Jan Young
www.jansbiblenotes.comI & II KINGSI KINGS
The writer of I and II Kings is unknown, but Jewish tradition points to Jeremiah. I and II Kings were written as one book, continuing Israel's history from I and II Samuel, which was also written as one book.
Main events in I and II Kings: David's death, Solomon becomes king, the building of the temple, the split into two kingdoms--Israel and Judah--with the focus more on Israel, idolatry, God speaking through prophets, the downfall and captivity of both kingdoms. I and II Chronicles covers this same period, focusing more on David and Judah--the southern kingdom and the tribe of David. Kings takes us from David's death to the Babylonian captivity--about 400 years.
We continue to follow what line through the Old Testament? The line of David leads to the Messiah. How do you suppose all these kings stack up to David?
Looking at this entire period of kings, is this section in the Bible just to give us a boring history lesson? What might God be showing us? Can man rule himself successfully, even with God’s Law to help? The different dispensations show man that, apart from God, he is incapable of doing right, no matter what circumstances God puts him in. But even when men sin and fail, is God still working in and through them to accomplish His purposes? We find this principle throughout the Bible. As we look at the stories of individuals, we want to also keep the big picture in mind.
CHAPTER 1
1-4 David is old. He had wives and concubines, but she was a nurse and this was accepted medical practice of the day, continued thru Middle Ages. We are told of her because she figures in the story to come.
5-10 Who is in line to be king? Amnon the firstborn was dead. Chileab the secondborn is not mentioned so he has probably died. Absalom the third was dead; Adonijah was fourth. 6, why are these three things told to us? Even though David’s story is over, we learn more about him from his son. Is today's approach to child-raising new and progressive? What happens when you try to make your child's life pleasant by never crossing them? If a child doesn't learn to yield to parental authority, what have they been set up for? A commentator points out a clue to David’s possible relationship with his father, I Sam. 16:11; how might this have set him up to be an indulgent father? We are told he is handsome, as we were told about Absalom; why is that important to the story? We are not told this about Solomon, although he is described as such in SOS; David and his sons had good looks--a blessing or a curse? 7-10, what is going on? Again, intrigue, scheming, and disloyalty to David. 8, those loyal to David. This takes place a couple hundred yards from the city gate.
11-32 Is David aware what is going on in his kingdom--is he even a functioning king? David’s promise to her is not recorded, and we didn't read God's promise in II Samuel, but in the parallel account in Chronicles, we find that before Solomon was born, God named him and promised him the kingdom, I Chr. 22:9-10. Compare II Sam. 12:24. David had other sons from other wives; Bathsheba was the wife taken in sin--what does God's choice of this child say about sin, forgiveness, grace, and God's ways?
Would Adonijah have done this behind David's back if it was not known? Wouldn't he have come to David? So it was a coup. Why would their lives be in danger, 12? New kings often killed all rivals to the throne. According to the Law, two witnesses were required to confirm a pledge, so Nathan arranges for them both to hear David confirm this.
32-40 David makes good on his promise about Solomon; the high priest anoints him. The spring of Gihon is about a half mile from Enrogel and visible from there. The king’s mule would be recognized by its kingly trappings--the presidential motorcade! Benaiah is frequently mentioned as being over the P’s and C's--elite troops, who protected the king, his family, the city. 34, live forever: an expression often found in the Bible, wishing God’s blessing of long life on that person.
41-48 Adonijah gets the bad news; change of plan.
49-53 His supporters' lives are now in danger. Compare Exo. 21:12-14, he seeks sanctuary. He asks for mercy; a new king often kills all his brothers as potential rivals, and this brother has just tried to usurp the throne. Solomon begins his reign by showing mercy, but one wrong move and that will change.
