Difference between Judah and Israel

Original question:

Could you explain to me the difference between Judah and Israel

asked by Sherry Slaydon via Facebook

In the book of Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with an Angel and his name was changed to Israel. These are the names of the Children of Jacob: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin. These became the 12 tribes of Israel.

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Following his reign, God’s judgement for the sin of idolatry by Solomon – who was married to pagan wives who led him to become involved in idolatry – was the division of the tribes into two kingdoms. 1 Kings 11:29-39. Ten tribes (Gad, Zebulun, Ashur, Issachar, Simeon, Naphtali, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), Dan, Reuben and Levi) occupied the North. These became known as the “House of Joseph” or the “Kingdom of Israel”.
The other two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) occupied the South and became known as the “Kingdom of Judah” In 2 Chronicles 11:14, the tribe of Levi left the Kingdom of Israel for the Kingdom of Judah.

The northern kingdom of Israel was the first to be taken away into captivity because of their abundant iniquities. Later on, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was also taken away by Babylon. The Northern Kingdom of Isreal was never restored and became known as the “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel”.

The people of Judah did return to rebuild when Babylon was conquered by Persians.

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