Podcast Summary: Introduction to the Divided Kingdom

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Introduction to the Divided Kingdom (with Jeff Cavins)
• Release Date: June 11, 2025

In the introductory episode titled "Introduction to the Divided Kingdom," Father Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative—the transition from a united kingdom under King David and Solomon to the turbulent era of the Divided Kingdom. Accompanied by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins, the episode delves deep into the historical, theological, and spiritual implications of this significant period.

Setting the Stage: The United Kingdom's Decline

Father Mike begins by highlighting the prosperous reigns of King David and his son Solomon, emphasizing God's covenant with David, which promised an eternal lineage culminating in Jesus Christ. However, Solomon's reign marks the beginning of decline due to his accumulation of wealth, numerous wives, and reliance on foreign alliances, as evidenced by 1 Kings 10:11-12:

"He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and his wives led him astray. He followed other gods..." (00:56)

Jeff Cavins explains that Solomon's excesses sowed the seeds of civil unrest, leading to a split within the kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death.

The Fork in the Road: Division of the Kingdom

The conversation shifts to 1 Kings 12:16, a critical verse marking the formal division:

"When all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, 'What share do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look after your own house, David.'" (03:24)

Jeff uses the Appalachian Trail analogy, likening the division to a fork in the road where choosing the wrong path could lead to getting lost. This split resulted in two separate nations:

• Northern Kingdom (Israel): Led by Jeroboam, comprising ten tribes with Samaria as its capital.
• Southern Kingdom (Judah): Led by Rehoboam, comprising two tribes with Jerusalem as its capital.

Leadership and Spiritual Decline

Father Mike and Jeff discuss the contrasting leadership in the two kingdoms. While Judah maintains a semblance of faithfulness to God, Israel falls into idolatry and false worship. Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan (0:11:26) symbolizes the north's deviation from true worship:

"He creates his own sacrificial places and erects two golden calves... These are the gods that brought you up out of Egypt." (11:26)

This move leads to spiritual chaos in the north, as there are no faithful kings among the northern rulers. In contrast, Judah experiences a mix of righteous and unrighteous kings, preserving the Davidic line essential for the Messianic promise.

Prophetic Voices Amidst Division

The episode underscores the role of prophets during this era. Four prophets—Hosea, Amos, Jonah, and Micah—speak predominantly to the conditions in the north and south, urging repentance and a return to God. Hosea's personal life serves as a metaphor for Israel's unfaithfulness:

"God is your husband, Israel. You have been unfaithful." (22:14)

Despite their efforts, the northern kingdom remains unfaithful, leading to eventual exile and the disappearance of the ten tribes, often referred to as the "Lost Tribes."

Literary and Theological Insights

Jeff Cavins emphasizes the importance of understanding the geographical and political nuances when reading the biblical narrative. He advises listeners to:

• Distinguish Between Israel and Judah: Recognize that "Israel" refers to the northern ten tribes, while "Judah" refers to the southern two tribes.
• Track the Kings Accurately: Many kings share similar names across both kingdoms, necessitating careful attention to context.
• Appreciate the Role of Chronicles: While Kings provides a comprehensive and sometimes critical account, Chronicles offers a more focused narrative on Judah, highlighting the faithfulness and failures within the southern kingdom.

The Significance of Liturgy and Worship

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the importance of centralized worship in Jerusalem. With the northern kingdom's establishment of alternative sacrificial sites, Jeff draws parallels to personal faith practices. He passionately advocates for the liturgy, particularly the Mass, as a means of encountering God and maintaining spiritual fidelity:

"Liturgy is a place of that touchstone. It brings us back." (24:37)

Father Mike echoes this sentiment, sharing personal experiences of estrangement from the liturgy and the consequent spiritual void it created.

Hope Amidst Exile

Despite the evident decline and impending exile of both kingdoms, the episode offers a beacon of hope through the unwavering covenant with David. The southern kingdom's lineage remains intact, affirming God's faithfulness even in times of widespread unfaithfulness:

"Even in the midst of all this mess... here is God, who is being completely faithful..." (17:09)

Closing Reflections

As the episode concludes, Father Mike praises Jeff Cavins for providing a clear lens to view this complex period, emphasizing the transformative power of understanding biblical history. He encourages listeners to continue on this spiritual journey, promising deeper insights and connections in future episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• The division of the united kingdom into Israel (north) and Judah (south) marks a crucial turning point in biblical history.
• Leadership in Israel led to widespread idolatry, resulting in political and spiritual decline, while Judah maintained a more tenuous relationship with faithfulness.
• Prophets played a vital role in calling both kingdoms to repentance, though their efforts were only partially successful.
• Understanding the geopolitical and theological distinctions between Israel and Judah is essential for comprehending the broader biblical narrative.
• The liturgy serves as a spiritual anchor, offering connection to God amidst societal and personal upheavals.

Notable Quotes:

• Father Mike Schmitz (00:56): "If people can get a little bit of guidance here, then all of those prophets will find their proper place and the story moves on."
• Jeff Cavins (01:24): "Imagine going on the Appalachian Trail... if you take the wrong road, you're going to get lost."
• Jeff Cavins (24:37): "Liturgy is a place of that touchstone. It brings us back."

This episode serves as a foundational understanding for listeners embarking on "The Bible in a Year" journey, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the Divided Kingdom with enriched insight and spiritual depth.