The Bible in 90 Days (Week Four)

Text Overview

This week we continue with the kings of Israel as recorded in 1 Samuel through 2 Kings. The prophet Samuel, being directed by God, anoints Saul as the first king. However the kingship is new and the kingdom is not yet firmly established. The influences that he faces along with the temptations of the office prove to be Saul’s undoing. Chapter 28, of 1 Samuel opens with Saul consulting with a witch; hardly the type of behavior for a man of God. Now David, a young Shepard boy has been brought into the service of the king and so, through God’s grace has been given exposure to the inside workings of the position. In a very real sense it’s training on the job. Due to envy and jealousy a chain of events is set in motion which result in the kingdom being handed to David and through his reign the nation and the kingdom are firmly established.


Through King David, his son Solomon, and the kings that follow we get an inside look at behavior; in leadership as well throughout the rank and file and every aspect of those affected and or touched by it. There are several examples of both Godly character as well as the other kind, along with the results and consequences as viewed from a Godly standpoint. The illustrations and lessons make for sound guidance and advice in living in any time frame, especially today.


Establishing a Kingdom and a Nation… under God


The Heart of David… a Man After God, How?


We know from the last discussion that God was the true King; the King of kings. However, Israel wanted a king like the other nations. Our life today is not much different, we want to blend in, be accepted, and fit into the norm of our surroundings. Peer pressure, the same today as it was then, even when it’s the wrong thing to do. If you conceder the ranking as it descends from God’s throne, the king is next in line. This makes David the next in line… the man after God; His representative charged with the application of God’s Will. From his childhood, David loved God and sought His Will. His trust rested in the Lord for the direction of his kingship in governing the people of Israel; God’s chosen people. There is an old saying that sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. In other words we can become so close to a situation that we won’t see what we need to see. David, in building the kingdom neglected his application of God’s direction in his personal affairs. (See 2 Samuel 11) The desire for Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife clearly was against the decree of the Lord. However the genuine repentance of David’s heart and his devotion in taking care to inquire of God with his future dealings not only shows that he was a man after God’s own heart but also the measure of grace in God’s forgiveness.


Solomon, a Son of David loved by God. How were they different?


Where David’s task was to build the kingdom, Solomon’s reign made it great and brought glory to God’s sovereign majesty. At the bequest of his father David, Solomon was given wise instruction to follow in the ways of the Lord. (See 1 Kings 2) This advice he followed, turning to God for counsel, Solomon asked for help in a selfless manner acceptable and pleasing which not only was answered but brought unequaled greatness. (See 1 Kings 3) Under his rule, Israel as well as God was recognized as great in the eyes of the nations everywhere. His was a time of peace, unlike the time of his father David who lived as a warrior and conqueror. It was because of this distinction that Solomon was designated for the building of the temple for the Name of the Lord. (See 2 Samuel 7, 1 Kings 5) Solomon’s dedication of the temple gives an indication of just how much he exalted the Lord and also to the extent to which he was blessed. Israel and its people have not enjoyed such splendor and joy as a nation or a kingdom since his time.


The appearance of the Lord the second time (See 1 Kings 9) serves as a warning and a prediction of what lie ahead for the kingship and the kingdom of Israel; Solomon would be the last king to sit in a unified kingdom. His heart unlike his fathers did not remain with the Lord and his son did not follow him in his ways as he did his father King David.

The Kingdom Split


As God had said, the kingdom was removed from the hands of Solomon’s son Rehoboam. It seems that his desire was focused on the authority that his father had and not on the God of Israel who gave it. God allowed him to act on that desire without divine direction to bring about just what the Lord had said would happen. (See 1 Kings 9, 11:11-13, 31-39) How often have we gone with the advice of those that hangout with us instead of the sound advice we know is just. Rehoboam let his pride become his undoing. Jeroboam, even after being foretold of his future by God’s prophet, and the attempt on his life by Solomon still offered to support and follow Rehoboam if he would agree to be reasonable. However it was not to be and prophesy became reality. Israel divided, with ten tribes following Jeroboam and only Judah remaining loyal to David’s house and Rehoboam. (See 1 Kings 12:20-24)


From this point on all the problems associated with power, authority, ambition, corruption, rivalry, and immorality take their toll on the nations of Israel and Judah. There are many kings that take power and control, but not all handle the position in keeping with the directives laid out according to the rules given by Samuel, concerning kingship. Once again God’s wrath and temperament is driven to the test.