As we transition from David's reign to Solomon's reign, we see that David and Solomon, while flawed and sinful humans, together typify Christ the king. They are given a great deal of attention: the story of their lives and reigns, their writings, God's promises to them of the throne and the kingdom forever. David typifies the first coming, Solomon the second. David is not accepted as king at first, is later accepted by his brethren, then eventually by all. In his first anointing, he is revealed as king in God's plan, paralleling Christ's baptism; David's second anointing as king over Judah his brethren parallels the rapture; his third as king over the nation parallels Christ's second coming for His kingdom. David is the shepherd king, victorious and conquering through bloodshed, a man after God's own heart, knowing rejection and humiliation, Isa. 53:3. He prepares the building of the temple, John 14:2. How does Solomon typify the second coming? II Sam. 7:8-16, I Kings 3:9-14, 10:7-9, 23-24. The reign of peace, the temple--God dwelling with man. The bridegroom/king of SOS and his many Gentile wives pictures Christ the bridegroom and His Gentile bride, the church; wisdom, wealth, honor, greatness forever. Israel's golden age under God pictures the eternal kingdom.
CHAPTER 2
1-9 David’s charge to Solomon. 2, why would David feel the need to tell him this? Had Solomon been raised outdoors, herding and protecting flocks, like his father? Raised in a harem? he was young, about 18. When David became king, he already had what experiences that had toughened him?
3-4 David's charge to his son, Deut. 17:18-20. Had David obeyed? Is he warning of the consequences of not obeying?
5-9 How to handle certain men from David’s reign. Now we finally see how David really feels about Joab, Shimei. Wrongs are now to be made right. Why doesn't he mention Joab's killing of Absalom? Even though he resented Joab doing it, was that the shedding of innocent blood? David himself had not punished Joab because he had been loyal to David. He had made an oath not to harm Shimei, but Solomon is not bound by that oath. When you reap what you have sown, does it always happen right away?
10-12 David dies, at about 70; Solomon is king, at about 18-20. Solomon has been ruling as co-regent for a couple years.
15 He says the kingdom was his, meaning he is the oldest son, yet he knows this is of the Lord.
13-22 He approaches Solomon's mother with his devious request; she would have been considered part of David’s harem, and taking possession of one of the king’s harem was equivalent to making a claim for the throne. Why didn't he ask for the others? They were old women! Why does he go to Bathsheba? Is he seeing if he can play Solomon? Does Solomon seem weak and indecisive--is that why David charged him to be strong and show himself a man? Is she naive here, or does he think she might be but it turns out she is not? She takes the request to Solomon: a sympathetic naive request, or knowing this seals Adonijah's fate and will remove him as a threat to her son? 22, Solomon confirms that this is another coup attempt by these three, to steal the kingdom. They will all now be dealt with.
23-25 Adonijah is executed. It was customary in that culture to put to death all other sons, as they pose a potential threat to the throne. Solomon was now the Lord’s anointed; he was carrying out his duty to protect that office.
26-27 Abiathar, the disloyal priest, is dismissed but not executed. This ends the line of Eli, as prophesied; did Eli see the prophecy fulfilled? In a few chapters we will see Abiathar again serving as priest with Zadok, so this dismissal from his duties was a temporary punishment but did not remove from him the office of priest.
28-35 Joab seeks sanctuary, but it was for manslayers not murderers, so he is executed right there; justice must be done, innocent blood must be avenged. Benaiah replaces Joab over the army. Zadok is now the priest.
36-46 Solomon deals with Shimei; he is put on probation, breaks probation, and is executed. What he did was also evil.
46 So, 2, does he do this? David had been a man of bloodshed and battle before he became king; not so, Solomon. David was concerned that he be tough enough to do what was necessary. So is Solomon a bloodthirsty man? Or carrying out God's laws, including capital punishment when required? He gets off to a strong start, firms up the kingdom, establishes his authority.
We see Solomon living in his father's shadow, and kind of living his father's life. David was the hero, famous for his exploits. He handed the kingdom to his son, as well as the mandate and plans for the temple. He was the man after God's own heart, who God upheld as the model for Solomon--kind of like living in the shadow of a smart successful over-achieving big brother. I wonder how this made Solomon feel, and if it contributed to his later spiritual failings.
