Break Open the Word

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 13 - 24 July 2011 Isaiah 55:1-5 Psalm 145:8-9, 15-22 Romans 9:1-5 St. Matthew 14:13-21 Shalmaneser III                                                                                     Background: The Northern Kingdom II The position of both Judah (South) and Israel (North) placed them right in the middle of the fortunes and aspirations of the empires that surrounded them.   The most dominant power that threatened the situation in Israel was the Assyrian Empire, and its leader Shalmaneser III (858-824).   His raids into th...

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12 - 24 July 2011 I Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136 Romans 8:26-39 St. Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Jehu kneels at the feet of Shalmaneser III                                                                                     Background: The Northern Kingdom I. The Solomon that exists in our minds eye – wise, decisive, builder of the Temple – had another aspect to his kingship that made for the downfall of the empire built by his father David, and by his own efforts.  Like other ancient near eastern kings, Solomon had an extensive public ...

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11 - 17 July 2011 Isaiah 44:6-8 Psalm 86:11-17 Romans 8:12-25 St. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43                                                                                     Background: The United Monarchy The next few background articles will attempt to familiarize you with the political entities that encompass most of the prophetic works of the Hebrew Scriptures.   Today we will focus on the so-called “United Monarchy”.   This period is preceded by the amphichtyony   (a loose confederation of tribes) during which the Israe...