Geneva Classical Academy – Summer Reading

Ancient Civilizations and Geography – 7th Grade

Sometime in the middle of the eleventh century BC, the people of the nation of Israel—God’s chosen people whom He led out of Egyptian captivity—began to complain. They said they no longer wanted to be ruled by judges, as God had ordained. They said they wanted to be as the other nations: they wanted a king. Ultimately, they revealed in this that they did not trust God. The people of Israel yearned for the apparent comfort of having a powerful earthly ruler, and they were not willing to put their faith in their heavenly Father. Through Samuel, God warned the Israelites of their foolishness. They persisted, however, and He granted their request: Saul was named king of Israel.

In 930 BC, about one hundred years after of Saul’s accession to throne and three kings deep, the unified monarchy of Israel collapsed. In its place two kingdoms emerged: the Northern Kingdom, known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, known as Judah. Israel lasted until around 720 BC, and Judah carried on until 586 BC. Your summer reading is an Old Testament book that details the destruction of both the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom.

In our class we will be studying ancient civilizations up to about 500 BC. We will, therefore, read large portions of the Old Testament over the course of the year. The Bible is not strictly or simply a history book, but much of it is historical. It is God’s history of His redemption of His people. The Israelites really existed. They really lived, breathed, sinned, and needed a savior just as you and I do.

One of the wonderful aspects of studying ancient civilizations is that it allows us to put all of those stories we read in the Bible and study in Sunday school and church into their proper historical context. What was going on in the rest of the world when God called Abram to Canaan? Where in the world is Canaan? When did the Exodus occur? Who were the powerful nations the Israelites envied?

In preparation for tackling these questions, read the book of II Kings.

As you read, here are some questions for you to answer. Answer all questions marked (Paragraph) with a one-paragraph, typed response. Answer questions marked (list) by compiling a typed or handwritten list.

Is God involved in the events that occur in this book? If so, how? Give specific examples from the text. (Paragraph)

Pay attention to the various kings. Make sure you keep in mind which are the kings of Israel and which are the kings of Judah. Remember, the kingdom of Israel is divided at this point.

Are the kings faithful to God? Which kings are? Which kings aren’t?(List)

Are there consistent patterns as to how the kings rule?(Paragraph)

What ultimately causes the destruction of Israel (chp. 17)? Who is the enemy that crushes Israel? Who is king of this enemy? What happens to the people of Israel?(Paragraph)

What ultimately causes the destruction of Judah (chp. 25)? Who is the enemy that crushes Judah? Who is king of this enemy? What happens to the people of Judah? (Paragraph)

Which character in II Kings is your favorite? Why? (Paragraph)

Which story is your favorite? Why?(Paragraph)

Enjoy your summer and your summer reading!

Mr. Strawbridge