United and Divided: Israel's Kingdom from Judges to Exile

Are the historical narratives of the Old Testament invented legends made up by Jews writing during or after the Babylonian exile, as 'biblical minimalists' say? How does the Old Testament fare in light of the criticism of atheist Richard Dawkins? What’s the evidence for the historicity of the Old Testament narratives from Genesis to Daniel? Looking at key elements and stories, this 5-part series considers internal and external evidence for the sweep of biblical history from the Creation to the return from exile.

This is part 4 in a 5-part series on 'Evidence for Old Testament History'.

Focusing on the period from the judges to the Babylonian exile, this talk covers figures like Gideon, Samson, David, and Solomon, and addresses questions surrounding the development of the monarchy, temple, and national identity of Israel. It also includes the divided kingdom, the fall of Jerusalem, and Assyrian and Babylonian invasions. We examine archaeological findings, inscriptions, and city excavations that shed light on these tumultuous centuries.

Peter S. Williams (www.peterswilliams.com) studied philosophy at Cardiff University (BA), Sheffield University (MA) and the University of East Anglia in Norwich (MPhil), and obtained a masters level Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Educational Practice from Bournemouth University in 2024. Peter lives in England, and is Assistant Professor in Communication and Worldviews at NLA University College in Norway. His publications include: Behold the Man: Essays on the Historical Jesus (Wipf and Stock, 2024), An Informed Cosmos: Essays on Intelligent Design Theory (Wipf and Stock, 2023), A Universe From Someone: Essays on Natural Theology (Wipf & Stock, 2022), Apologetics in 3D: Essays on Apologetics and Spirituality (Wipf and Stock, 2021), Outgrowing God? A Beginner’s Guide to Richard Dawkins and the God Debate (Cascade, 2020), Getting at Jesus: A Comprehensive Critique of Neo-Atheist Nonsense About the Jesus of History (Wipf & Stock, 2019) and A Faithful Guide to Philosophy: A Christian Introduction to the Love of Wisdom (Wipf & Stock, 2019).