THE DIVIDED KINGDOM: ISRAEL (1)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) The book of 1 Kings begins with a nation united under David, the most devout king in Israel's history. The book ends with a divided kingdom and the death of Ahab, the most wicked king of all. What happened? The people forgot to acknowledge God as their ultimate leader; they appointed human leaders who ignored God; and then they conformed to the life-styles of these evil leaders. Occasional wrongdoing gradually turned into a way of life. Their blatant wickedness could be met only with judgment from God, who allowed enemy nations to arise and defeat Israel and Judah in battle as punishment for their sins. Failing to acknowledge God as our ultimate leader is the first step toward ruin.

b) God has always sent prophets to Israel and Judah to warn them of coming judgment.

1. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes)

i) Capital: Shechem, then Tirzah, then Samaria.

a) Prophet: Ahijah (934-909 B.C.)

b) Kings:

@1. Jeroboam I (930)

i) 22 years. Fortified a capital city (Shechem), set up two golden calf-idols, led the nation into sin, allowed anyone to be a priest.

ii) 1 Kings 11:26-14:34; 2 Chronicles 10:12-13:20

@2. Nadab (909)

i) 2 years.

ii) 1 Kings 15:25-28.

@3. Baasha (908)

i) 24 years. Led people in idol worship.

ii) 1 Kings 15:27-16:7; 2 Chronicles 16:1-6.

@4. Elah (886)

i) 2 years. Continued idol worship.

ii) 1 Kings 16:6-14.

@5. Zimri (885)

i) 7 days.

ii) 1 Kings 16:9-20.

@6. Tibni (885)

i) 1 Kings 16:21-22.

@.7 Omri (885)

i) 12 years. Built the capital  city of Samaria, had great military power, but continued to lead Israel into idolatry.

ii) 1 Kings 16:16-28.

The End ...