Israel, as united kingdom

The 12 tribes proclaimed Saul as their first king in 1050 B.C., and remained united under David and Solomon, until the rebellion of the ten northern tribes in 930 B.C.

Israel's request for a king

Israel requested a king because it had been governed by corrupt judges

1 Samuel 8:1–5

Israel requested a king to be like the other nations

1 Samuel 8:19–20

Israel requested a king because of the threat from Ammon

1 Samuel 12:12

Israel's request for a king seen as a rejection of God

1 Samuel 8:6–7 See also 1 Samuel 10:19, 1 Samuel 12:16–19

But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.

Israel under Saul (1050–1010 B.C.)

Israel oppressed by the Philistines

1 Samuel 13:19–20

Saul chosen as Israel's deliverer

1 Samuel 10:1 See also 1 Samuel 10:17–25, 1 Samuel 11:14–15

Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

Israel victorious under Saul

1 Samuel 14:47–48 See also 1 Samuel 11:11–13, 1 Samuel 15:7–8

After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side — the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.

Israel's war with the Philistines

1 Samuel 14:52 See also 1 Samuel 13:5–7, 1 Samuel 14:20–23, 1 Samuel 17:51–53

And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.

The popularity of David in Israel

1 Samuel 18:30 See also 1 Samuel 18:6–9

Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.

Israel defeated by the Philistines, and the death of Saul

1 Samuel 31:1–10 parallel 1 Chronicles 10:1–10

Israel under David (1010–970 B.C.)

Civil war in Israel between David and Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son

2 Samuel 3:1 See also 2 Samuel 2:8–17

Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

David appointed king over Israel

2 Samuel 5:1–3 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:1–3 See also 1 Samuel 16:1

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

David makes Jerusalem the capital of Israel

2 Samuel 5:6–10 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:4–9

Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless , David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward. And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

Israel victorious under David

See also 2 Samuel 8:1–14 parallel 1 Chronicles 18:1–13

Officials in Israel under David

2 Samuel 8:15–18 parallel 1 Chronicles 18:14–17; 2 Samuel 20:23–26

Civil war in Israel between David and his son Absalom

2 Samuel 15:10–12, 2 Samuel 18:1–8

God's judgment on Israel during David's reign

2 Samuel 21:1, 2 Samuel 24:1–16 parallel 1 Chronicles 21:1–15

All Israel contributes in preparation for the building of the temple

1 Chronicles 29:6–9

Israel under Solomon (970–930 B.C.)

Officials in Israel under Solomon

1 Kings 4:1–19

Prosperity of Israel under Solomon

1 Kings 10:27 parallel 2 Chronicles 1:15 See also 1 Kings 4:20–25

The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.

Israel's trade relations under Solomon

1 Kings 10:22 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:21 See also 1 Kings 5:8–12 parallel 2 Chronicles 2:11–16; 1 Kings 10:11–12 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:10–11; 1 Kings 10:28–29 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:28

For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

Solomon's building programme in Israel

1 Kings 6:1–37 parallel 2 Chronicles 3:1–14; 1 Kings 7:1–12, 1 Kings 9:17–19 parallel 2 Chronicles 8:1–5

Solomon puts Israelites to forced labour

1 Kings 5:13–18

Division in Israel (930 B.C.)

Opposition to Solomon

1 Kings 11:14–26

Israel divided because of its apostasy

1 Kings 11:29–33

Rebellion in Israel against forced labour

1 Kings 12:1–19 parallel 2 Chronicles 10:1–19