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The Kings of Israel & Judah
By Dr. Ammar Saheli, Evangelist

Introduction/Purpose

The purpose of this course of study is to examine the historical dynamics between Israel, Judah, and their earthly kings (1 Chronicles 9:10). The goal is to analyze the relationships and pull from the biblical text, life and congregational applications (Romans 15:4). The leadership dynamics of each king and the surrounding conditions will be explored and investigated for modern-day application purposes.

The Family of Israel (Jacob)

Genesis 35:22-26

The Nation of Israel of antiquity was comprised of the twelve sons of Jacob, his two wives, and their two handmaids. According to Genesis 29, 30, and 35, Leah bore four sons, Rachel’s handmaid bore two sons for her, Leah’s handmaid bore two sons for her, Leah bore two more sons and a daughter, and finally Rachel bore Jacob his two youngest sons. See the table below for a detailed and scriptural account.

Table 1. The wives & children of Jacob

Leah	Bilhah (Rachel’s handmaid)	Zilpah (Leah’s handmaid)	Rachel
Reuben (1) Gen 29:32	Dan (5) Gen 30:6	Gad (7) Gen 30:11	Joseph (11) Gen 30:24
Simeon (2) Gen 29: 33	Naphtali (6) Gen 30:8	Asher (8) Gen 30:13	Benjamin (12) Gen 35:16-18
Levi (3) Gen 29:34
Judah (4) Gen 29:35
Issachar (9) Gen 30:18
Zebulun (10) Gen 30:20
Dinah (Daughter) Gen 30:21

The Fatal Request & Rationale for a King

1 Samuel 8:1-22

Table 2.

Action	Reaction/Response
Prophet Samuel became “old.” (8:1)	Samuel made his sons judges over Israel. (8:1)
Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abiah perverted their judgment. (8:2-3)	The people requested a king to appear as other nations. (8:5)
Samuel became displeased at the request and prayed to God. (8:6)	God instructed Samuel to grant their request because they rejected His reign (8:7-8)
God instructed Samuel to inform Israel that their king would treat them harshly. (8:9-18)	The people refused to relent and continued to desire a king like “all the nations.” (8:19-20)
God said, “…make them a king.” (8:22)	Saul became king of Israel (10:23-24; 12:1-2)

Life & Congregational Applications

Document all the congregational, life, and personal applications you can find in 1 Samuel 8:1-22:

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Attempt to match/link your applications with the appropriate passages: Colossians 4:2;

1 Peter 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; I Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy 5:22; 2 Samuel 12:10-11; Acts 26:28; Galatians 6:1; Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 13:13-15; James 1:19

The Kings of the United Kingdom: Saul, David, & Solomon

Table 3. Acts of Saul (1 Samuel)

Actions	Results on Israel	Passage(s)
God gave Saul another heart.	Saul was treated as a prophet/the people rejoiced greatly.	10:9-11; 11:15
Saul became impatient/faithless & forced a sacrifice in fear of the Philistine attack.	Saul’s kingdom reign was to eventually be discontinued.	13:9, 12-13
God instructed Saul to war against the Amalekites and destroy everything.	Saul elected to save king Agag and the best of the Amalekite assets.	15:3, 9, 15, 26-28
God repented making Saul a king.	Israel was left with a rejected king.	15:10-11; 15:26-28
The presence of God departed Saul and his kingship was voided.	The kingship of Saul was voided, and unknowingly to Israel, David became their new king.	15:32-35; 16:12-13

Life & Congregational Applications

Document all the congregational, life, and personal applications you can find in the kingship of Saul. In addition, how does the information in 1 Samuel 9:16 and Exodus 29:9, 44, help us understand that the actions of Saul in 1 Samuel 13:9 resulted in sin. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Attempt to match/link your applications above with the appropriate passages: Ephesians 6:16; Luke 23:20-25; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 8:18-22; Matthew 10:28; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Mark 8:36-37; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25; Romans 6:4

David & Saul

Before moving to the dynamics between defeated king Saul and newly appointed king David, we must again define the impetus of studying the Bible, and particularly the united and divided kingdoms of Israel. The purpose of biblical study is never one sided, it is always a multifaceted process. The three-pronged approach and benefits of biblical study include increased biblical knowledge, a pleasing and worthy walk in Christ, and spiritual fruit production (good works).

Colossians 1:10 helps the Bible student understand that the primary goal of Biblical study is knowledge obtainment and spiritual application research for the purpose of spiritual transformation. In essence, the Bible provides teachings for transformation. The goal is to move beyond the biblical stories and parable of the Bible and find modern-day applications for daily living. Hence, we further investigate the dynamics between Saul and David for life and congregational applications and transformations.

Table 4. David & Saul. 1 Samuel 16-18:16

Action(s)	Result(s)	Passage(s)
Samuel was commanded to anoint a new king from the seven sons of Jesse, but feared a jealous and dejected Saul would kill him.	God provided a protective front in the form of a sacrifice to protect the mission of Samuel.	16:1-3
Samuel assumed the first-born son of Jesse, Eliab, was to be anointed king because of his appearance and impressive size.	God refused Eliab, informing him that the “Lord seeth not as man seeth…” God looks at the heart while man looks at the outward appearance.	16:6-7
Samuel observed Abinadab, Shammah, and David’s three other brothers but found not God’s anointed.	God’s man had not appeared and Samuel asked Jesse if he had brought forth all of his male children.	16:8-11
Jesse called David, a handsome reddish keeper of the sheep.	God commanded Samuel to anoint young David in the presence of his family. Notice his occupation before selection.	16:11-13
The Spirit of God departed Saul and an evil spirit troubled and overcame him.	Saul began to love David and was refreshed and reprieved of his evil spirit by David’s instrumental play.	16:16, 21-23
Saul was threatened and challenged by the Philistine giant, Goliath, to find an Israelite to fight him one on one.	Internally, Saul was crushed and afraid.	17:4-10
Action(s)	Result(s)	Passage(s)
A military battle ensued and young king David ran in the midst of the battle and saluted his brethren. He was not sent to the battle to fight, but to deliver food.	Goliath appeared and the fearful men of Israel ran.	17:22-25
Eliab becomes upset with David, assuming he simply wants to witness the battle.	David pronounced his desire to fight Goliath and was ridiculed because of his youth.	17:28, 32-33
David submitted his battle ready resume to Saul.	David declined Saul’s military armor, confronted, ran toward, and defeated goliath with sling & stone, and also cut off his head.	17:34-39, 42-46, 49-51
David became an esteemed member of the Sauline family. Jonathan and David entered into a covenant relationship.	Jonathan gave his royal apparel to David.	18:1-5
As Saul and David returned from the battle, the women greeted them with songs, instruments, and dance. “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”	The exaltation of David infuriated Saul and created fear in his heart because the LORD was with David and not Saul. As a result, he cast a javelin at David but he maintained righteous behavior.	18:6-8, 11-16

Life & Congregational Applications

Document all the congregational, life, and personal applications you can find in the passages listed in the right column above.

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Connect your applications with self-generated biblical passages. Some example passages could be: 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 2:2-6; 1 Timothy 4:12.

