Show Notes
Avshalom is back in Jerusalem. He wastes no time at boosting his popularity and discrediting his father, King David. Soon after, he asks for permission to sacrifice in Hebron, the city in which David was crowned, and he launches a mutiny against his father. David and his close circle abandon the city, preferring to flee rather than thrust Jerusalem into war and bloodshed. We will examine David's state of mind before and during this tragic and challenging moment.
More from The Tanakh Podcast
Yerovam has become king in the North. But he needs a new religious center. If the prople keep celebrating their holidays at the Temple in Jerusalem, he will lose legitimacy. Yerovam builds two new Temples in Dan and Bethel setting up a golden calf (!) in each shrine. But, the Tanakh tells us that this was a grave error. Chapter 13 reveals the people's confusion. Is Yerovam legitimate or illegitimate?
Solomon is dead. The people come to crown his son Rechavam (Rehoboam) and ask for a tax break. Rechavam takes bad advice and responds to the people in an imperious, disdainful manner. In response, the northern tribes revolt and split from Rehoboam's kingdom, forming their own State and appointing Yerovam (Jeroboam) as king. This is the moment that split the kingdom, never to be reunited.
"In his old age, his wives turned away Solomon’s heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to God." How did the wisest of men make such a blunder? Did Solomon actually worship idolatry? --- To support us, please donate at: https://buymeacoffee.com/alexisrael https://patreon.com/u51407457 Special parsha Friday video at alexisrael.org/whatsapp
Our chapter describes Shlomo as a powerbroker in the region, controlling trade and accruing great wealth. But are these the correct priorities?
Our chapter speaks of twenty cities that Shlomo transfers to Hiram king of Tyre. Why is Solomon giving away land in the Land of Israel? Why was Hiram unsatisfied with the cities? What might we learn about the state of the economy during the latter Solomonic years?