The Kings of the Divided Kingdom
JeroboamThe first king of the northern kingdom, (Israel) and was told by God through the prophet Ahijah that he would take power over most of the tribes. He put up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, encouraged their worship leading his people away from the Lord. Refused to head the warnings of the prophets sent to him even after seeing the signs and having his hand afflicted. He incurred the wrath of God on himself and his family.

RehoboamThe first king of the southern kingdom, (Judah) and he allowed his stubborn pride to divide the kingdom. He did not follow the ways of the Lord, and allowed the treasures of the temple to be taken by Shishak, king of Egypt. Under his rule Judah turned to worshiping other gods, setting up high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles. There were also male shrine prostitutes in the land.

Abijah
He was the second king of Judah, and the son of Rehoboam. He followed his father’s ways, not following God and was also at war with Jeroboam as his father was.

AsaHe was the third king of Judah, and the son of Abijah. Unlike his father he was the first to follow the ways of the Lord. He got rid of the idols his father had made, and expelled the male shrine prostitutes. He even chose God over his grandmother, the queen mother when she made an Asherah pole. During the war between Baasha, king of Israel, he formed an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. Throughout his life his heart was fully devoted to the Lord.

Nadab
He was the second king of Israel and the son of Jeroboam and also followed his sinful ways. Due to the sin of his father he was killed by Baasha son of Ahijah, and was succeeded by him as the third king.

Baasha
After carrying out his plot against Nadab, Baasha killed everyone in Jeroboam’s family as was spoken in the word of the Lord through Ahijah the prophet. He too did evil in the sight of the Lord and brought God’s wrath to his family as spoken through Jehu the prophet.

Elah
He was the forth king of Israel and the son of Baasha. He was killed by Zimri one of his officials who then took the throne as the fifth king.

ZimriAfter gaining power he killed all of Baasha’s family, just as the prophet had spoken. None of the males, relatives and friends alike was spared. Because of his acts against the king, the people of Israel rebelled against him. They proclaimed Omri king and laid siege to the town of Tizra and the royal palace. Zimri set the palace on fire and died; he was king seven days.

OmriHe was the sixth king of Israel and more evil than those before him. He was the founder of Samaria.

AhabHe was the seventh king of Israel and the son of Omri. He became a bigger sinner than his father and married Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. He worshiped Baal and built a temple with his alter in Samaria, as well as an Asherah pole. Under his reign, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho at the cost of both his eldest and youngest sons; fulfilling the prophecy of Joshua. He was confronted by the prophet Elijah at Mt. Carmel with the prophets of Baal and condemned by the Lord through the prophet after the battle at Aphek with king Ben-Hadad. Later, Elijah pronounced the Lords judgment on him after the affair concerning Naboth’s murder. His death was also spoken of through the prophet Micaiah; he died of wounds received in battle with the king of Aram.

JehoshaphatHe was the forth king of Judah and the son of Asa; like his father he followed the ways of the Lord, and enjoyed peace with the king of Israel.

AhaziahHe was the eighth king of Israel and the son of Ahab; he too did evil in the sight of the Lord. After falling through the lattice of his upper room and injuring himself he sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub the god of Ekron. For this the Lord sent word through Elijah that he would die without ever getting up from his bed.

Joram
He was the ninth king of Israel and also a son of Ahab. Although he did evil in the Lord’s eyes he did not follow the ways of his father, removing the sacred stones of Baal made by him. He did hold to the ways of Jeroboam. In the battle against king Hazael, at Ramoth Gilead, he was wounded and later killed by Jehu a commander in Israel’s army.

JehoramHe was the fifth king of Judah and the son of Jehoshaphat. He married a daughter of Ahab and followed in his evil ways. During his reign Edom rebelled against Judah and Libnah also revolted. Because of the sake of David, God allowed Judah to remain intact.

Ahaziah
He was the sixth king of Judah and the son of Jehoram. He too followed the evil ways of Ahab, being related by marriage. His reign lasted only one year where he was also killed at the command of Jehu along with Joram.

Jehu
He was the tenth king of Israel who came to power in a coup, ordained by God to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophets. Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint him king and commission him in the destruction of the house of Ahab. After dealing with both Joram and Ahaziah; he went on to see that Jezebel and every surviving member of Ahab’s family, relatives, servants, priests, and chief men were put to death. This was done to fulfill the word of the Lord as spoken through Elijah. In addition he also slaughtered forty-two relatives of Ahaziah, who had married into Ahab’s family, leaving no survivor in Israel. There were still members of his royal family; direct lines from David in Judah.