David, Saul, & Jonathan

Table 5. David, Saul, & Jonathan. 1 Samuel 18:17—chapter 31:4-5

Action(s)	Result(s)	Passage(s)
Saul allowed his daughter (Michal) to marry David, assuming it would result in his demise.	The marriage was prosperous, David defeated the Philistines, and Saul’s fear of him increased.	18:20-21, 27-30
Saul commissioned his son Jonathan and his servants to kill David.	Jonathan acted as an ally to David and spoke well of him to his father. Saul made an oath that David would not be slain.	19:1-6
Saul broke his promise and sought to kill David with his javelin.	David’s wife (Michal) acted as an ally and informed and made an escape for David. He fled to Ramah and revealed Saul’s evil actions to Samuel.	19:11-12, 18-19
From the city of Naioth, David left Samuel and confronted Jonathan about his father’s evil towards him. Jonathan acted as an ally to David and made an escape for him.	Saul became incensed with his son, charged him to deliver David, and cast a javelin at him.	20:1, 27, 30-33
Jonathan was angered at his father’s behavior and fasted out of grief for David and his shame.	Jonathan instructed David to flee because of his father’s contempt.	20:34, 42
David escaped danger and was joined to brethren and family at the cave Adulllam.	At the cave, David became a captain over 400 passionate, revolutionary, and justice-hungry men.	22:1-5
David fled to Nob and received hallowed bread and the sword of Goliath from Ahimelech and the priesthood.	Out of anger and perceived betrayal, Saul ordered the murders of Ahimelech. On that day 85 members of the priesthood died.	21:1, 7-9, 13-19
David inquired and was instructed by God to fight the Philistines.	David consulted God on behalf of his fearful men and they saved the people of Keilah.	23:1-5
Saul attempted to kill David two more times.	David spared the life of Saul two times.	1^st attempt: 24:1-2 Life spared: 24:4-5, 11 2^nd attempt: 26:1-3 Life spared again: 26:7-11, 21-22
In desperation, Saul sought a woman with a familiar spirit.	Samuel instructed Saul of his future death at the hands of the philistines. Saul committed suicide.	28:7, 15-20; 31:4-5

Life & Congregational Applications

Document all the congregational, life, and personal applications you can find in the passages listed in the right column above.

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Connect your applications with self-generated biblical passages.

Table 6. King David. 2 Samuel chapters 2-12

Action(s)	Result(s)	Passage(s)
David was publicly anointed king over Judah.	In rebellion of the new king, Abner made Saul’s son Ish-bosheth the king of Israel. It climaxed in war between Judah and Israel.	2:1-4; 2:8-11; 2:17,31; 3:1
To solidify his position in Israel, Abner took Saul’s former concubine, Rizpah.	Ish-bosheth turned his affections against Abner because of his actions and Abner flew into a rage. Abner felt highly disrespected, unappreciated, and demoralized. He turned his allegiance to David.	3:6-11; 3:12,17-18
Abner joined Judah and vowed to return and unite Israel with the kingship of David.	In the process, Joab heard about Abner and did not believe his attempt of unification. When Abner returned, Joab murdered him because he killed his brother Asahel.	3:27
Ish-bosheth was assassinated by his own tribesmen, stabbed through the fifth rib identical to Abner, and beheaded.	David had the assassinators (Rechab and Baanah) put to death and was later publicly anointed king of both Israel and Judah.	4:6-7,10-12; 5:1-5
David committed adultery with Bathsheba.	Through an attempted cover up, Bathsheba’s husband Uriah was intentionally compromised in battle to the point of death.	11:3-5,17
Nathan conspicuously confronted David about his perceived hidden sin.	David was informed that the sword would never leave his house and his baby was born sick and soon died.	12:10,14,19

Life & Congregational Applications

Document all the congregational, life, and personal applications you can find in the passages listed in the right column above.

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Connect your applications with self-generated biblical passages.

A Brief Look at the Life & Familial Trials of David

2 Samuel 11 to 2 Samuel 19

After David assumed his public role of king of Israel and Judah he experienced extreme military success and delivered the Ark of the Covenant into its rightful place in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:3-5,7; 6:15-17). In the life span of king David during the stipulated chapters under investigation, two of his six son’s (Amnon & Absalom) are of unique importance.

David’s legacy of familial troubles began with his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and their pregnancy (2 Samuel 11:4-5). In an attempt to conceal the true identity of the father, David summoned Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband) to return from war to be with his wife. However, Uriah was a man who refused to look back after having put his hand to the plow and would not physically return to his home of abode (Luke 9:62). David was hoping that Uriah would return to his living quarters and sleep with his wife. That would have allowed Uriah to naturally assume that he was the father of the child his wife carried. When David perceived Uriah’s dedication and persistence to return to battle, he mandated Joab to assign Uriah to the frontline of battle to facilitate his death (2 Samuel 11:14-17).

After all David’s trials, sinful schemes, and blunders he was in need of some spiritual cleansing. To initiate and spark the development of a clean heart and right spirit within David (Psalms 51:10), God sent him a man named Nathan (Psalms 12:1-14). David was self-righteous and blinded, easily commenting on the sins of others while failing to confess and repent of his own sins. As a result of the illicit sexual relationship between David and Bathsheba, God required the death of their infant son. Nathan said to David, “Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:14). As a consequence to the sexual affair and murder, David was also informed that the sword would never depart his house (2 Samuel 12:10). Sadly, Bathsheba’s son died after being terribly sick. Yet, as a man after God’s own heart, David worshipped God before and after the death of his son to cope with the pain, grief, and loss (2 Samuel 12:15-23).

The first of David’s consequential and familial pains came in the form of rape, vigilantism, and murder. David’s son Amnon had a sick yearning to be with his sister Tamar sexually. Amnon’s cousin Jonadab (2 Samuel 13:3) arranged a scheme that fostered an environment for Amnon to rape his sister Tamar. This situation infuriated Absalom and he waited two years and then arranged for his men to successfully murder Amnon (2 Samuel 13:23,28-29).

After the murder of Amnon Absalom fled to Geshur and remained three years and David was saddened by his absence (2 Samuel 13:37-39). Joab began negotiating Absalom’s return, but David’s behavior as a father presented as strange. He mourned for his son in his absence, consented to his return, but refused to allow him in his presence (2 Samuel 14:23-24). Surely this must have frustrated Absalom and gendered feelings of rejection. Why would David refuse his son in such a fashion? Absaloms murderous actions were not directed toward his father. He was avenging his sister that he loved so much he named his daughter Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27).

Absalom was forced to deal with the psychological issues of having a famous father that ignored him but an Israel that praised him. Absalom was a beautiful man from the bottom of his feet to the crown of his head (2 Samuel 14:25). He was a man with long hair and no physical blemishes. He was a perfect specimen.

Absalom was back in Jerusalem two full years and never spoke to his father or saw his face (2 Samuel 14:28). A king without time for his children could truly provoke them to wrath and that is exactly what happened with Absalom (Ephesians 6:4). Absalom sent word twice to Joab in an attempt to arrange a meeting with his father but Joab failed to respond (2 Samuel 14:29). This apparently left Absalom sad, rejected, bitter, and vengeful. Absalom reacted with arson and set Joab’s barley field on fire (2 Samuel 14:30). The drastic measures of Absalom gained Joabs attention and Absalom complained to him about his lack of contact with his father. Absalom had a message and mandate for Joab: “Wherefore am I come from Geshur? It had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the kings face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me” (2 Samuel 14:32).

