THE DIVIDED KINGDOM: ISRAEL (3)

(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) Jonah (848-753? B.C.)

ii) Amos (760-750 B.C.)

iii) Hosea (753-715 B.C.)

b) Kings:

@1. Jehoboam II (793)

i) 41 years. Very evil but politically powerful, his nation enjoyed economic prosperity and military peace.

ii) 2 Kings 14:16-29.

@2. Zechariah (753)

i) 6 months. Encouraged idol worship.

ii) 2 Kings 14:29-15:11.

@3. Shallum (752)

i) 1 month.

ii) 2 Kings 15:10-15.

@4. Menahem (752)

i) 10 years. Imposed heavy taxes and oppressed his people.

ii) 2 Kings 15:14-22.

@5. Pekahiah (742)

i) 2 years. Continued idol worship.

ii) 2 Kings 15:22-26.

@6. Pekah (740)

i) 8 years. During his reign many of the people were taken captive to Assyria.

ii) 2 Kings 15:25-31; 2 Chronicles 28:5-8.

@7. Hoshea (732)

i) 9 years. Suffered heavy taxation by Assyria and eventual conquest - bringing about Israelite captivity and resettlement of foreigners in Israel.

ii) 2 Kings 15:30; 17:1-6.

@8. The end of Northern Kingdom (722)

i) Israel taken to Assyria by Shalmaneser.

The End ...