Introduction The mixed population of Samaria, as described in the biblical narrative of 2 Kings 17, stands as a powerful illustration of the long-term consequences of disobedience and spiritual compromise. After the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians, the region of Samaria became a melting pot…
How Had the Bronze Serpent Become an Object of Idolatry Among the People of Judah? The story of the bronze serpent is one of the most striking examples in biblical history of how something originally sacred and God-ordained can later become a source of idolatry. What began as a symbol…
How Ahab’s Marriage to Jezebel Promoted Baal Worship Across Israel The marriage of King Ahab of Israel to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, is one of the most significant events in the history of Israel’s monarchy. This union not only shaped Israel’s political landscape but also profoundly influenced its religious direction….
How the Northern Kingdom Continued to Decline Under Jeroboam’s Successors The northern kingdom of Israel, established after the division of the united monarchy, faced a steady decline following the reign of Jeroboam I. Despite initial political stability, the successive kings failed to reverse the kingdom’s downward trajectory. Their reigns were…
Why Gideon’s Legacy Is Presented as Both Heroic and Tragic Gideon, also called Jerubbaal, is one of the most complex figures in the Book of Judges. His story, found in Judges 6–8, depicts a leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon’s legacy is…
How Gideon’s Creation of the Ephod Later Caused Religious and Political Problems Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is celebrated in the Book of Judges as a military hero and faithful servant of God. His courage and strategic brilliance in defeating the Midianites earned him great respect among the Israelites. Yet,…