Joab arranged a family meeting and Absalom met with his father David. Absalom bowed before his father and David kissed him. Apparently the father/son reunion described in biblical brevity was not enough for Absalom. Like any son, Absalom apparently yearned for and needed more than a epigrammatic meeting with his father because he soon began establishing himself and subverting his father’s kingdom (2

Samuel 14:33; 15:1-4). Absalom began acting as a pseudo judge in Israel, providing a type of attention to the people his father was not giving him. “…When any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand and kissed him” (2 Samuel 15:5). In his methodical efforts to overthrow his father, “…Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6).

After forty years he returned to Geshur and linked himself to his fathers covert rival, Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3; 15: 12; 23:34). His tragic strategy spurned by his reactions to his partially disconnected fathers rejections, was to overtake the kingdom. Absalom’s conspiracy grew and more and more people were drawn to his cause. David fled Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-14). A king again on the run, imagine how David must have felt:

(1) Saul tried to kill him several times.

(2) Abner fought against the completion of his kingship.

(3) He had a child-producing affair with Bathsheba.

(4) He ordered the death of a co-worker.

(5) He suffered through the death of his infant son.

(6) His daughter was raped.

(7) His son Amnon was killed by his brother Absalom.

(8) His son Absalom attempted to overthrow and assassinate him.

The neglect of David toward his son festered in Absalom for at least forty years. Absalom sought out the perfect man to help him conquer David, Ahithophel. The unfilled void Absalom yearned for his father to fill thrust him into psychological and physical destruction. Absalom was so bent on and consumed by feelings of anger and revenge he became a defenseless victim to deplorable counsel. Absalom, his men, and his demonic counselor Ahithophel returned to Jerusalem to begin their coup d'état (2 Samuel 16:15).

In an attempt to foster and publicly promote the fabricated outrage of David for Absalom, Ahithophel counseled him to have sex with his fathers’ concubines (2 Samuel 16:20-22). How great the depths of sin can become when a person fails to walk after the Spirit and reacts carnally to fleshly hurts. Like his father David, Absalom committed his sinful acts of lust upon the top of the house (2 Samuel 11:2; 16:22). Absalom and other men of Israel respected the words of Ahithophel as if they were the words of God (2 Samuel 2 16:23).

In an attack masterminded by Ahithophel, twelve thousand men pursued after David, but David was warned of the attack (2 Samuel 17:1). In midst of the evil attack, Absalom, while riding his mule became caught by his neck within the trees above and his mule continued forward. This left Absalom hanging in the air. When Joab heard of his condition he thrust him in the heart with three darts and then his ten men completed the execution (2 Samuel 18: 9-15). Despite the assassination attempts of Absalom, David was deeply saddened by his death (2 Samuel 19:1-8).

David’s kingdom was restored, but throughout his reign he paid an emotional price for his sins. Remember, the birth of Solomon to David and Bathsheba is recorded in 2 Samuel 12:24-25. Therefore Solomon was an eyewitness to his father’s relationship and experiences with Absalom and his siblings.

The Beginning Days of Solomon:

Converted to Man But Not the Saviors Plan

A spiritually fatal mistake within the Christian striving to be purpose driven is the unconscious conversion to man and his system(s) and not to the overall faith of God through Christ. Solomon the preacher said, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Christ is the conformity rubric every Christian life must be based upon. If Christ is not the center and purpose for a Christians behavior, it is vain. Christian actions can never be based upon a human man. God uses human men to help men and women see Christ through His Word (Ephesians 4:11).

In the early years of Peter as a disciple of Christ he denied knowing Jesus because he was not converted to Him. He was converted to Christ superficially as an influential, charismatic, honest, and powerful man, but not as the anointed Christ. When it came time for Peter to show his allegiance to the Son of God he failed (Luke 22:54-62). Christ said to Peter, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:33).

In the beginning days of Solomon as king, he had to deal with two men who were actually converted to a system and a person as opposed to the true goals of God. When the ties of Christians are stronger with people and traditions than with the one faith, the work of the ministry suffers tremendously. This result occurs because so-called Christian work becomes conditional. Internal questions arise such as:

1. Will there be food?

2. How long does he preach?

3. How long does service last?

4. Which congregation is hosting?

5. Who else will be there?

6. Might I be the only one?

7. Who is facilitating?

8. Who is cooking?

9. Who is teaching?

10. Whose idea was it?

11. Who is preaching?

12. Who is the preacher?

King Solomon had to confront and deal with two men converted to systems and not the pure purpose of God, Shimei and Joab. Shimei provides a blatant example of fictitious conversion while Joab’s lack of true conversion was concealed.

While king David was on the run from his son Absalom, Shimei felt it was safe for his true feelings to be revealed. Shimei was converted to the Sauline way of living (2 Samuel 16:5). Shimei remained in hiding during the death of Saul and changing of the guard. However, as Jezebel went into hiding, Shimei came out. He felt David was weak and compromised; therefore he could really share his disgust. When he saw David he walked towards him cursing and throwing stones. He directed choice words at David and even as he departed he threw stones and dust (2 Samuel 16:6-16). The ordeal was so out of line Abishai wanted permission to take his head off. Shimei was not converted to the God-ordained Israelite way of living he was converted to Saul. David spared the life of Shimei but he warned Solomon of his guilty nature (2 Samuel 19:19-23; 1 Kings 2:8-9). Solomon eventually murdered Shimei (1 Kings 2:46). No one ever escapes sin.

Joab’s lack of conversion was concealed. During the sickness of David (1 Kings 1:1-7), Joab turned to Adonijah who had made himself the new king (1 Kings 2:28). Adonijah was David’s fourth son (2 Samuel 3:4). While David was powerful and in total control Joab remained glued to his side, but in David’s sickness he turned to his son Adonijah.

Customarily the new king was appointed after the death of the deceased king and as ordained by him. Joab knew David was near the grave, therefore he affixed himself to the man he thought would be the next king. Joab was not converted to the God-breathed religious system of Israel, he was secretly converted to a man which sent him in a tailspin looking for the next man. As a result his life was snatched (1 Kings 2:28-32).

If a person is going to be pleasing to God they must be holistically committed to Him. Do not follow someone because of who they are. If anyone is to be followed it is not because of who they are but who they are following. When people consciously or unconsciously follow after something for the wrong reason(s) they are bound to be failed and negatively impacted. At the conclusion of the death of Adonijah, Joab, and more notably Shimei, the kingdom of Solomon was established. Live a purpose driven life powered by Christ and His Word!!!

Questions

1. Are you converted to the church of Christ, as you know it?

2. Are you converted to your congregation?

3. Are you converted to the style of church leadership where you worship?

4. Are you converted to Christ?

5. If all but Christ changed how would you respond?

The Fall of King Solomon:
The Established Platform for a Divided Kingdom

1 Kings 11

In 1 Kings 3:5-15 Solomon asked God for wisdom to help him lead the Nation of Israel. God was pleased that Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the death of his enemies. Because of his righteous request, God blessed him with wisdom, riches, and honor. Between chapters 3-10 in 1 Kings, Solomon exercised great wisdom, built and furnished the temple, and increased in wealth and fame. However, remember that Solomon observed all the behaviors and habits of his father David, the deceased king. What impact did David have on his son?

King David had a women problem and his son Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). The women Solomon married and linked with were strange women in the sight of God. They were not of the Nation of Israel. They were women who did not practice Jewish religion, but followed pagan gods faithfully. In the elder years of Solomon he allowed his wives to turn his heart away from God and began caring for the pagan god’s of his wives.