In a master plan set up as a great sacrifice and assembly, Jehu, also called together the entire assembly of priest and ministers of Baal and slaughtered them at once in their temple. He then destroyed the temple of Baal that Ahab had built. Jehu however did not follow the Lord entirely, keeping some of the ways of Jeroboam. God allowed his house to remain on the throne for four generations.

AthaliahShe was the mother of Ahaziah and daughter of Ahab. In order to seize power after learning her son was dead, she began to destroy the entire royal family. She became queen of Judah; however Joash a young son of Ahaziah was hidden away and saved from death. Johosheba, the daughter of king Jehoram, protected him. She was Ahaziah’s sister and the boy’s aunt who, together with his nurse placed them in the temple of the Lord under the care of Jehoiada the high priest. When Joash was seven years old, Jehoiada anointed and crowned him king of Judah. Athaliah was then executed.

Joash
He was the seventh king of Judah and the son of Ahaziah. Jeoiada was his teacher and mentor; as long as he was alive, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He started work on the rebuilding of the temple. He was murdered by Jozabad and Jehozabad; two of his officials.

JehoahazHe was the eleventh king of Israel and son of Jehu. He continued to follow the ways of Jeroboam and do evil in the Lord’s eyes. Because of this God continued to allow Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad to have power over Israel. Later he saught the Lord’s favor and God provided relief, even though they kept Asherah poles. During this time the army was reduced to nothing.

JehoashHe was the twelfth king of Israel and son of Jehoahaz. He too followed the evil ways of Jeroboam. He received a prophecy from Elisha before the prophet died concerning victory over Aram, but because he only struck the ground three times his victories were limited to that number. He also made war with Amaziah king of Judah.

AmaziahHe was the eighth king of Judah and the son of Joash following his example. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord but not to the standard of David. The high places remained and the people continued to sacrifice there. He executed the officials that murdered his father but spared there sons as written in the book of the law. He captured Sela from the Edomites and named it Joktheel. In his arrogance he challenged king jehoash of Israel who tried to talk him down. Amaziah wouldn’t listen and was routed by Israel, his men fleeing. Jehoash captured him and then went and broke down the wall of Jerusalem taking the temple and palace treasures along with hostages back to Samaria. He survived king Jehoash by fifteen years but a conspiracy caused him to flee from Jerusalem to Lachish where he was caught up with and killed.

Jeroboam II
He was the thirteenth king of Israel and the son of Jehoash also following the ways of Jeroboam the first, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. He restored the boundaries of Israel from Lebo-Hamath to the Sea of Arabah to fulfill God’s Word spoken through Jonah the prophet of Nineveh fame. God allowed him to be a savior of Israel because of their cries and suffering.

AzariahHe was the ninth king of Judah and son of Amaziah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord but also allowed the high places and the people’s sacrifices. Stricken with leprosy he lived outside the palace and his son Jotham took charge of it as well as the people of the land. (Also known as Uzziah)

ZechariahHe was the fourteenth king of Israel and the son of Jeroboam II. He did evil as his father had done and only reigned for six months. He was assassinated in front of the people by Shallum, son of Jabesh fulfilling the word spoken to Jehu.

ShallumAfter gaining the throne he became the fifteenth king of Israel for a total of one month. Menahem son of Gadi, attacked him in Samaria, killed him and succeeded him as king.

MenahemHe then became the sixteenth king of Israel following the ways of Jeroboam and doing evil. On his way up to Samaria from Tirzah to kill Shallum, he attacked Tiphsah because the city refused to open its gates. He sacked the people of the city and the surrounding vicinity ripping open all the pregnant woman. When Pul, king of Assyria invaded he extracted money from Israel to pay the king for support to help strengthen his hold on the kingdom.

Pekahiah
He was the seventeenth king of Israel and the son of Menahem doing evil in the ways of Jeroboam. He was assassinated along with Argob and Arieh, his guards in the royal palace at Samaria. Pekah, one of his chief officers took fifty men of Gilead with him in a conspiracy to gain the throne.

Pekah
He was the eighteenth king of Israel and the son of Remaliah. He also followed the ways of Jeroboam doing evil. During his reign Tiglath-Pilesar, King of Assyria took Ijon, Abel, Beth, maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, and Hazor. He also took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali and deported the people to Assyria. Hoshea the son of Elah plotted against him and assassinated him to become king.

