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OLD TESTAMENT IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

Ninth Week
Sub-Unit 2. From United Monarchy to the Two Kingdoms
(The Books of I & 2 Samuel; and, I & 2 Kings)
Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
*to distinguish from tribal government to a monarchial government
*to describe the division of the Monarchy and eventual decline of the Northern and Southern
Kingdoms

Who and what are the Judges?

Judges arose in the days of the premonarchic era, when Israel still had no
king. In the place of the kings, there arose local charismatic leaders. These
were people set apart from the others in the community and were endowed
with the spirit and authority of Yahweh in order to provide leadership to their
respective local tribes or the larger community in a time of crisis such as an
enemy attack. Later on, as the leadership of the judge in repelling the enemy
became successful his/her reputation and influence then spread to most of the
other tribes in the confederation. The judge then became an overall military
commander or deliverer of those tribes who joined in the defense of their
territory.
In times of peace and stability however, the judge functioned as an
arbiter of most disputes within and among the tribes. The judge received
his/her charismatic gifts primarily for the exercise of two basic functions,
namely, to be the people’s military commander in times of war and enemy
attacks, and to be settler of dispute in times of peace and stability. Most of the
major judges, however, were largely known for their military exploits against
particular invaders of their territory.

LIFE UNDER THE JUDGES

It was at this time under the leadership of the judges that Israel was able
to practice even in its rough form the ideal of alternative community they
longed for. Here, they made sure that there would be no one to have any
monopoly of political power over the rest of the community. For each tribe, in
fact, was able to exercise relative autonomy in relation to the other tribes in
the land. Political decisions, policies on the life and welfare of the community
were often arrived at by consensus of the citizens led by the elders and the
judge gathered in the so-called “gate.” This is the area near the entrance to the
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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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city which served as the common market, trial and adjudication court and
meeting place for all the citizens in the city (c. Ruth 4:1ff).

It should be pointed out that under the leadership of the Judges, Israel
never had a king of a professional or standing army. What Israel used to
responding to the various military threats from time to time was the tradition
of the volunteer citizen army. Here, the male citizens of each tribe would
respond to any call to arms by the judge in times of emergency. They would
then bring their own weapons and join the other volunteers coming from the
other tribes in following the lead of the judge in a military emergency (cf. Jud.
5; I Sam 11:1-11).

The more prominent among the judges are mentioned together with a
relatively extended narration of their respective exploits.
1. Othniel (Jdg. 3:7-11), a nephew of Caleb.
2. Ehud, the left-handed judge from the tribe of Benjamin (Jdg. 3:12-30).
3. Deborah, from Ephraim and the only woman judge named in the
narratives.
4. Barak, from Naphtali rallied the Israelites against the attacks of the
Canaanites (Jdg. 4:1-23, 5:1-31).
5. Gideon of the tribe of Manasseh, led his people against Medianites (Jdg.
6-8).
6. Jephthah, known to be a son of a harlot from Gilead. He fights against
Ammonites (Jdg. 11).

Some other judges are mentioned almost in passing in just one or two
verses.
1. Shamgar for his fighting skills in killing 600 Philistines with just an oxgoad
(Jdg. 3:31).
2. Tola, from the tribe of Issachar who judged Israel for 23 years, against
unidentified enemies (10:1-2).
3. Jair, from Gilead who judged Israel for 22 years (Jdg. 10:3-5).
4. Ibzan, from the tribe of Benjamin for seven (7) years (12:8-10).
5. Elon, from Zebulun who judged Israel for ten (10) years.
6. Abdon, an Ephraimite who judged Israel for eight (8) years (12:13-15).

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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THE ROAD TO THE MONARCHY

The system of relying on the leadership of a judge, no matter how crucial

in those times, were deemed inherently defective since the judge in any period
cannot provide the much needed continuity of leadership in both its military
and religious aspects. The community remains strong only whenever a judge is
around to provide leadership and inspiration in both life and faith practice. But
as soon as the judge dies and no one is able to succeed him/her immediately,
the people would soon slide back to the convenience and comfort of other
faith practices and accommodations with foreign religion and cultures.

