THE DIVIDED KINGDOM: JUDAH (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 Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes)

i) Capital: Jerusalem.

a) Prophets:

i) Obadiah (855-840? B.C.)

ii) Joel (835-796? B.C.)

b) Kings:

@1. Jehoram (853)

i) 8 years. Married a wicked daughter of Ahab, compelled the people to worship idols, and killed all his brothers.

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

@2. Ahaziah (841)

i) 1 year. Friend of Jehoram (Joram) of Israel.

ii) 2 Kings 8:24-9:29; 2 Chronicles 22:1-10.

@3. Queen Athaliah (841)

i) 6 years. Killed all her grandchildren except Joash who was hidden by his nurse for six years, and ravaged the temple to furnish Baal's temple.

ii) 2 Kings 11:1-20; 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21.

@4. Joash (835)

i) 40 years. Was crowned king at the age of seven by Jehoiada (the high priest), promoted peace and prosperity, repaired the temple and smashed the altars to Baal - but after Jehoiada died, Joash abandoned God, and even had Jehoiada's son killed.

ii) 2 Kings 11:2-12:21; 2 Chronicles 22:11-24:27.

@5. Amaziah (796)

i) 29 years. Was basically good but did not completely wipe out idol worship, organized and mustered the army.

ii) 2 Kings 14:1-20; 2 Chronicles 25:1-28.

The End ...