CHAPTER 3
1-2 David disobeyed God's plan for marriage by having multiple wives, but they were all Jewish; how does Solomon stray farther from God's plan for marriage? Why would he do this--why did kings take foreign wives? We wonder how Israel felt about an Egyptian queen. Was her lavish home at her insistence--this was not also done for his other wives? But what were God's directions for the nation's security from enemies? The palace and the temple; perhaps this account is not in chronological order, as Chronicles mentions the Egyptian wife later. Later we read that Solomon reigned 40 years; what can we conclude from I Kings 14:21? Rehoboam 41, so Solomon already had a wife; she is not mentioned here, but since he speaks of "my wife" in I Chr. 8:11, perhaps his first wife had died--Rehoboam's Jewish mother?
3-9 Solomon's love for God. What important word is in the middle of 3? High places: pagan Canaanite practice. Does this disqualify him from God’s favor? Is sinlessness required? Might we all have some level of compromise in our lives? The tabernacle was located at Gibeon I Chr. 16:39. Why would God do this, 5, and why for this particular man? Does God say this to anyone else in the Bible? John 15:7, but with what condition? What difference does that make? In Bible days, God sometimes spoke to people in dreams and visions, to key people, that had to do with key events in His plan. Are we to look for dreams and visions? Why not? We have the entire Bible--everything He has to say has been said. What do we learn about Solomon in 6-9?
10-14 Does this imply that some of our requests are more pleasing to God than others? Does God sometimes give us more than we asked for? 14, one more thing, with a condition. This promise from Deut. 30:15-20 was one of several Old Testament promises for obedience. Did he receive that reward, 11:42? We read of his wisdom in what books he wrote? 14, what is the standard? From here on, we will hear much of this standard, especially as that by which God judges the future kings. Who had been the standard in the earlier part of the Old Testament? Abraham. He is held up for his what? Faith. David is held up as the one who walked with God in all his ways. Was Abraham's faith perfect? Was David's walk perfect? Is either a "giant of the faith"? Interestingly, the one or possibly two Old Testament characters who might qualify as giants of the faith are not held up over and over as the standard--who are those? Daniel, and maybe Joseph. So who are the three key figures in the Old Testament? Abraham, the man of faith, and the Abrahamic Covenant; David, the man who walked with God, who had a heart for God, and the Davidic Covenant; and Moses, Israel's deliverer, and the Mosaic Law and the Mosaic covenant.
15-28 The ark is where? Solomon’s famous decision: the two mothers and the dead child. Solomon dispensed justice for even what type of people, 16? How do the people feel about him?
CHAPTER 4
1-19 Solomon’s officials. 2, Abiathar, who was disciplined back in 2:27, still serves as priest. 6, forced labor would be from non-Jewish people among them. 7-19, taxation, based not on tribal boundaries but on geographical regions. Judah and Jerusalem are not mentioned; what might we conclude? Perhaps Solomon's tribe was exempted? Might this contribute to resentment that might later feed into the north-south division to come?
20-28 "Every man under his vine and his fig tree”: figurative statement, found in other places also, referring to peace and prosperity. Fig/vine often symbolize what in the Bible? Israel, Hos. 9:10, 10:1, Jer. 24:5, Mat. 21:19. This is why many believe Mat. 24:32-34 gives us a timeline clue for endtimes events--that Jesus is referencing the generation that sees Israel become a nation, May 14, 1948, that they will see "all these things" that Jesus just spoke of. The other question becomes, how long is a generation? It obviously wasn’t 40 as some were saying in the 70s-80s, nor has it turned out to be 70, as per Psa. 90:10, but it may yet prove to be 80, if the rapture happens by May 14, 2021. Eze. 37 tells how one day the nation Israel will return to life, 1-14, and be back in the land to inherit the promised kingdom, 15-28. This process seems to have begun in 1948.
"The River" is what? the Euphrates. The area described encompassed more than just the nation Israel--Solomon's reign included surrounding kingdoms that were under Israel's protection and so paid tribute/taxes. The kingdom had been conquered by his father; because of his father, he experienced peace and prosperity. Do we see a parallel for us? 22-23 doesn't specify just his personal household, so may include a large population of those eating at the government trough, like today.