Solomon went after Ashtoreth and Milcom, built high places for Chemosh and Molech, and burnt incense and offered sacrifices to them (1 Kings 11:5-8). Because of Solomon’s defection and degeneration he was warned by God that the kingdom would be rent from his leadership and an adversary from his own family was raised against him (1 Kings 11:11,14). Because of Solomon’s evil God made his servant Jeroboam his soon to be superior (1 Kings 11:31).

While Jeroboam was in the way, prophet Ahijah approached him with a new garment, ripped it into twelve pieces, and instructed him to take ten. This signified that Jeroboam would become ruler of ten of the twelve Israelite tribes. King Solomon was enraged by the prophecy and sought the life of Jeroboam. Notice that Jeroboam, because of Solomon’s threats, fled to Egypt until the death of the king (1 Kings 11:40). Like Solomon observed the ways of his father David, Rehoboam observed the ways of his father Solomon (1 Kings 11:43). What was the impact?

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. What types of spiritual dangers can arise when a Christian links in a relationship with a non-Christian?

2. From your perspective, why did Solomon completely turn his heart away from God in his old age and not his youth?

3. What possible characteristic(s) did Solomon inherit from his father?

4. With respect to the life of Solomon, explain the trichotomy and relationship between old age, the possession of wisdom, and the exercise of wisdom.

5. How does God’s consequential dealings with Solomon for his falling away relate to Christians today?

6. How do you spiritually respond when because of God and your evil, your servant becomes your superior?

7. According to an incident and reaction in 1 Samuel, why was Israel so trouble stricken and how does it relate to individual Christians today.

The Psychology Behind the Divided Kingdom & The Response & Platform of False Doctrine: Jeroboam & Rehoboam

1 Kings 12-14

After the death of Solomon a conference was held in Shechem to consult with Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, to make him king of all Israel. Jeroboam heard that Solomon was dead and also returned to Shechem on behalf of this matter, acting as a facilitator for Israel (1 Kings 12:1-3). Rehoboam sought to operate out of wisdom as did his father in his early years, but he failed miserably. Rehoboam sought the counsel of the elder men of Israel as well as his close peer group (1 Kings 12:4-13).

In 1 Kings 12:6-9, the psychological duality that directed Rehoboam in his decision to rebel is evident. Instead of following the counsel of the elders, Rehoboam harkened to the ungodly advice of his friends. Even the true disposition of his peer group is revealed in 1 Kings 12:10. Instead of diminishing the oppression of Israel, Rehoboam vowed to increase it. Instead of using the whips of his father to chastise Israel, he elected to punish the people with a whip known to the Romans as a Scorpio. This was a whip with metal fragments at the end in the form of a scorpions tail. The whips tore through the flesh, acting as the sting of powerful scorpions (1 Kings 12:14-15).

The poor decision of Rehoboam resulted in animosity and kingdom division. The tribe of Benjamin defected to the side of Judah, led by Rehoboam, and the remaining ten tribes selected Jeroboam as their king as previously prophesied (1 Kings 11:31; 1 Kings 12:15-20). In response to the rejection of the other ten tribes, Rehoboam developed an army of 180,000 men of Benjamin and Judah (1 Kings 12:21), but God informed them not to fight against their brothers and they harkened to His commands (1 Kings 12:22-24).

In response to the military power and presence of God with Judah, Jeroboam began to fortify himself against Judah. He built military centers in Shechem and Penuel (1 Kings 12:25). He began to establish and trust in himself above the power and providence of God. His mentality set the stage for the preaching and living of false doctrine. The fatal blow within Jeroboams apostasy was the fact that God never excused the sins of the people that were erroneously mislead by him. Jeroboam acted as a change agent in God’s kingdom. To maintain his power and control over his ten tribes, Jeroboam developed a plan to keep the people ignorant and without God’s real power. He designed a plan to keep them away from God’s real source of power. He believed that if he facilitated the proper form of worship within Israel, the kingdoms would again unite and he would be assassinated (1 Kings 12:27). Notice the table below, which depicts the carnal changes Jeroboam made to God’s divine plan.

Table 7. Jeroboams False Doctrine (1 Kings 12:28-

The Lord’s Way	Jeroboam the Change Agent
Subject of Worship: The only God of heaven	Subject of worship: Two golden calves
Worship Place: Jerusalem	Worship place: Bethel & Dan
Priesthood: Tribe of Levi	Priesthood: Lowest of the people
Feast Month: 7/15 (Leviticus 23:33)	Feast Month: 8/15
Subject of sacrifices: God	Subject of sacrifices: Two golden calves

Addressing the application points of 1 Kings 13 later in this study, we move to chapter 14, which provides the sentencing and consequences for Jeroboams sins, and those he presided over. Ahijah approached Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:30-31, and informed him that he would become king of ten tribes. However, after the disregard of Jeroboam for the Way of God, he could not face the prophet of God and sent his wife in a disguise to enquire of his sick son (1 Kings 14:1-5). Notice three climatic points that resulted from the selfish and self-preserving decisions of Jeroboam:

1. In the city all the corpses of his household would be eaten by dogs and in the field by birds (1 Kings 14:11).

2. The glory of God departed Israel because of the sins of Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:16).

3. Israel was punished because Jeroboam “made Israel to sin” (1 Kings 14:16).

God does not view those who follow false teachers as innocent (Acts 17:30). God also held Israel accountable for following false doctrine even though they were following their leader. False doctrine will not be excused, whether followed consciously or unconsciously.

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. According to 1 Kings 12:7, what phrases help us understand what may have led Rehoboam to rejecting the request of the elders?

2. According to 1 Kings 12:6 & 9, what indication is given that Rehoboam had already made his decision in his heart?

3. According to 1 Kings 12:10, why may have the friends of Rehoboam felt secure in their counsel to him?

4. What did Jeroboam’s desire to maintain his power drive him to do?

5. What possible impact does the answer to question 4 have on denominational religious leaders and members turning to rightly divided doctrine today?

6. According to 1 Kings 12:27, what was the primary difference between Jeroboam and Israel?

7. From a doctrinal position, what extended applications can be gathered from 1 Kings 14:11 & 16?

Division Within Division: Sinking to the Lowest Depths

1 Kings 15 & 16

A consistent concept, theme, and phrase stains the Israelite divided kingdom account, “And there was war…” During the time that God’s children remained divided, war plagued their interpersonal relationships and religious devotion. In the limited recorded episodes between 1 Kings 15 alone there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, Abijam and Jeroboam, and Asa and Baasha (1 Kings 15:6,16,31). In essence, once the sins of Israel resulted in kingdom division, Judah continually fought against Israel and Israel continually fought against Judah.

After the death of Rehoboam his son Abijam began to reign over Judah in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam, and he followed in the disobedient steps of his father (1 Kings 15:2). After the death of Abijam, his son Asa began to reign over Judah and he remained a righteous king on his throne for forty-one years (1 Kings 15:10-11). He was a king who confronted the idolatrous religion of his mother, yet notice his physical condition and spiritual disposition in his last days (see 2 Chronicles 16:12).

Three words separate the dynamics of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) from the Northern Kingdom (Israel): Peace and Quiet. Because Asa was primarily obedient to the will of God, his kingdom experienced peace, quiet, and rest (2 Chronicles 14:1,6; 15:15). The books of First and Second Kings depict the general story of the kings of Israel and Judah, but First and Second Chronicles record the in-depth story of the kings of Judah.