JothamHe was tenth king of Judah and the son of Azaria (Uzziah). He followed in his father’s ways doing right in the sight of the Lord but still allowed people to worship in the high places. He rebuilt the upper gate of the temple of the Lord.

AhazHe was the eleventh king of Judah and the son of Jotham. Unlike David or his father he did evil, following the ways of the kings of Israel. He sacrificed his son in the fire and used the high places for worship. After making a successful stand to resist king Rezin of Aram and king Pekah of Israel, he formed an alliance with with Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria by giving him the silver and gold from the palace and the temple of the Lord. He had lost Elath in the siege on Jerusalem to king Rezin and Edomites had moved into the land. Assyria’s king then attacked Damascus, killed king Rezin and deported its residents to Kir. He also made defiant changes in the temple of the Lord including replacement of the altar.

Hoshea
He was the nineteenth king of Israel and the last. He was the son of Elah and had been a vassal of king Shalmaneser but was found to be a traitor. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord but not like the kings who preceded him. After learning that he had sent envoys to Egypt, the Assyrian king seized and imprisoned him; then he invaded the entire land and lay siege to Samaria for three years. In the ninth year of king Hoshea’s reign, Samaria was captured and the Israelites were deported to Assyria. Shalmaneser settled them Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River and in the towns of the Medes.


The Northern Kingdom Was Lost

A close look at the lives of these kings and the people they were responsible for, stands as a timeless lesson for all. I included this listing in its order with brief descriptions as a quick reference. This is an important part of history; not just for Israelites or Jews, but for all. In some way the world has been affected by the events that took place here; directly or indirectly. From a religious standpoint, the major world practices take their beginnings here. God wanted attention then and He’s still commanding it. His Word is true, His name is still there, and He is a lasting presence still.

An understanding of these events also sheds light on the present day occurrences in the Middle East as well as with world events. It gives insight to the cultures, their passions, and the reasons behind their feelings for their views. If we don’t know where we come from we will never see clearly which way to go… and how can we say for certain where we are.

We watched as God took one man and turned him into a nation. We also saw that nation transformed into a kingdom; a great kingdom that was given notice by the world. All of this greatness was given for Israel because of their God and His Will to do it. Where God should have been glorified… He was rejected. Where He should have been respected… He was ignored. Pride truly does come before the fall.

In spite of the rejection, opportunity was provided time and time again; through the law and the many reminders of it through the prophets and faithful kings. If you can’t extract God’s effort toward developing relationship then at least draw wisdom from the signs and historic examples that result from folly.

One thing is certain, truth never becomes a lie. The truth of righteous living is tested and proven in the rise and fall of Israel. God requires us to be righteous; Holy because He is Holy. We have only to look to Him to see the greatness that is possible when this is accepted. On the other hand, we can look at the list of kings for many examples of what to expect when the practice of righteousness is rejected. Learn from this piece of history and the accounts of the kings. They offer an important example of why we should choose to follow Our Lord. A reminder in the Words of Christ…


John 14:11 (NIV)
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.


This Week

Give yourself a pat on the back, we are a third of the way… good job. This week takes a look at the fall of the southern kingdom, the exile and captivity, and the reentry into Jerusalem. The books of Chronicles go into details omitted from Samuel and the Kings but for the most part it will be a review. Just as the Bible itself reviews the incidents, I’m urging you all to study these accounts as they are keys in the central understanding of Biblical themes and teachings. It’s about attitude and behavior, about accepting God and His directions, and about living so that you can have a life to live.

Remember there is always something to be gained no matter what… and there is plenty on the horizon. Please continue your quest to finish in “90 Days”, and be encouraged… you are not alone.


Reminders

The Daily Readings are posted here… BibleGateway

The Alternate Reading plan for this week
June / July – Fifth Week:
Day 29 – 2 Kings – 6 – 17
Day 30 – 2 Kings – 18 –- 1 Chronicles - 2
Day 31 – 1 Chronicles – 3 – 11
Day 32 – 1 Chronicles – 12 – 25 (July 1st)
Day 33 – 1 Chronicles – 26 –- 2 Chronicles - 10
Day 34 – 2 Chronicles - 11 – 26
Day 35 – 2 Chronicles -- 27 – Ezra - 2


Revelation 1:19 (NIV)
"Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.

Blessings,
Matt.