people of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness.

Political History

The Kingdom of Israel experienced a tumultuous political history characterized by frequent changes in leadership and dynastic instability. The reigns of its kings were often marked by assassinations and coups. Notable kings included Jeroboam I, Omri, Ahab, and Jeroboam II. Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, further entrenched the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to a severe spiritual decline.

Despite periods of prosperity, such as during the reign of Jeroboam II, the kingdom was plagued by internal strife and external threats. The prophets Amos and Hosea prophesied during this time, warning of the consequences of social injustice and spiritual apostasy.

Fall of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of Israel ultimately fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722 B.C. The Assyrians, under King Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II, besieged and captured Samaria, the capital. The fall of Samaria marked the end of the Northern Kingdom, and its inhabitants were deported to various regions of the Assyrian Empire, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of exile due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

The fall of Israel is recorded in 2 Kings 17:6-7 : "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes. All this happened because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt and had worshiped other gods."

The Kingdom of Israel serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.