Asa received a Word from the LORD and persuaded Judah to follow God and they passionately began a spiritual campaign of reformation (2 Chronicle 15:2). They entered into a covenant with each other, vowing the death of the covenant breakers (2 Chronicles 15:8-13; see also). It was during this time of restoration that Asa confronted the error of his mother. Although Asa was considered a righteous king, he made some spiritual mistakes that resulted in days of war in the latter years of his kingship (2 Chronicles 16).

During the second year of Asa’s reign, a changing of the guard occurred in Israel and Nadab became the new king (1 Kings 15:25). Nadab was an evil king and reigned for two years. Nadab attempted to make life difficult for Asa and Judah but was eventually psychologically defeated (1 Kings 15:17-22). In addition, Baasha, the son of prophet Ahijah, assassinated Nadab (15:27-28). The assassination resulted in the prophetic fulfillment of the evil of Jeroboam and his house (1 Kings 14:11).

Baasha murdered everything that breathed within the family lineage of Jeroboam, but continued with Jeroboam’s apostasy in his kingship (1 Kings 15:29-34; 16:7). Because of Baasha’s evil, God sent prophet Jehu to Baasha and informed him of his future demise (1 Kings 16:2). Baasha was an assassin therefore his house was also forced to taste the sting of assassination. The same consequential prophecy preached to Jeroboam was given to Baasha (1 King 16:4).

In the twenty-sixth year of king Asa, Baasha died and his son Elah inherited the kingship and he reigned for two years (1 Kings 16:8). Within his two-year kingship, Elah was assassinated by Zimri, one of his servants while intoxicated in a house in Tirzah and became the king of Israel in the twenty-seventh year of king Asa (1 Kings 16:9-10). In a meager seven days Zimri murderously destroyed the house of Baasha, similar to Baasha’s cataclysmic destruction of Nadab (1 Kings 16:12-15).

As a result of Zimri’s politically overthrow, Israel scampered in a mental panic and selected Omri as their leader. Once Zimri saw Israel in league with Omri he ran into the kings palace and set it ablaze and committed suicide by fire (1 Kings 16:18). Zimri’s radical and revolutionary acts shook Israel to their core and forced a fracture to yet fracture again. The Kingdom of Israel already separated from Judah, splintered into two political and religious outfits. Half of Israel served under Omri while the other half served under Tibni (1 Kings 16:21). Thusly, at that time, Asa ruled Judah, Omri ruled half of Israel and Tibni ruled the other half of Israel. However, the strength of Omri prevailed, Tibni died, and in the thirty-first year of Asa, Omri became the king of all Israel and ruled as an evil man of apostasy for twelve years (1 kings 16:23). Omri performed more evil than all the kings before him and in the thirty-eighth year of Asa, the wicked son of Omri, Ahab, began to reign and Israel sunk to their lowest depths (1 Kings 16:25-30).

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. During the Judean reign of Asa, what illustration is made about some of the people of Israel in 2 Chronicles 15:9?

2. During the forty-one year reign of Asa, what was the primary difference between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms?

3. What can we learn from Asa’s actions towards his mother in 1 Kings 15:13, and what New Testament passage(s) or concepts support your response?

4. Knowing that Asa was a righteous king in the eyes of God, what can Christians learn from his final physical condition and spiritual disposition in 2 Chronicles 16:12?

5. Regarding his disposition and time of life, what other king might come to mind?

6. What possible inferred or literal commonalities did Baasha and Zimri share?

7. What role did prophet Jehu play in the life of Baasha and who fulfills that role in the world today?

King Ahab: His Life & His Wife

1 Kings 16-29-22:53

Before analyzing the kingship of Ahab and the influence of his wife in the above chapters, logistical information concerning the Northern and Southern kingdoms must be addressed. After the death of Omri, his Son Ahab became king of Judah in the thirty-eighth year of Asa and generated more evil than all the kings before him (1 Kings 16:29-30). After the death of Ahab, Ahzariah, his son, began to reign in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:51). Jehoshaphat became king after the death of his father Asa in fourth year of the reign of Ahab (1 Kings 22:41-43).

King Ahab made the fatal and belligerent mistake of marrying a woman from enemy camp who served pagan gods. As if it was of no significance, Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of the Zidonian king (1 Kings 16:31). The impact Jezebel had on Ahab, Israel, and God’s prophets was shattering and homicidal. She was guilty of manipulation, intimidation, instigation, deceit, and murder. The destructive tandem of Ahab and Jezebel even led God to raise up a righteous prophet to combat the evil (1 Kings 17:1).

In this section concerning The Kings of Israel and Judah the goal is to examine the ostentatious nature of the wife of a king, simultaneously extracting and identifying the themes that indicate alarm and warning for husbands who also function as church leaders.

Jezebel was a contentious woman who kicked up dust. A question worth asking is, “What led her into being a contentious, violent, and manipulative woman and wife?” Jezebel had no problem challenging her husband or the men of God. Nonetheless, her behavior was exacerbated and promoted through the behavioral omission of Ahab. Ahab had difficulty confronting his wife and it drove them both to the grave without dignity or reputable character. The primary demonic and contentious deeds of Jezebel are illustrated below:

Her Impact On Elijah

Elijah challenged Ahab and his false prophets to a battle of miracles. It was a showdown to separate the authentic from the counterfeit. The people of Israel were stuck between two entities, the Supreme God of heaven and the pagan gods of apostasy. The people agreed that in the show down, the God who answered with fire would be acknowledged as God (1 Kings 18:21,24). Through God’s providence, Elijah defeated the pagan gods and false prophets on Mount Carmel and it also resulted in the physical slaying of the false prophets.

When Jezebel heard about the defeat of her husband she sent word to Elijah, threatening that she would take his life by the next day. Prophet Elijah fled for his life and went a day’s journey (1 Kings 19:1-3)

Naboth’s Property (1 Kings 21:1-25)

A man named Naboth had a perfect piece of property next to a field that belonged to Ahab and he desired to purchase the land and was willing to pay top dollar. However, Naboth was not interested in selling. Ahab felt extremely dejected by his failed business deal and his wife took stern offense to his countenance and disposition as the king. As king she wanted him to take whatever he wanted because he was the king. In short, Jezebel ordered the death of Naboth through slander and deceit, in the name of Ahab. Once Naboth died, Jezebel instructed Ahab to claim his field.

More Contention

Jezebel was so ruthless, Obadiah hid one hundred prophets in a cave because she was persecuting and perhaps killing them. She had no problem threatening the life of prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:4). In addition , although Ahab was categorized as evil by the Lord, it was his wife who incited and plotted his rebellion and apostasy (1 Kings 21:25). Because of their evil the same punishment and defilement pronounced on Jeroboam and Baasha, landed on the house of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21:21-24). Ahab eventually bled to death in battle and the dogs licked up his blood as prophesied (1 Kings 22:35,38).

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. What can be learned from the behavior of prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-3 and why did he do what he did?

2. What specific lessons and applications can a woman generate from observing the life of Jezebel?

3. What specific lessons and applications can a man generate from observing the life of Ahab?

4. Why do you believe Ahab never confronted his wife?

5. What do you think led Jezebel into being a contentious woman with a heart willing to murder?

6. What do you think drove Ahab into marrying a non-Israelite woman and how does it relate to Christians marrying non-Christians?