The road towards changing the tribal system towards that of a monarchy
was not an easy and simple process. Earlier, the people had voiced out their
need for a kingly leader. They then tried to convince Gideon to set himself up
as their king right after his victory over the Midianites. Gideon, however, flatly
refused the offer to start a dynasty of his own, affirming instead his faith in the
abiding rule of God over them all. “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son
rule over you. The Lord must rule over you” (Judg. 8:22-23).

THE RISE OF SAMUEL AND THE POPULAR DEMAND FOR A KING

The rising threat of the Philistines was momentarily checked by the able
leadership of Samuel who turned out to be the last judge that Israel would ever
have. It was Samuel who rallied the people towards a united front against the
invading Philistine forces (I Samuel 7). It was clear however, that the Philistine
pressure upon the tribes would remain and that Israel had to undertake a
major strategic shift in its political and military system if it was to survive as a
free people. The pressure became even more intense during the time when
Samuel became old and his sons whom he had groomed to succeed him turned
out to be corrupt and incompetent and not all endowed with any charismatic
gift.

Thus, the people, speaking through their elders, petitioned Samuel to

appoint someone over them who would be their king and would rule over them
just like the other nations around them. Samuel was so displeased with what
he heard. But the historian claims that somehow God, speaking to Samuel,
instructed the leader to grant the request of the people, saying to Samuel that,
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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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“It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king” (I Samuel 8:7).
Samuel had no choice but to obey the voice of the Lord even it beforehand he
announced to the people the dire consequences of their own decision. In
asking for a king, they would make themselves objects of the oppressive ways
and policies of the king (I Samuel 8:10-19).

Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, emerged then as the one chosen to lead
Israel in her fight for survival against the Philistine attacks. Being a gifted
warrior and commander, he was able to defeat the Philistine forces in most
battles. There came a time, however, when the Philistines decided to
consolidate their forces against Saul. Eventually, Saul was ambushed and
trapped in the battle of Mount Gilboa where he was slain together with his
three sons (I Sam. 31:1-13). His reign as a chosen leader was brief and was
marked by the eventual withdrawal of support to him by Samuel due to his
violation of the law of cherem in the case of his victory over the Amalekites (I
Sam. 15:1-31). His leadership over the Israelite tribes, however, provided
adequate breathing room for the people in a time of mounting military
pressure, perhaps, just enough time for a new and a full pledged king and
commander of the people’s army to arise in the person of David.

Source/Reference:
Capulong, Noriel C. Reading and Hearing the Old Testament in Phil. Context
Vol. 1; Quezon City New Day Publisher c2003, p. 126-141.

In the Extreme Journey Bible by Kate Etue & Gillian Taaffe; Published by
Thomas Nelson in 2001, some interesting notes to be taken seriously regarding
the following books of I & 2 Samuel and I & 2 Kings as additional readings to
supplement the knowledge we have learned from Dr. Noriel Capulong.

Eli, the priest who take care of young Samuel.

Samuel, prophet and spiritual leader of Israel (1:20)
Saul, Israel’s first king (9:2)
David, Saul’s successor (16:1) and king of Israel (2 Sam. 1:1).
Jonathan, son of Saul and considered as best friend of David.
Absalom, crown prince who leads a rebellion of David (3:3).
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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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Nathan, prophet and David’s chief advisor (5:14).

Quotables in 1 Samuel:

“Long live the king!” (10:24). An Israelite crowd’s response to Samuel

introducing Saul as the nation’s first king.
“To obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22, NKJV). Samuel’s criticism of Saul after
Saul disobeys God by keeping livestock as spoils of war, so he can use them as
sacrifices.

