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The Sequential Redemption of Judah and Israel
COMMENTARY
The return of the Jewish exiles and the coming of the Messiah are central themes in Jewish eschatology and hope for redemption. Ezra ben Shlomo of Gerona, a 12th-century Jewish mystic, offers a Kabbalistic interpretation of the sequential and distinct process of redemption and the roles of two Messiahs.
Judah's Divine Mandate
TANAKH
The divine mandate and immediate deliverance of the land into the hands of the tribe of Judah highlight the unique role and favor bestowed upon them by God. The Book of Judges describes the period after Joshua’s leadership, focusing on cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and redemption through divinely appointed leaders.
Philistine Rule in Judah
COMMENTARY
The Philistines' control over Judah, including a governor in Bethlehem, highlights the significant challenges David faced after Saul's death. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible provides historical context for David's rise to power and his strategic positioning against the Philistines.
David's Path to Kingship
SECOND TEMPLE
David's rise to power and his strategic diplomacy are pivotal moments in Jewish history. Josephus, a 1st-century Jewish historian, provides a detailed account of David's transition to kingship and his establishment in Hebron.
Hebron's Unique Allocation
TALMUD
The allocation of Hebron shows the distinction between its suburbs given to Caleb and the city itself being designated as a city of priests. The Gemara in Tractate Makkot clarifies the allocation of Hebron, distinguishing between its suburbs and the city proper.
The Last Strongholds of Judah
TANAKH
The strategic military significance of Lachish and Azekah as the last fortified towns of Judah during the Babylonian siege highlights the intense struggle and the critical moments before the fall of Jerusalem. The Book of Jeremiah, a prophetic text from the period leading up to the First Temple’s destruction, provides a vivid account of the Babylonian siege and the last strongholds of Judah.
The Siege of Jerusalem
TANAKH
The Assyrian threat to Judah during King Hezekiah's reign is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, showcasing the resilience and faith of the people of Jerusalem. II Chronicles recounts the dramatic events of King Sennacherib's campaign against Jerusalem, providing a detailed narrative of the Assyrian siege and the messages sent to demoralize the people of Judah.
Rebuke and Hope in Isaiah's Prophecies
COMMENTARY
Isaiah's prophecies offer both rebuke for the people's sins and messages of hope for the future, making them relevant for understanding the dual nature of divine communication. Isaac Abarbanel, a 15th-century Jewish commentator, provides historical and theological insights into Isaiah's prophecies during the reigns of Ahaz and Hezekiah.
The Eternal Habitation of Judah and Jerusalem
TANAKH
The prophet Joel emphasizes the eternal habitation and continuity of Judah and Jerusalem. The book of Joel, one of the Minor Prophets, describes a future where Judah and Jerusalem will be inhabited forever, highlighting their enduring presence.
The Southern Kingdom of Israel
COMMENTARY
The Kingdom of Judah, ruled by the Davidic dynasty, played a crucial role in the history of the Jewish people. This text notes the formation and governance of the Southern Kingdom of Israel, known as Malkhut Yehudah, by the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem, mentioning its being composed of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
The Boundaries of Judah
COMMENTARY
Understanding the geographical boundaries of Judah provides insight into the historical and biblical significance of this territory. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, offers a description of the borders of Judah, extending from the Great Sea in the west to the eastern boundary, covering the entire length of Eretz Yisroel.
Judean Desert, Boris Carmi 1953,  Meitar Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel.
Judean Desert, Boris Carmi 1953, Meitar Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel.
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