The Northern Kingdom of Israel
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
The Northern Kingdom of Israel began when the ten northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, rebelled against King Rehoboam’s refusal to lighten their tax burden. It existed from 931 B.C. until the Assyrian Empire conquered it, and its inhabitants were exiled in 722 B.C.
Jeroboam feared losing the people’s loyalty if they continued to go to Jerusalem to worship, so he set up his own religion. Instituting calf worship, he built shrines at Dan in the north and Bethel in the south to prevent northerners from going to Jerusalem to worship. Jeroboam established his capital first at Shechem and later at Tirzah. God condemned this idolatry, and Jeroboam’s dynasty ended with the murder of the King’s son, Nadab. The Kingdom of Israel was at war much of its history with Judah, Syria, or Assyria.
Their tumultuous history was marked by political instability and religious apostasy. It was ruled by nine dynasties led by Jeroboam, Baasha, Zimri, and Omri, who moved the capital to Samaria, Jehu, Shallum, Menahem, Pekah, and Hoshea. Each of the 19 kings that reigned was characterized as evil and corrupt in the eyes of the Lord.
Prophets who were active during the history of the northern kingdom include non-writing prophets Elijah and Elisha and writing prophets Jonah and Hosea.
Assyria rapidly became the dominant power to the north. In the reign of Menahem, Israel was forced to begin tribute payments to Assyria. By 733 B.C., the northern part of the kingdom had been carried into captivity by Tiglath-pileser. The Kingdom’s capital, Samaria, fell to Sargon II, King of Assyria, in 722 B.C. The Assyrians destroyed the kingdom and forced its inhabitants to relocate to other parts of their empire, effectively ending the independent existence of the Northern Kingdom of Israel 2 Kings 17:24.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
