Watch Empires: Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites

2003
1 Season

Empires: Kingdom of David is a six-part documentary series presented by PBS that explores the rich, complex, and turbulent history of the ancient Israelites. This series is a unique and comprehensive look at the rise and fall of one of the world's most fascinating empires. Through the use of stunning visuals and expert commentary, viewers are taken on a journey through time, tracing the origins of the Israelites and their kingdom, and exploring the people and events that helped shape the ancient world.

The series is narrated by actor Keith David, who provides an informative and engaging voice throughout. The first episode, "By the Rivers of Babylon," sets the stage for the rest of the series by tracing the origins of the Israelites from their early days in Mesopotamia to their eventual enslavement in Egypt. The biblical story of Moses is explored, as well as the Exodus from Egypt and the eventual conquest of Canaan.

As the series progresses, viewers are taken on a journey through the various periods of Israelite history, including the time of the Judges, the reigns of King Saul and King David, and the subsequent division of the kingdom into the northern and southern tribes. Each episode explores the successes and failures of the Israelites and their rulers, examining the politics, economics, religion, and culture of the time.

One of the strengths of this series is its ability to put the events of the Bible in historical context, exploring the changing social and political landscape of the ancient Near East. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites, as well as the geopolitical landscape that allowed them to flourish.

The series also explores the role of religion in the Israelite state, with an emphasis on the rise of monotheism and the development of Judaism. The story of the Israelites is not just a political one, but a religious and cultural one as well, and the series does an excellent job of exploring this aspect of their history.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a variety of fascinating characters, from powerful kings like David and Solomon to lesser-known figures like the prophet Samuel and the warrior Deborah. The series also explores the role of women in Israelite society, highlighting the contributions of figures like Bathsheba, Jezebel, and Abigail.

One of the most impressive aspects of Empires: Kingdom of David is its use of stunning visuals and the latest in archaeological research. Along with interviews with scholars and experts, the series uses cutting-edge computer graphics and beautifully-shot reenactments to bring the ancient world to life. From the deserts of the Sinai to the bustling markets of ancient Jerusalem, viewers will be transported to another time and place.

In addition to its historical and cultural insights, Empires: Kingdom of David also offers a compelling story of a people and their struggles. The Israelites face many challenges throughout their history, from foreign invasions and internal strife to famine and disease. But they also experience moments of triumph and glory, from the reigns of powerful kings to the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.

Overall, Empires: Kingdom of David is an exceptional series that provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the history of the Israelites. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about one of the world's most fascinating empires, this series offers something for everyone. With its stunning visuals, inspiring narratives, and expert commentary, Empires: Kingdom of David is not to be missed.

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Seasons

4. The Gifts of the Jews

May 21, 2003

With the destruction of the Temple, the Romans have destroyed the only place on earth, according to Biblical Law, where Jews can worship God. The Judaism of priests and sacrifices is lost forever, and rabbis struggle to reinvent the religion of Moses and David. They are forced to work during a period of incredible bloodshed and turmoil. In 132 A.D. Jewish zealots rise against Rome's legions in the Bar Kochba rebellion, forcing them to withdraw from the region. The Romans return with a vast army and slaughter nearly 600,000 Jews. They change the name of the region from Judea to Palestine and ban all Jews from Jerusalem. Desperate to start new lives, many Jews flee to distant lands, only to face another challenge - a breakaway form of Judaism called Christianity. As it rises to political power, Christianity becomes deeply anti-Semitic. But Judaism survives - and in doing so, preserves for all its unique gifts, including the rights of the individual and the rule of law - gifts that will change the Western world forever.

3. The End of Days

May 21, 2003

In 63 B.C., the Roman General Pompeii leads his legions into the land of Judea. It is the beginning of a clash of cultures between Rome and the Jews that would grow into one of the most brutal conflicts in history. It also pits Jew against Jew, as many of the different factions of Judaism, such as the Zealots and the Essenes, clash over the interpretation of the true will of God as revealed in the Bible. Terrorism, political assassination, starvation, and crucifixion dominate the landscape. The period ends with the Roman sack of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. Out of the ashes will rise two new religions: rabbinical Judaism and Christianity.

2. The Book and the Sword

May 14, 2003

In 458 B.C., a scribe named Ezra arrives in Jerusalem from Babylon. He gathers the mostly illiterate Judeans together in a square and reads the Bible to them. In the years that follow, the study of the Bible not only becomes an essential part of Jewish life, it prepares the Jews to face a mortal threat to their survival. In 330 B.C., Alexander the Great sweeps into the Middle East. In his wake comes Greek culture, the allure of which convinces many to abandon their ancestral ways. But when the Greek king Antiochus the Madman forbids the practice of Judaism, Judah the Maccabee leads the Jews in an epic fight to defend their religious freedom. In 160 B.C, the Maccabees succeed in driving out the Greeks and establish what would prove to be the last independent Jewish kingdom.

1. By the River of Babylon

March 13, 2003

In 586 B.C., the Babylonians lead almost all that remains of the tribe of Judah - the Israelites - to exile in Babylon. Only a few generations earlier, the northern tribes of the Israelites were taken into exile and vanished forever. Now the Judeans, too, seem destined to disappear. They fight back, however, by writing a book. Using Judean stories from the past to explain present disastrous situations, the book becomes the earliest edition of the most influential work in history: the Bible. This episode introduces the early and profoundly influential figures of Judaism: Abraham, who is the first to recognize the concept of one God; Moses, who receives the Ten Commandments from God; and David, whose sins teach the Israelites that no one is above the law of God.

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