Kings and Kingdoms

Kings and Kingdoms

1 & 2 Kings & 2 Chronicles

The Big Split

-We learn in 1 Kings 11-12 that Jeroboam rebelled against King Solomon (11:26). The prophet Abijah predicted God would take away 10 tribes from Solomon and give them to Jeroboam (11:29–31). But God allowed Solomon to die in peace. He did not lose part of his kingdom, but his son Rehoboam did (12:12–20).

-The downward spiral:

1. Rehoboam told the people he would be tougher than his father Solomon. (12:1-17)
2. The people of Israel went to Jeroboam and made him king. (16-20)
3. Ten Tribes followed Jeroboam (Northern Kingdom/Israel). Judah and Benjamin sided with Rehoboam (Southern Kingdom/Judah). The Levites sided with both groups. (20)
4. Jeroboam turned to and led the people to idol worship. (25-30)

(*) indicates “good” king / (R) indicates revival and turn from idol worship

-During the time of the divided kingdom Jerusalem was the capital of Judah (1 Kings 12:21) and Samaria was the capital of Israel (16:29).

*Discuss: What are some ways that we as believers in Jesus Christ partake in idol worship today?

God’s Messengers (1 & 2 Kings)

-Much like an ambassador today represents his/her country and its leadership, a prophet in Scripture is one who speaks in the place of another. God’s prophets spoke to the people for God. God appointed him, and the Holy Spirit empowered him.

-During the divided kingdom, prophets preached mostly to the kings. They warned against idolatry. They predicted judgment. They advised kings on important decisions.

-Two prophets dominate the pages of 1 and 2 Kings—Elijah and Elisha. God shows the power of His words by many miracles in their lives.

Elijah—God’s Baal-Buster (1 Kings 18:16-40)

*While many believed Baal to be in control of the fruitfulness of the land, God used Elijah to demonstrate that there is none in control but God Himself.

Elisha—God’s Miracle Man (2 Kings 2-13)

*God used Elisha at least 16 times to perform miracles that pointed people back to the truth of Who God is.

-Other prophets during this time period include Abijah, Shemaiah, Micaiah, Isaiah, Huldah the prophetess, Azariah, Hanani, Jehaziel. Eliezer, and Jeremiah.

-Although God does not use prophets today to relay His message to His people, there are many means of receiving God’s Word to which we should prioritize (i.e. preaching, teaching, personal study, Bible-based music, etc.)

The Hardest Lesson Ever Learned (2 Kings & 2 Chronicles)

-God told Israel and Judah the right way to live, but both nations had to learn the hard way. They tried to find a right way on their own. They disobeyed and caused themselves a lot of pain and unhappiness. Finally, God said, “Enough!”

• God allowed Israel to become prisoners of Assyria. (2 Kings 17:5-6, 18)
• Israel brought this punishment upon them selves because of their disobedience and insistence upon worshiping idols. (17:7-18)
• Judah became Babylonian captives about 136 years later. (25:1-21)
  • They had stopped obeying God’s Word (2 Chron. 36:12)
  • Their leadership was hard-hearted (36:13)
  • Their priests defiled the temple with idol worship and pagan practices (36:14)
  • They rejected and mistreated God’s messengers (36:15-16)

–Think about it: Where does idol worship and rebellion still exist and need to be repented of in your life?

A Couple of Good Guys (2 Kings)

-While most of the people during this time “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” there were a few good guys.

1. Hezekiah pleased God because he:

• Trusted in the Lord (2 Kings 18:5)
• Held onto the Lord (18:6a)
• Kept following the Lord (18:6b)
• Obeyed the Word of the Lord (18:6c)

2. Josiah pleased the Lord in his dealings with God’s Word (2 Kings 22-23):

• Repented (tore his robes) – 22:11
• Told his men to seek God based on what His Word says – 22:12-13
• Read it publicly (23:1-2)
• Renewed his commitment to follow God / His Word (23:3)
• Removed all idols (23:4)
• Worshiped the God of the Word (23:21-23)
• Purged out all those who did not follow God’s Word (23:24)

*God’s Word is the means through which God gave us to know and relate to Him—which is what we were created to do!

-What are you actively doing to read, memorize, study, and meditate on God’s Words to you?

*Study from Route 66: Travel Through the Bible by Mark Reed, Positive Action for Christ, Inc.