King Jehoshaphat: Pictures of Grace

2 Chronicles 17-21:1

According to 1 King 22:41-42, Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and began to reign in the fourth year of Ahab’s kingship in Israel and operated as a king for twenty-five years. However, the account of the life of Jehoshapaht in 2 Chronicles provides more application friendly information concerning the dynamics of his reign than does 1 Kings (2 Chronicles 17-21:1). An examination of the life of Jehoshaphat provides the Christian with a multiplicity of tools, which if followed, secure Christian success. King Jehoshaphat sought the true counsel of God, exercised caution and faith, worshipped God through storms, and relied on His power for deliverance.

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked after God in the first and due order (2 Chronicles 17:3). In essence, Jehoshaphat exemplified Matthew 6:33. Because of his disposition, while Israel continually faced problems, even the presumed enemies of Judah and Jehoshaphat provided them with gifts (2 Chronicle 17:10-11; 18:30). In this section several episodes will be analyzed for application & personal growth:

· Jehoshaphat continually sought the clarity of God (2 Chronicles 18:6)

· Ahab died in disguise. (2 Chronicles 18:29,33)

· A righteous kingdom fosters and develops righteous families. (2 Chronicles 20:13)

· Jehoshaphat set himself and stood still. (2 Chronicles 20:17)

· God’s grace reigned in Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:25)

Brief Narrative Summary

Jehoshaphat was not without flaw, but because he primarily remained obedient God bestowed grace on him and Judah (2 Chronicles 19:1-3; 20:25). When Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to enter into battle with him, Jehoshaphat needed prophetic surety before he could enter the relationship. He was not willing to take the counsel of the advice of the prophets who spoke simply in the favor of Ahab. Because of the prophetic words of Micaiah, Ahab disguised himself in the battle. However, Jehoshaphat had so much favor with the surrounding nations, they were only instructed to fight against Israel. Ahab knew of their willingness to attack him and attempted to hide. His death resulted in the midst of the battle.

Jehoshaphat sought God about going to battle against Ammon and Moab and he included the Judean families in the process because he knew that if Judah were to stand, a critical family mass would be essential. Not only did he spiritually prepare the families to receive and follow Gods message, he instilled the necessity of worshipping through storms. As a result of the praise and worship, God showered blessing that took three days to collect.

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. What primary lesson(s) are learned from the behavior of Ahab before he died?

2. In relationship to the Christian life, what can be learned from the Word God shared with Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:17.

3. What type of picture is displayed through culminating actions in 2 Chronicles 20:25

4. How did Jehoshaphat and Judah prepare to defeat Ammon and Moab?

A Fatal Flaw: Built & Later Destroyed

2 Chronicles 24-25

The primary focus of this study is centered on the life and actions of Joash, during his kingship of Judah. Dynamics will also be explored through his successor Amaziah and the two kings of Israel during that time, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. Like the last two sets of kings in Israel and Judah, remember a Joash of Judah and a Josh of Israel ruled simultaneously. Their names are spelled two ways, Joash and Jehoash (2 Kings 12:1; 13:10).

Both kings, Jehoahaz and Joash of Israel, walked in an evil fashion and mislead Israel into sin. In Judah, Joash assumed the kingship from his deceased father Ahaziah at the tender age of seven (2 Chronicles 24:1). The reckless lives of Athaliah and her sons left the house of the LORD in virtual shambles and disarray (2 Chronicles 24:7). She did not work for the kingship, gained it dishonestly, therefore she had no respect for its institution. There were breaches in the house in need of serious repair.

Remember, it was Jehoiada who developed the plan for Joash to assume his rightful position as king (2 Chronicles 23:16-21). Joash began his kingship at age seven, which put Jehoiada primarily as his mentor and guide because he was a wise man and a solid leader. In addition, Joash had a plan to repair the LORD’s house (2 Chronicles 24:4-7). He summoned Jehoiada to gather all of Judah to give of their means as commanded to collect funds for the repairs , but he did not follow through. It appears to have been a combination of a lack of leadership on the part of Jehoiada and perhaps an initial and general disinterest in the concept for Judah.

Joash had his men craft a treasury chest, they placed it at the gate of the house of the LORD daily, appealed for the funds, and money was collected in abundance (2 Chronicles 24:8-11). When the monetary amount was reached, it was rightly distributed. It was delivered to the overseers, carpenters, builders, masons, hewers, and for the purchase of timber and hewed stone (2 Kings 12:11-12). Upon completion of the house, remaining funds were used for furnishings: Vessels, spoons of gold and silver (2 Chronicles 24:14). Notice the prioritization of the monetary usage. They refused to allot money for precious furnishings until the repairs were complete (2 Kings 12:12-14).

After the restorations, Jehoiada the mentor and chief, died and the life of Joash was forever changed. Jehoiada lived to be one hundred and thirty. Without his mentor, Joash must have felt lost, he had been with him almost his entire life (2 Chronicles 24:15). After the death of the mentor, Joash was visited by the princes who bowed themselves before him (2 Chronicles 24:17). Joash had complete trust in his mentor and probably believed he could trust anyone. Children who are raised by trusting individuals in trusting environments, generally trust others. However, Joash should have been skeptical of their ways because they led him into idolatry (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).

God sent the son of Jehoiada to talk with him, but Joash had him murdered, forgetting all about the kindness his father exhibited towards him (2 Chronicles 24:19-21). In judgment God delivered Joash into the hand of the Syrians and in sickness his own men assassinated him for his evil towards Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:23-25).

Amaziah assumed the kingship after the death of his father and killed all of his servants who participated in the assassination of Joash (2 Chronicles 25:1-3). He efficiently organized Judah for war, hired men of valor from Israel for one hundred talents of silver, which displeased God (2 Chronicles 25:5-6). Amaziah became more concerned with the than the interior. He organized well, but his heart was not directed toward God.

Amaziah slew the Edomites in war but was seduced into worshiping their gods (2 Chronicles 25:14-15). As a consequence, Judah entered into war with Israel and four hundred cubits of the Jerusalem wall was destroyed, and Amaziah was assassinated (2 Chronicles 2:25:23-28).

Joash did an awesome work in repairing the house of the LORD, but his disobedience and that of Amaziah had one fatal flaw: What was righteously rebuilt was later allowed to be destroyed.

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. Why do you think Athaliah and her sons wrecked the house of the LORD and what scriptures support your position? (2 Chronicles 24:7).

2. Why do you think Joash allowed the son of his mentor to be murdered and what implication(s) might it suggest about people? (2 Chronicles 24:22)

3. In 2 Chronicles 24:5-14 & 2 Kings 12:13-14, what biblical money management principles are indicated?

A Walk of Grace or a Walk of Destruction: Living with Spiritual Infirmities

2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26

The legacy of the Northern kingdom ended in 2 Kings 15 with Israel being escorted into Assyrian captivity because of their extreme and continued transgression of God’s laws. Throughout the process of Christian life, the child of God will ingest many spiritual bumps, bruises, scars, wounds, and casualties. Through it all, two walks can be assumed: A walk of grace or a walk of destruction. The Christian race is a long journey, a marathon, and the opposite of a sprint. Christianity is not a short term religion or lifestyle. It is for the long hall. It is not for the impatient, rash, carnal, self-seeking, worldly, or materialistic (2 Peter 1:4-8). Christianity is for the supernaturally transformed and regenerated child f God (1 Corinthians 2:15).

