Ancient Israel at War 853–586 BC

Osprey Essential Histories #67

by Brad E. Kelle

Complex and unstable, in 922 BC the kingdom of Ancient Israel was divided into Judah, in the South, and Israel, in the North. For the next 200 years, there was almost constant warring between these kingdoms and their neighbors. These bitter feuds eventually led to the collapse of Israel, leaving Judah as a surviving nation until the emergence of the Babylonian Empire, the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, and the exile of the Jewish people.

Using ancient Jewish, Biblical, and other contemporary sources, this title examines the politics, fighting, and consequences of Israel's battles during this period. Focusing on the turbulent relationship between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, this book explains Israel's complex, often bloody, foreign policy, and provides a definitive history of these ancient conflicts.

Genres: History, Ancient History, Nonfiction, Military History, Israel

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2007

About the author

Professor of Old Testament and
Director of the M.A. in Religion Program at Point
Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.

Reviews

[Anibal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as an accessible and informative introduction to warfare in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah between 853 and 586 BC. It covers the complex political and military dynamics of two small kingdoms surviving among giants — namely, the powerful Assyrian, Egyptian, and later Babylonian empires. Strategically, Israel and Judah often joined coalitions to confront larger threats or aligned themselves with one of the regional superpowers. Caught in cycles of rebellion and submission, both Israel (with its capital in Samaria) and Judah (with its capital in Jerusalem) struggled for survival, a struggle that ultimately ended in defeat and exile.

Dr. Brad Kelle goes beyond simply providing an overview of the period. He offers thoughtful political analysis, concise descriptions of the military forces of the time, and a critical discussion of the often-inflated numbers found in ancient sources. The book is enriched with useful campaign and political maps, well-chosen illustrations, and short biographical sketches — including a military leader (Pekah) and civilian figures like a vineyard owner, a prophetess, and a scribe. The reader also gains insight into the effects of continuous warfare on society, religion, and the economy, as well as on those who went into exile and those who remained behind.

That said, the book is not without its weaknesses. Most notably, there is a surprising lack of detail regarding actual battles — a strange omission in a work that claims to be an essential guide to Israel at war. While campaign maps are included, there is not a single battle map, which would have added clarity to the military narrative. There are also a few factual slips; for instance, on page 23, Kelle refers to the Assyrians as wearing coats of mail, when archaeological and iconographic evidence shows they primarily used lamellar or scale armor.

Still, the book offers a helpful chronology, an excellent guide for further reading, and a solid introduction to both biblical and ancient Near Eastern sources. It’s a valuable starting point for readers interested in the military and political history of ancient Israel and Judah — kingdoms that, for centuries, managed the precarious task of surviving among giants.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise narrative of a pivotal period in the ancient societies of Israel and Judah—primarily between the occupations of the Neo-Assyrians, Neo-Babylonians, and Persians. There is an emphasis here on describing, in as much detail as ancient sources allow, the nature of warfare in the Levant and Canaan. Furthermore, the argument here is that the various imperial occupations of Israel/Judah facilitated the diffusion of Judaism throughout Mesopotamia. Eventually, the center of gravity within ancient Judaism moved to Babylon during the "Babylonian Captivity" where a prophetic line of thought, articulated by Biblical figures like Daniel, took hold and then reemerged in Canaan during the Persian period of Cyrus the Great.

[Declan Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my to be read pile for a while, as I don't have any prior knowledge of this era having been taught the New Testament at school but not much of the Old Testament.

This is a very good (albeit short within the confines of the series) review and overview of the wars of Israel and Judah (both between each other and with Assyria and Babylon). It is well researched, gives clear guidance when it relies on biblical information and has a strong narative throughout. I really enjoyed it, and learnt a lot about this early time in the lands of Israel & Judah.

Another good addition to the series.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book if you want a general summary of Israel and Judah's history between the time of King Solomon and its destruction/exile/restoration period. It covers conflicts with Assyria, Aram-Damascus, neighbors across the Dead Sea/River Jordan, Egypt, Babylon . . . and surprisingly with each other. It ends with the Persian Empire's rise and restoration of Jerusalem.

Not an edge-of-your-seat thriller - - but worth reading if you're interested in ancient history.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this to be very interesting, and it gave me new insight and perspective upon the ancient wars, what shapes them, and how culture and surroundings affect the outbreak and ending of wars in ancient times.

This book also helped me with widening my thoughts and thinking, as I am currently in the midst of reading through the Bible, and in particular Kings and Chronicles of which the events described in this piece are covered.

[Bruinrefugee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear description of the political situation and history of a time that can be difficult to reconstruct. Does a good job of sorting through and reconciling Biblical and non-Biblical historical sources with the focus on history. Good length -- short but concise and clear. The maps are helpful.