The Kingdom of Israel

Before the establishment of Israel as a unified nation, Jewish tribes identified with their specific lineage and shared worship of YHWH, yet maintained distinct cultural identities. Eventually, these tribes formed a confederation, which was only fully united under the leadership of King David during the period known as the United Monarchy. Following internal conflicts, the tribes split into two kingdoms—Israel in the north and Judah in the south—each adopting their regional identities, with the southern kingdom incorporating the tribe of Benjamin.