How do nonbiblical sources supplement the biblical account of the history of the northern kingdom of Israel in the eighth century BCE? To what extent do these sources corroborate the biblical account? How do they differ? What do these differences tell us about the perspective of the Deuteronomistic Historians?

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The Answer is Nonbiblical sources, such as Assyrian annals and inscriptions, provide valuable supplementary information about the history of the northern kingdom of Israel in the eighth century BCE. These sources offer details about the political and military events of the time, including the interactions between Israel and neighboring empires, as well as the reigns of specific kings.

The Assyrian annals, for example, mention the conquests and tributes of various Israelite kings, shedding light on the geopolitical dynamics of the region. These sources also corroborate certain biblical accounts, such as the campaigns of Assyrian kings against Israel and the subsequent exile of Israelite populations.

However, there are also differences between the nonbiblical sources and the biblical account. For instance, the Assyrian inscriptions often portray events from the perspective of the conquering empire, emphasizing their military victories and the subjugation of their enemies. In contrast, the biblical account tends to focus on the religious and moral failings of the Israelite kings and the divine punishment that resulted from these transgressions.

These differences reveal the perspective of the Deuteronomistic Historians, who authored much of the historical narrative in the Hebrew Bible. Their theological agenda led them to interpret the events of Israel's history through a moral and religious lens, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience to God's laws. This perspective is evident in the way they portrayed the interactions between Israel and foreign powers, framing them as divine judgments rather than purely political or military events.

Overall, while nonbiblical sources supplement the biblical account of the history of the northern kingdom of Israel in the eighth century BCE, they also highlight the distinct theological perspective of the Deuteronomistic Historians and their emphasis on the religious and moral dimensions of Israel's history.

How Do Nonbiblical Sources Supplement the Biblical Account of the History