Israel continued with a walk of destruction. Their stiff hearts toward God resulted in two of the latter kings of Israel reigning for a total of seven months. After Jeroboam II ruled Israel as an evil king for forty-one years (2 Kings 14:23-24), Zechariah ruled for six months and was then assassinated by Shallum (2 Kings 15:8-10). Shallum in turn ruled Israel for one month before he was assassinated by Menahem (2 Kings 15:13-14). The administration and lives of Zechariah and Shallum were cut short because of disobedience. They elected to walk destructively, seeking instant gratification over eventual and eternal habitation.

During the latter years of a belligerent Northern kingdom, Azariah walked in grace. He acted as king for fifty-two years. While Israel was fumbling and struggling with homicidal tendencies, Judah was thriving efficiently. Azariah and his cunning men made engines that launched arrows and stones from high towers. However, the power went to his head and he began to fall from grace (2 Chronicles 26:15-16). He entered the temple as if he was a Levite and offered up to God, became angry when the Levites attempted to correct him, and as a result God struck him with leprosy in his forehead (2 Chronicles 26:18-19). Notice that God struck him at the root of his problem, his heart/mind.

Because of his actions he was cut off from the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 26:21-22) and died as a leper. His walk began as one of grace, but because of power it was transformed into destruction. God urges His children to walk in grace even through infirmity because His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). God may strike His child in the area that causes the most departures from His will. However, rest assured that the child of God can still walk in grace with spiritual infirmities.

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. What major lessons can be learned from the short reigns of Zechariah and Shallum?

2. What are you doing to add the attributes in 2 Peter 1:4-8 to your life?

3. Even though Azariah was wrong for offering in the temple, why was he upset with those who attempted to correct him and what can be learned from it?

4. Unlike Azariah, What can Christians do to prevent from abusing their power? (2 Chronicles 26:18-19)

5. Azariah had to live the remainder of his life with the thorn of leprosy. How does the Christian continue to walk in grace with a thorn or infirmity?

6. Why did God strike Azariah in his head and how does it apply to Christians today?

The Fall of Israel: A Formula for Christian Disaster

2 Kings 15:27-31; 2 Kings 17:7-22

The final days of Israel illustrates a present-day formula and picture of Christian disaster. In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, the son of Menahem, Pekahiah, became king of Israel. He reigned for two years and was then assassinated by one of his own captains, Pekah. Pekah began his reign in the fifty-second year of king Azariah and ruled for twenty years (2 Kings 15:23-27). During the kingship of Pekah, Israel was taken captive by the king of Assyria, Tiglath-pileser. During this time, Hoshea, the last king of Israel, assassinated Pekah in the twentieth year of Jotham’s Judean kingship (2 Kings 15:30-31). The latter days of Israel were plagued with treason, conspiracy, and assassination. Notice the confrontation and lack of cooperation between the last few kings of Israel.

1. Shallum assassinated Zechariah (2 Kings 15:10)

2. Menahem assassinated Shallum (2 Kings 15:14)

3. Pekah assassinated Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25)

4. Hoshea assassinated Pekah (2 Kings 15:30)

During the twelfth year of Ahaz, Hoshea began to reign and did so for nine years. When Shalmaneser, king of Israel came upon Hoshea he subjected him to becoming one of his Assyrian servants (2 Kings 17:3). When king Shalmaneser found that Hoshea sent messengers to the king of Egypt without paying tribute to him financially, he bound him in prison and carried Israel into Assyria. (2 Kings 17:4-6). In essence, the Northern kingdom of Israel virtually destroyed herself through religious disobedience. In 2 Kings 17:7-22, the earthly biblical author chronicles categorically the reasons why Israel entered into Assyrian captivity in 722 B.C. It reads as a blueprint all Christians must avoid if seeking an eternal life in Christ. Observe a partial list that drove Israel into a life devoid of God:

“For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and

had feared other gods…” (2 Kings 17:7)

1. They walked in heathen statutes (v. 8)

2. Secretly they did those things that were not right (v. 9)

3. They did wicked things to provoke God to anger (v. 11)

4. They refused to listen to God (v.14)

5. They became vain (v.15)

6. For false religion purposes, they burned their children (v. 17)

As a result of Israel’s blatant walk of transgression, God “Removed them out of [H]is sight” and “So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day” (2 Kings 17: 18b, 23b). In a synthesized look, Israel followed false god’s, lived hypocritically, walked lasciviously, would not listen or hold on to the Word of God, became wrapped up in self, and abused their children. Although Israel and Judah were eventually released from Assyrian and Babylonian captivity, it was their behavior that led them into such a condition.

Personal Exercise for Spiritual Growth

What modern day applications can be generated from the seven sins of Israel that led them into captivity? List correlating current applications and examples of the seven Old Testament vices that relate to today. They are found in 2 Kings 17:8, 9, 11,14, 15, 17.

1. They walked in heathen statutes (v. 8)

2. Secretly they did those things that were not right. (v. 9)

3. They did wicked things to provoke God to anger (v. 11)

4. They refused to listen to God. (v.14)

5. They became vain. (v.15)

6. For false religion purposes, they burned their children. (v. 17)

Hezekiah: A Man Who Understood the Power of Prayer

2 Kings 15:32-18-20

As mentioned in the latter section, the final free yet divided days of Israel ended with discord, disgrace, and temporary destruction. During those futile years two kings three kings were empowered: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. For this study Hezekiah will be the focus, but a few things must be mentioned about Ahaz and Jotham.

Jotham did what was right during his kingship because he “Prepared his ways before the LORD his God (2 Kings15:34; 2 Chronicles 27:6). Jotham followed the steps of the proverbial writer who said, “Ponder the path of thy feet and let all thy ways be established” (Proverbs 4:26). Despite Jotham’s spiritual success, his son did not follow in his steps. Instead he walked after the customs and disobedience of Israel. He stooped to the abominable level of making his son pass through fire (2 Kings 16:3). He reversed the restoration conducted by the hands of Jotham.

When Hezekiah became king he was forced to spiritually reconstruct Judah. He had to undo the damage orchestrated by his father, Ahaz. The greatest evidential quality of Hezekiah was his effectual prayer life and humility. In times of trouble, Hezekiah broke down in prayer to God. Three prayers of Hezekiah are of substantial significance: Hezekiah’s request of Isaiah to pray for Judean deliverance (2 Kings 19:4), Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance (2 Kings 19:15,19), and his deathbed prayer (2 Kings 20:1-3).

Hezekiah heard of the imminent danger that approached him from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. The Assyrian men were compelling Judah not to trust in God or Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:22,27,30.32). When Hezekiah heard of the attack, he became emotional, and sent his men to prophet Isaiah for help (2 Kings 19:1-4). His request was that Isaiah pray for the remnant left in Judah.

Not only did Hezekiah ask Isaiah to pray for the caused, he prostrated himself in prayer as well. The Assyrian king was persistent in his threats, therefore Hezekiah also prayed for his condition (2 Kings 19:14-19). Hezekiah was bold in prayer. Because the church has a mediator and advocate who understands the needs of Christians, the throne of grace should be approached boldly (Hebrews 4:14-16). In his prayer he said, “I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand” (2 Kings 19:19).

