Politics
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Political and Global Turmoil (End Time)
Biblical Basis: A. Wars and Rumours of Wars Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: B. Rise of Global Powers and Alliances Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: C. Persecution of Believers Fulfilment Evidence: Academic References: D. Emergence of the Antichrist-like Systems Interpretative Note:While no single world leader has matched the full biblical description of the “Antichrist” (2 Thess. 2;…
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The Rebuilding or Significance of the Temple (End Time)
Biblical Basis: A. Historical Context of the Jewish Temples Academic References: B. Prophetic Expectations of a Third Temple Fulfilment Expectation and Contemporary Evidence: Academic References: C. Symbolic Interpretations within New Testament Theology Fulfilment Evidence (Non-literal): Academic References: D. Islamic, Political, and Eschatological Tensions Fulfilment Evidence and Present Relevance: Academic References: Conclusion Whether interpreted literally or…
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ISRAEL – ABRAHAM TO MODERN (Contents)
PART I: Patriarchal Period – The Birth of a Nation (c. 2000–1700 BCE) The Call of Abraham Isaac and the Covenant Lineage Jacob (Israel) and the Twelve Tribes PART II: Egyptian Sojourn and National Deliverance (c. 1700–1250 BCE) Sojourn in Egypt and Enslavement The Exodus under Moses Wilderness Journey and Covenant Testing PART III: Conquest…
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PART IV: United Monarchy (c. 1050–930 BCE)
Reign of Saul – First King Introduction and Royal InaugurationThe reign of Saul marks the formal beginning of Israel’s monarchy, transitioning the nation from a loose tribal confederation to a centralised kingdom. Saul, the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin, is divinely chosen and prophetically anointed by Samuel to be Israel’s first king…
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David – Covenant and Kingship
Introduction and Rise to PowerDavid, the youngest son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, emerges as the most prominent and enduring figure of Israel’s united monarchy. Anointed by Samuel while Saul still reigned (1 Samuel 16), David’s rise to kingship is marked by a complex interplay of divine favour, political skill, and personal trials.…
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Solomon – Wisdom and the Temple
Introduction and Dynastic SuccessionSolomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, succeeds his father as the third king of the united monarchy of Israel. His accession to the throne is marked by political intrigue, including the neutralisation of rival claims, notably from his half-brother Adonijah (1 Kings 1–2). Despite the contested succession, Solomon consolidates his rule…
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PART V: Divided Kingdom and Prophetic Warnings (930–586 BCE)
Split of the Kingdom: Rehoboam and Jeroboam Historical Background and Political DiscontentThe division of the united monarchy into two separate kingdoms marks one of the most significant turning points in Israel’s history. Upon the death of Solomon around 930 BCE, his son Rehoboam ascends the throne. However, rather than consolidating his rule through wisdom and…
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Northern Kingdom (Israel)
Political Structure and Dynastic InstabilityThe Northern Kingdom of Israel, established under Jeroboam I following the division of the united monarchy, comprises ten tribes and exists independently for approximately two centuries (c. 930–722 BCE). Its political history is marked by extraordinary instability, with nineteen kings from nine different dynasties, many of whom came to power through…
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Southern Kingdom (Judah)
Formation and Distinctive IdentityThe Southern Kingdom of Judah, formed following the schism of the united monarchy, consists primarily of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Unlike the Northern Kingdom, Judah retains the Davidic dynasty and maintains the Temple in Jerusalem as the central locus of religious life. This continuity provides Judah with a stronger sense…
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PART VI: Babylonian Exile and Persian Return (586–332 BCE)
Babylonian Captivity Historical Context and DeportationsThe Babylonian Captivity, or Exile, marks a decisive and traumatic period in the history of ancient Israel. Following the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple in 586 BCE by King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Southern Kingdom of Judah ceased to exist as a sovereign state. A large segment of the population—particularly…
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Cyrus and the Persian Restoration
Introduction and Geopolitical ShiftThe fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Persians in 539 BCE marks a dramatic turning point in the history of the Jewish people. Under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire, a new imperial policy of religious tolerance and political pragmatism emerges. Unlike the Babylonians, who deported…
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PART VII: Hellenistic and Hasmonean Period (332–63 BCE)
Alexander the Great and Hellenisation Historical Overview of the Hellenistic ConquestThe Hellenistic period begins with the conquests of Alexander the Great, who in 332 BCE swiftly incorporates the region of Judea into his expanding Macedonian-Greek empire. After defeating the Persian Empire, Alexander brings vast territories—including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Levant—under his control, ushering in a…
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Jewish-Roman Wars and Diaspora
Introduction: From Resistance to DispersionThe first and second centuries CE witnessed two catastrophic Jewish uprisings against Roman rule, each resulting in devastating consequences for Judea and profoundly reshaping Jewish identity, theology, and geographic distribution. These Jewish-Roman wars—fuelled by a complex interplay of religious fervour, socio-economic pressures, and nationalist aspirations—ultimately led to the destruction of the…
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PART IX: Rabbinic Judaism and the Global Diaspora (135–1800s CE)
Rise of Rabbinic Literature and Yeshivas Historical Context: From Temple to TextFollowing the catastrophic defeat in the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE) and the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE), Jewish life entered a new phase characterised by dispersion, decentralisation, and adaptation. Without a Temple, priesthood, or homeland, the Jewish people were compelled to…
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PART XI: Modern State of Israel (1948–Present)
Declaration of Independence (1948) Historical Background and the UN Partition PlanIn the wake of the Holocaust and the breakdown of the British Mandate, international pressure mounted to resolve the question of Jewish statehood in Palestine. On 29 November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 181, recommending the partition of Palestine into two independent…
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Major Wars and Peace Treaties
Introduction: Conflict and Diplomacy in a Volatile RegionSince its founding in 1948, the modern State of Israel has been shaped by a series of wars and peace efforts that have defined its borders, security doctrine, and regional relationships. Military confrontations with neighbouring Arab states, driven by unresolved questions of territory, refugees, and recognition, have been…
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Social and Political Dynamics in Modern Israel
Introduction: Complexity in a Diverse SocietyModern Israel is a vibrant yet deeply complex society marked by ethnic, religious, political, and ideological diversity. Since its establishment in 1948, the state has evolved from a largely homogeneous Zionist enterprise into a multicultural and multiethnic democracy with competing narratives, priorities, and identities. The fabric of Israeli society reflects…