History of the Jews

E10 - Hezekiah's Revolt

Judah navigates its destiny in the trying times of the late 8th century BC. The kingdom of Israel has been destroyed and divided. Tens of thousands of refugees flood into Judah. And Judeans ask themselves the hard question, what do they do about Assyria? Do they rebel and suffer the consequences? Or do they pay the price of quiet and submission? In this episode, we discuss Judah's choice, the fallout and why they made the choice that they did. Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E9 - Israel Falls

In the late 8th century, a new king takes the throne in Assyria and tensions rise across the Near East. They must choose total submission and pay tribute to Assyria. Or, they can try their luck against the might of the Assyrian empire. Twice, the kingdom of Israel rebels and loses it all. The repercussions change life in Israel and Judah forever. This episode continues our narrative history, exploring Israel's rebellions and the aftermath. We discuss the legend of the Lost Ten Tribes and what changed in the lives of most Israelites living in the northern kingdom. Read the episode transcript and my thoughts about Jewish history at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E8 - Life in Ancient Israel

What was life like for an Israelite nearly three thousand years ago? Did it make a difference if they lived in the kingdom of Israel or Judah? And who did they worship? In this episode, we immerse ourselves in Israelite culture and try to answer these questions. We follow the archeology as Israel and Judah develop their own unique cultural nuances. We visit Israelite capitals and walk around the city of Megiddo looking for somewhere to get a drink. And, finally, we tour two Israelite temples and meet the god(s) of Israel. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E7 - Israel and Assyria

What do we know about the kingdom of Israel? When does it first appear in the historical record? And what is its place among the nations of the Eastern Mediterranean? In this episode, we explore the world of the Israelites in the 9th century and anxiously follow the resurgence of its greatest adversaries - Egypt and Assyria. The kingdom of Israel plays a leading part in the Anti-Assyrian coalition that struggles to hold Assyria's appetite for conquest at bay. But then something changes and internal politics tear apart this alliance, deciding the fate of Israel and her neighbors. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]

E6 - Between Villages and Kingdoms

After the Bronze Age Collapse, Canaan lay in ruins. The invading Sea Peoples emerge as a dominant power, asserting control over the coast of Canaan. But tucked away in the highlands, the Israelites slowly recover and adapt to a dangerous new world. During the late 11th and 10th centuries, this new reality forces them out of their defenseless villages and back into fortified cities. They reinforce their frontiers and build forts to keep a watchful eye on the Philistines and their other neighbors. Out of this period of crisis and transformation emerged something new: perhaps a united Israelite kingdom, perhaps the early foundations of Israel and Judah. Whatever it was, it prepared them for the next great threat. Far in the distance, Assyria was shaking off the dust from the Bronze Age Collapse. And looking westward. Read the episode and bonus content at: https://historyofthejews.substack.com/ [https://historyofthejews.substack.com/] You can also reach me at: hotj.podcast@gmail.com [hotj.podcast@gmail.com]