In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, students examine the rise of the Israelite monarchy, tracing the reigns of Saul, King David, and King Solomon and their roles as both political and religious leaders. Students analyze how David united the Twelve Tribes, established Jerusalem as the capital, and how Solomon constructed the Temple, using text evidence to compare and contrast the two kings' achievements. The lesson builds skills in citing evidence and determining central ideas within the context of ancient Israelite history in Canaan around 1100–900 B.C.E.
Section 1
The Tribes Unite Under a King
For a long time, the Twelve Tribes of Israel lived as separate groups.
This changed around 1020 B.C.E., when they faced a serious threat from a neighboring people called the Philistines. The tribes understood that they needed to work together to defend their lands.
Section 2
Kings Unite Israel and Build the Temple
After settling in the Promised Land, the Israelite tribes united under King David around 1000 B.C.E. He established the Kingdom of Israel and made the city of Jerusalem its political and religious capital.
King David's son, King Solomon, built a great temple in Jerusalem around 960 B.C.E. This First Temple became the center of Jewish worship. It was built to house the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.
Section 3
The Israelite Kingdom Splits
After King Solomon’s death around 930 B.C.E., disagreements broke apart the united Israelite kingdom. Solomon’s grand building projects required heavy taxes and forced labor. Many Israelites, especially in the north, grew angry about these burdens.
When Solomon's son refused to lower the taxes, the northern tribes rebelled. This rebellion divided the kingdom. The ten northern tribes formed their own nation, separate from the tribes in the south.
Section 4
Babylonians Destroy the Temple and Exile the Jews
Powerful empires conquered both Jewish kingdoms.
First, the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.E.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
The Tribes Unite Under a King
For a long time, the Twelve Tribes of Israel lived as separate groups.
This changed around 1020 B.C.E., when they faced a serious threat from a neighboring people called the Philistines. The tribes understood that they needed to work together to defend their lands.
Section 2
Kings Unite Israel and Build the Temple
After settling in the Promised Land, the Israelite tribes united under King David around 1000 B.C.E. He established the Kingdom of Israel and made the city of Jerusalem its political and religious capital.
King David's son, King Solomon, built a great temple in Jerusalem around 960 B.C.E. This First Temple became the center of Jewish worship. It was built to house the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.
Section 3
The Israelite Kingdom Splits
After King Solomon’s death around 930 B.C.E., disagreements broke apart the united Israelite kingdom. Solomon’s grand building projects required heavy taxes and forced labor. Many Israelites, especially in the north, grew angry about these burdens.
When Solomon's son refused to lower the taxes, the northern tribes rebelled. This rebellion divided the kingdom. The ten northern tribes formed their own nation, separate from the tribes in the south.
Section 4
Babylonians Destroy the Temple and Exile the Jews
Powerful empires conquered both Jewish kingdoms.
First, the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.E.