THE DIVIDED KINGDOM: ISRAEL (2)

(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) Prophets:

i) Elijah (875-848 B.C.)

ii) Elisha (848-797 B.C.)

b) Kings:

@1. Ahab (874)

i) 22 years. Married Jezebel (a non-Jew and extremely wicked woman), worshiped Baal, and suffered three years of famine caused by his consistent disobedience to God.

ii) 1 Kings 16:28-22:40; 2 Chronicles 18:1-34. 

@2. Ahaziah (853)

i) 2 years. Proposed a joint trade venture with Judah.

ii) 1 Kings 22:40-2 Kings 1:18; 2 Chronicles 20:35-37.

@3. Jehoram or Joram (852)

i) 12 years. Suffered famine and war during most of his reign.

ii) 2 Kings 3:1-8:25; 2 Chronicles 22:7-12.

@4. Jehu (841)

i) 28 years. Was responsible for the deaths of Jehoram (King of Israel), Ahaziah (king of Judah), Jezebel (wicked mother of Jehoram), destroyed the priests and temples of Baal, but did not consistently follow God.

ii) 2 Kings 9:1-10:36; 2 Chronicles 22:7-12. 

@5. Jehoahaz (814)

i) 17 years. Evil reign included worship of Asherah, usually called "detestable."

ii) 2 Kings 13:1-9.

@6. Jehoash (798)

i) 16 years. Even though he was evil, he recognized the authority of Elisha as a prophet of God.

ii) 2 Kings 13:10-14:16; 2 Chronicles 25:17-24.

The End ...