Abstract

This paper studies the complex relationships between two neighboring states, namely, the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. While the most wellknown model is Solomon’s United Monarchy, our examination of the biblical texts reveals that the two kingdoms were also unified during the Omride and Nimshide dynasties, as well as during the reign of king Josiah. Thus, we have delineated four models of the United Monarchy: the heart model, the ring model, the sword model, and the altar model.