Sefer Melachim I is about the transition of power from King David to his house, and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and a unified monarchy. This unity did not last for long, the kingdom split into a northern kingdom of Israel, and a southern, smaller, kingdom of Judah. The notion Yehuda ve-Yisrael, until today, tells us that this fundamental issue hasn’t been resolved yet. The 12 Tribes have not all been reunited. 

This episode covers a few key discussions in archaeology: The Kingdom and Temple of Solomon - his international relationships, his usage of resources, and materials, in running the country and building the Temple. The split into two kingdoms, and some of the features of each kingdom.

Finally, the dealings of Eliyahu haNavi with the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and its internationally involved king Ahab and his Pheonician wife, Izebel, and more transitions of power: Hazael will be king of Aram Damascus, Yehu will wipe out the House of Omri, and Elisha will replace Eliyahu. Stay tuned for next episode!

 

Archaeology Snapshot is a discussion on the location, timeline, main characters and highlights from history and archaeology, for each Sefer in Tanach.