During the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah’s health began to fail. Who can imagine the psychological and physical stress, coupled with an imminent attack. Hezekiah was on his deathbed and told by God to set his house in order. In essence he was told his life was at the point of expiration and needed to ensure that his family and ministry were protected (2 Kings 20:1). In his sickness, Hezekiah turned his back on everyone and faced God in prayer. Through an emotional and tearful prayer, he asked God to remember him (2 Kings 19:2-3). God heard his prayer and his life was blessed with an additional fifteen years of life (2 Kings 19:4-11).

The diligent prayer life made him a successful king. He knew not to rely on himself. He trusted in God in his weakest moments. He had not problem approaching God in prayer with zeal. I addition, his prayer life was prioritized because he knew how to shut out the noise and suggestions of the world when it was time for prayer. While the days of freedom came to an end for Israel, Judah was thriving because of men like Hezekiah. Hezekiah eventually ran into some trouble, but it was never enough for him to be referred to as an evil king, like many of the others, including his son (2 chronicles 32:24-26).

Discussion Questions for Spiritual Growth

1. What stood out for you about Hezekiah’s prayer life?

2. What elements in Hezekiah’s prayer life could you adopt?

3. How do you keep your prayer life fresh and effectual?

4. What does approaching the throne of grace boldly mean to you?

5. How do you approach God boldly?

6. Like Hezekiah, can you ask God to remember you?

A Formula for Shattering the Past

2 Kings 22-23 & 2 Chronicles 34-35

Individuals are not bound by their past or the past of others. All situations can be overcome, particularly in Christ (Philippians 4:13). Some people fear marriage because their witnessed their parents go through a divorce. Some women do not trust men because they observed their mother endure a physically abusive relationship. Some young people believe that educational success is not for them because no one in their family graduated from high school or college. Some young men believe their destiny is incarceration because their father or influential male figure is in prison. The list and saga continues, but the resounding truth is that no persons familial past holistically dictates their future success or failure.

Sure, a solid home with supportive parents accounts for a great deal because it is God’s divine order, but it does not ensure success, safety, or spiritual dedication. Hezekiah was upright as a gods in opposition to the lifestyle lived by his father (2 Kings 33:1-6). During the process of life transitions, human response can be random and unpredictable. Many people remain misunderstood because their negligent actions were incongruent with their family upbringing, background, resources, ability, etc. Mannasseh was such an individual. His behavior could not be predicted by his family rearing. Wicked parents can produce properly functional children, and properly functional parents can rear children who develop into wicked adults.

The son of Mannasseh, Amon, followed after some of the ways of his father, but Josiah elevated himself out of wickedness and operated as a successful king of Judah for thirty-one years (2 Chronicles 33:21-25; 2 Chronicles 34: 1-2). The life of Josiah provides every Christian with a formula for overcoming a negative familial past. Family abuse, neglect, and mistreatment are some of the most difficult psychological and physiological conditions to overcome. Jesus said in Revelation 2:7b, “…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Josiah realized the abysmal condition of Israel, and from that point a systematic approach to overcoming past conditions, whether familial or personal is revealed. Josiah:

Image Representation

5. The things in you the devil is

using.

6. The unqualified counselors in your

life.

7. New beginning of proper worship.

8. Destruction of habitual sin.

9. The safe places within.

10. Misconceptions about self &

others.

11. Replayed negative images of

pain/hurt.

12. Increase devotion to God.

13. Eliminate toxic people from your

circle that refuse to be

transformed.

1. Identified the problem (2 Kings 22:11)

2. Sought God (2 Kings 22:13)

3. Acknowledged the problem (2 Kings 23:1-3)

4. Attacked the problem

5. Destroyed the devil’s vessels (2 Kings 23:4)

6. Denounced the unqualified priests (2 Kings 23:5)

7. Burned worship posts and crushed to powder (2 Kings 23:6)

8. Broke down sodomite housing (2 Kings 23:7)

9. Broke down the high places (2 Kings 23:8,12)

10. Beat and broke down altars (2 Kings 23:12)

11. Broke in pieces images (2 Kings 23:14)

12. Cut down groves (2 Kings 23:14)

13. Slew all unqualified priests (2 Kings 23:20)

In 2 Chronicles 34:4-5, Josiah’s cut down, broke in pieces, and burnt various aspects to heal Judah. In addition, his problem resolution culminated in worship (2 Chronicles 35:14-19).

The Fall of Judah: God Will Not Be Mocked!

2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36

After the fall of Israel at the hands of the Assyrians, the fall of a disobedient Judah was eminent. After the kingship of Josiah, no faithful kings ruled in Judah. Four kings ruled after Josiah: Jehoahaz (2 Chronicles 36:1-4), Jehoiakim (2 Chronicles 36:5), Jehoiachin (2 Chronicles 36:9-10), and Zedekiah (2 Chronicles 36:11). From the dynamics of the last kings of Judah one supreme dynamic and its results will be explored for the purpose of avoidance and Christian growth. Three words encapsulate the reason for Judah’s Babylonian bondage, “They mocked God.” In the Hebrew language mocked comes from the word Laab and means to deride. In the Greek language mocked comes from the word Mukterizo and means to make mouths at and ridicule.

As God sent messengers to Zedekiah to bring him to repentance, he mocked them (2 Chronicles 36:16). He mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and misused God’s prophets (Jeremiah). The actions of Zedekiah were left with no remedy. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6). God makes an emphatic promise that he will not be mocked and those who believe that God can be seduced are deceived (Galatians 6:7). In brief, Israel and Judah were left without a remedy. They exhausted their resources with God. Thank God for Jesus and for the immediate Nation of Israel, it was “Thank God for Ezra and Nehemiah!” Like Israel, Judah mocked God and the results were drastic. Look at table 8.

Table. 8

The Results of Mocking (2 Chronicles 36)	Modern Day Applications
The young and old men and women died by the sword. (v.17)	Persistent disobedience brings about spiritual and physical death. (Romans 6:23; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 20:13-15)
The treasures of the temple were confiscated and taken to Babylon. (v. 18)	Through persistent disobedience the devil can steal your precious treasures, attributes, and fruits. (2 Peter 1:5-7; Galatians 5:22-23)
The temple was burned to ash. (v. 19)	When the body conforms to ash, its last earthly state, there is no longer a chance for salvation.
The wall was destroyed. (v. 19)	Through persistent disobedience, walls of protection become broken: Church, spouse, and family relationships, etc. (Matthew 18:17; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6)
Those who were not murdered became Babylonian slaves. (v. 20)	Persistent disobedience leads to a reprobate and delusional spiritual state. (Romans1:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)

Series Summary

A study and investigation of the dynamics between the kings and kingdoms of Israel and Judah provide church members with a multiplicity of examples of how to please God and the consequence for disobedience. It reads as God’s historical psychology book for the church and Christian family. Issues of triumph, spirituality, obedience, grace, mercy, wrath, love, family strife, poor parenting, good parenting with poor results, sin, treason, defeat, murder, deceit, adultery, proper leadership, poor leadership, wisdom, ageism, abuse of power, and much more is addressed from 1 Kings through 2 Chronicles. It all boils down to the words of the apostles during a time of persecution, “…We ought to obey God rather that men” (Acts 5:29). Prayerfully, you have enjoyed this study of spiritual facts and personal application.

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