KINGS & THEIR ENEMIES: ISRAEL & JUDAH (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.

1. Israel (853-841 B.C.) 

a) King: Ahaziah (853)

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

b) King: Jehoram or Joram (852) 

i) With Judah, defeated Mesha (Moab), and was miraculously delivered from Ben-Hadad II (Syria). 

ii) 2 Kings 1:17; 3:1-8:25; 2 Chronicles 22:5-7.

2. Judah (872-841 B.C.) 

a) King: Jehoshaphat (872)

i) Defeated by Ben-Hadad II (Syria), gained miraculous victory over Moab and Ammon, and crushed a rebellion by Mesha (Moab). 

ii) 1 Kings 22:41-50; 2 Chronicles 17:1-21:1.  

b) King: Jehoram (853) 

i) Lost dominion over Edom, assaulted by Philistines and Arabs.

ii) 2 Kings 8:16-24; 2 Chronicles 21:1-20.

The End ...