40,000 horses, 26, is rendered 4,000 in II Chr. 9:25; could be a copyist error, or somehow both could be correct, but archaeological excavations support 4,000. Compare Deut. 17:16-17, why? Maintaining a large military was a strategy for peace, like marrying a foreign wife. 27, taxation.
29-34 None was like him, ever. What is spoken of seven times? Mat. 7:24, 13:54, Luke 2:40, 52, I Cor. 1:24, 30, Col. 1:28, 3:16. Solomon in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes writes far more about wisdom than any other Bible writer. It is said that in many places in Proverbs, you could replace "wisdom" with "Christ."
CHAPTER 5
This chapter is about building, but what key words can we see here? The house (of the Lord), wise/wisdom, peace, rest. The Lebanon cedars were legendary, growing to 130 feet high, with wood that was highest quality and exceptionally durable. The forced labor was the non-Israeli's among them.
David had wanted to build a house for God but God said no, II Sam. 7:1-17. I Chr. 22:8, 28:3 tell why. David had been a warrior-king and his hands had shed much blood. Solomon inherited the kingdom David had conquered and his hands were not bloody. There were no wars during his reign--he was a man of peace.
CHAPTER 6
1 establishes important chronology; with Solomon's reign from 971 to 931 BC, the exodus would be about 1446 BC. II Chr. 3:1 tells that the temple was built on Mt. Moriah, where what events happened? David purchased it to build an altar and sacrifice in II Sam. 24:18-25, Abraham sacrificed Isaac, and Christ was crucified. So what can we know about how God feels about this spot? The temple is ornate--why?--and twice as large as the tabernacle. How important is a beautiful place of worship today? What is the key takeaway from this chapter? 11-13, what kind of promise? conditional. How did God dwell among them? In the Holy of Holies, He met with them at the what, where what was put on what part?
CHAPTER 7
Solomon's palace, 1-12, which was larger than the temple. Compare 8 with II Chr. 8:11--apparently because she was not of Israel but foreign? Hiram, 13 (not the Hiram of 5:1), does the bronze work for the temple, 13-47. 23 is often attacked by critics as proof of not knowing the value of pi, but the figures here are obviously round figures, so no problem. 48-51, the inner furnishings of the temple made, everything completed. The Bible does not tell us what became of the original tabernacle.
CHAPTER 8
1-21, what key item is installed? What results? Today we do not have this cloud but compare Acts 2:1-4, I Cor. 6: 19-20. 5, what key activity takes place at the temple? 14-15, Solomon blesses who and who? How do we bless God? With words of recognition.
22-40 Solomon's prayer of dedication of the new temple (the longest prayer recorded in the Bible). 22-26, how does he begin his prayer? Why remind God of His promises? Do we see Bible people praying with heads bowed, eyes closed, and hands folded or palms together, fingers up? 27-30, this PLACE was and is important for the Jews; is place important to the church? What has changed? The Bible speaks of three heavens: where the birds are, where the heavenly bodies are, and where God resides on His throne. But He is also omni-what? How? Through the Holy Spirit. 31-53, when Israel obeys, what results? And when they disobey? Is this the same for the church? Are we under the Law--the blessings and curses of Mosaic and Palestinian covenants? 39, what does God know? So He is omni-what? Besides omnipresent and omniscient, He is also omni-what? Omnipotent. (Those words are not found in the Bible; we use them to describe God.)
41-52, was salvation just for the Jews? Were they to be missionaries? Why must foreigners who revered the true God come there--what could only happen there? What is different for the church, Mat. 28:18-20? Why is the gospel not tied to one location now? 46, what key Bible truth? Where in Romans is this repeated? 3:23. 47, here is the first use of "repent" in the sense of repenting of sin; it has been used previously to speak of having a change of mind. Did the possibilities Solomon prayed about actually take place?
