The story of ancient Israel is the story of a confederation of loosely allied tribes that unites as a nation in order to repel invasions from surrounding nations and tribes. While the unified Kingdom of Israel only lasted one hundred years, the nation left its mark on history with its monotheistic religion.
Unit Guide and Primary Sources
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"Be strong and courageous." |
PART I: The Conquest of Canaan
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A nation is not a nation without land. The Book of Joshua relates an account of the nomadic Israelites conquering and settling the land of Canaan.
Informational Text(s) & Primary Source(s): Principles of Siege Warfare (Deuteronomy 20) The Conquest of Canaan (Book of Joshua) |
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PART II: The Tribal Confederation
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After settling in Canaan, the Israelites existed as a tribal confederation with no permanent central government. In this lesson, we will examine the problems the Israelites faced as a result of the disorganization of the confederation.
Informational Text(s) & Primary Source(s): Gideon Defeats the Midianites (Judges 6-7) 
LECTURE NOTES on Google Drive
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PART V: Division and Diaspora
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After being united under a monarchy for nearly a century, the Israelites became weary of the heavy burdens of taxation and forced labor that King Solomon had placed upon them. After unsuccessfully appealing to Solomon's heir for relief, the Northern tribes seceded and proclaimed their own kingdom. Israel and Judah existed as two separate kingdoms, weakening as large empires were growing in the Fertile Crescent. The two kingdoms were conquered and their people dispersed, but thanks to the benevolence of Cyrus the Great of Persia, the Jews were able to return to Jerusalem, rebuild their Temple, and look for the day when Israel would again become a sovereign nation.
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