Director’s Notes:
Priests received answer from God in three different ways: through prayer,
through visions and dreams, and through the use of objects called “Urim” and
“Thummin.” The Urim and Thummin were small gems or stones carried by the
high priest. Many Bible experts believe the stones were engraved with symbols
and thrown like dice to determine God’s will. I Samuel 14:1-3

The Ark of the Covenant was about the size of a small desk. It had rings on its
sides so that priests could run poles through them and carry the ark more
easily. Once a year, the high priest would stand in front of the ark to offer a
special sacrifice to the Lord. To the Israelites, the ark symbolized God’s
presence and power. I Samuel 4:3

Quotables in 2 Samuel:
“I have sinned” (2 Sam. 12:13, NKJV). David’s response when Nathan accuses
him of commiting adultery with Bathsheba and killing her husband.
“My son, my son. . . I wish I could have dies instead of you!” (18:33). David’s
reaction to hearing that his son Absalom has been killed while trying to
overthrow him.

Behind the Scenes of I & 2 Kings:

Solomon, David’s son from Bathsheba and successor, builder of the temple
(1:10).
Elijah, prophet who challenges prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (17:1).
Ahab & Jezebel, Baal-worshipping king and queen of the northern kingdoms
(16:28,31).

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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Quotables in I Kings:
“Cut the baby in half” (3:25). King Solomon’s decision when two women each
claim a baby boy belongs to her.
“The Lord, He is God!” (18:39, NKJV). The response of the Israelites after fire
from heaven burns up the sacrifice Elijah offers on Mount Carmel.

Director’s Notes:
If the floor plan of Solomon’s temple seems familiar to you, it’s because it’s the
same floor plan that was used for the tabernacle for meeting that Moses had
built. The only difference was that the temple was twice the size of the
tabernacle. Notice that the Most Holy Place was designed to be a perfect cube,
equal in length, width, and height. I Kings 6:16.

Quotables in 2 Kings:
“You baldhead!” (2:23, NKJV). How some young people taunt the prophet
Elisha. Two bears immediately charge out of the woods and maul the youths.
“He drives like a madman” (9:20, NIV). A watchman on a city wall identifies
charioteer Jehu by his driving style.
“Is your heart right? . . . If it is, give me your hand” (10:15m NJKV). Jehu asking
a man if he is on Jehu’s side. When the man replies he is, Jehu gives him a
hand up into the chariot he is driving. Apparently the pedestrian doesn’t know
what the watchman knows about Jehu’s driving.

Starring Roles:
Elijah, prophet who rides to heaven in a fiery chariot (1:3).
Elisha, Elijah’s successor (2:1).
Naaman, Syrian commander cured of leprosy (5:1).
Jezebel, an evil queen who is murdered (9:7).

ANNOUNCEMENT:
1. There is no activity in this lesson. Only, you have to study as part of our
Final Exam. Don’t be surprised why I did not give Pre-Final Exams.
2. I will be sending another lesson to be included in our Final Exams before
the end of this week.

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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3. Our Final Exams will be on December 14, 2020. Don’t be surprised why I
will be conducting the Final Exams ahead to other subjects.
4. The coverage of our Exams will be from Lesson Eighth, Nine, Ten and
Eleven. Again, I will not give any activity at all. Just prepare yourself.
5. ADVANCE MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU – ALL. May you enjoy the spirit of
Christmas with your family, friends and relatives. Keep safe and have a
blessed Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021 TO ALL. God bless you. . .

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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OLD TESTAMENT IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

Activity Number 9
Ninth Week

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BIBLE

Name: _________________________________ Course: ____________________ Score: ___________

Parent’s/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date:____________________________

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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OLD TESTAMENT IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

Tenth Week

Sub-Unit 3. The Returns of the Exiled People

(The Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles; Ezra & Nehemiah; & Esther)
Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
*to know about the history in different theological perspective
*to understand about majestic action over other nations
*to describe nationalistic movements while the historical setting of the Persian period.

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.
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COLLEGE OF MAASIN
“Nisi Dominus Frustra”

OLD TESTAMENT IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

Activity Number 10
Tenth Week

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE BIBLE AS FILIPINOS

Name: _________________________ Course: ____________________ Score: ________

Parent’s/Guardian Signature: _______________________ Date:______________________

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First Sem (2020-2021) OLD TESTAMENT IN PHIL. CONTEXT Rev. Daniel B Abogado, Jr.