Multiplying Divisions: The Fractious Nature of Israel, God's Elect People

The Old Testament features only one God, YHWH, electing only one people, Israel, not only for its own benefit but also to be eventually a light to the nations. Unfortunately, this singular people struggled in every era with a propensity to divide, thus pitting one segment of the community against another. Israel had to deal with potential division as it was settling in Canaan, in the period of the judges, and throughout the monarchy. Famously, after the Great Schism following Solomon’s reign, Israel (=the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (=the Southern Kingdom) experienced separate exiles. The major narratives treating Israel’s tendency to divide are the subject of this book. The book also features a survey of prophetic perspectives on Israel’s (dis)unity, including hope for its eventually being unified. In a final chapter, the (dis)unity of the fledgling church as well as the implications of viewing canonical Israel as a figure for the church will be considered. In that vein, it appears that the church has emulated its biblical figure, Israel, all too well as it not only displayed division throughout its history but continues to multiply divisions to this day.