Many of the biblical parables shared by Yahshua can be simply explained If one had a simple understanding of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel.
If you are not familiar with the history of Israel, the kingdom of Israel was split in 2 around 975 BC. This was prophesied by Ahijah in 1 kings 11:11-13, 29-39
During the exile of the northern kingdom many of the customs, tradition and language was adopted by Israelites who were dispersed to these regions (Samaria, Galilee Phoenicia, Damascus, Phillip, etc.)
After disobeying Yahuah (the Elohim if Israel) The Northern Kingdom was the first group to be taken in to exile by the Assyrians (see: 2 Kings 17: 21-23) Later in 2 Kings 24-25 the Southern Kingdom (Judah) is taken into exile by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon.
Due to the northern Kingdom being taken into captivity first many of their people mix culturally with their captors and those in surrounding areas. Many if those in the north forgot their culture, and some even forgot the Hebrew language. The lack or loss of culture in the north caused many in the southern kingdom to look down upon those in the northern kingdom… many times referring to them as “Gentiles” (Eph. 2:11-19)
Yahshua’s earthly father Joseph was forced to travel to Israel for a census. This is why Jesus was born in the southern kingdom in the city of Bethlehem. However, we do know Joseph was a carpenter in an area called Galilee in the city of Nazareth. Moreover, this makes our Messiah associated with both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel.
Let’s bring understanding to what we have learned today by reading John 7: 1-2, 40 -43. I will add commentary to help break down this passage in context.
John 7
v. 1
After these things Jesus (Yahshua) walked in Galilee (the northern kingdom where he was raised): for he would not walk in Jewry (the Southern Kingdom where he was born), because the Jews (Israelites of the Southern Kingdom) sought to kill him.
2 Now the Jew’s (the Israelites who held fast to the law in the south their) feast of tabernacles was at hand
v. 40-43
40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
41 Others said, This is the Christ (Messiah). But some said, Shall Christ (Messiah) come out of Galilee (Northern Kingdom often called Gentiles)?
42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
43 So there was a division among the people because of him.