53-66, Solomon finishes his prayer of dedication; what is implied by the king kneeling before God? How did he refer to himself in this prayer, 28 etc? He blesses the people--pronounces a benediction on them. 57, do we need to pray this? What has changed? 58, is this really God's job, or is this ours--our own choices, our free will? Does Solomon's heart stay true to God? Does that mean God didn't answer this prayer? This is like praying for "revival," as if it is up to God rather than us to choose to be in His Word, to pray and to walk with Him. 60, Israel is the keeper of God’s revelation to man, but was it for the Gentiles also? In the New Testament, do we see them welcoming Gentiles? Why did they struggle with this? 61, did the people, or Solomon himself, do this? 62-66, feasting and sacrifice; 66, now who blesses who? So what does that mean?
Israel is finally in the promised land, living in peace and plenty, at peace with her enemies, as God had promised. Solomon’s reign was Israel's golden age. This was Israel's spiritual high point. The building of God's house was probably the next most spiritually significant event since the exodus. Did either event result in continued obedience? In chapter 11 we will see what changes.
CHAPTER 9
1-9, God’s reply to Solomon; He repeats the Davidic covenant. How important was that place, 3? Who is the standard, 4? What is God's assessment of David? We just studied David's life in II Samuel; we saw how human he was, so this helps us see what God is after. Perfection? Never making poor choices? What DOES God want? To be first in our hearts, regardless of the fact we will often stumble and fumble. For us to walk with Him, to have integrity, to follow Him to the best of our ability. And because God is speaking to people under the law, faith must be accompanied by what? Keeping all the law. We are not under the law in the church age; we are saved by faith alone, without the works of the law. But does God still desire that we walk uprightly with integrity? What does if/then tell us? We see that Israel's king is both a religious and political leader.
10-28 Solomon apparently is cheap--or maybe shrewd?--in paying Hiram for the building materials he supplied. Why on earth would Solomon give away some of Israel's land? Does this seem wise? Solomon extends the size of the city of Jerusalem and the wall, and fortifies three strategic cities, 15. We see the distinction between the native Israelites and the other peoples among them who were slaves; what had God originally commanded Israel to do regarding the Canaanites? Drive them out. We only hear of Pharaoh's daughter referred to as Solomon's wife, so even though later we read of his many wives, she must have been the main one. Yet when his son Rehoboam becomes king after him, we read that she is not his mother.
CHAPTER 10
1-10 The Queen of Sheba’s visit concerned what, 1, 4, 6? As the story of the two mothers illustrated Solomon’s great wisdom, so this story illustrates his great wealth as well as wisdom. Testing with riddles was a common practice in the Orient; she probably asked him difficult questions regarding diplomacy. This was the height of Israel's splendor; as we consider David and Solomon's reigns as picturing the Messiah, what does this tell us about the coming kingdom? Might 6-10 be prophetic? What will God's king do, 9? This is said of both David and Solomon, again picturing the Messiah. How does Jesus apply this story in Mat. 12:42?
11-29 Solomons's great wealth and wisdom. 23, other great nations at this time were Egypt and Assyria but Israel at this time was greater. 24-25 again seem to point to whom? 26-29, why might we raise our eyebrows at this? Deut. 17:16, why was Israel not to depend on horses or chariots?
Sheba was Sabea, or modern Yemen--southern Arabia. This was a long trip, 1200 miles. Her name was Balkir. Tradition says that she had a son by Solomon, Menelik, the founder of the royal Ethiopian line, known as the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia, that ruled Ethiopia for almost three thousand years, ending with Haile Selassie in the 1900's. Tradition also says that Solomon gave him the ark of the covenant as a gift; today Ethiopian Christians claim that it is located in a church in Aksum.
CHAPTER 11
A pivotal chapter.
1-8 What two words in 1 have flashing neon lights? Compare Solomon's own prayer, 8:57-61, and Deut. 7:1-5, 17:17, 23:3-6. Did Solomon reject God, abandon his faith? Was his whole life characterized by idolatry? Does compromise often happen slowly? A little rationalization here, then there. Did he have his father's weakness for women? It was a thorn on David's side, but it was his son's downfall. Did David get involved in idolatry? Ashtoreth worship involved sex, star worship. Molech: human sacrifice, children. Chemosh: similar. 7, the Mount of Olives. Solomon was either a romantic or crazed by lust, or both. Song of Solomon reveals that he did once know true love, perhaps with his first wife, which might have been his son Rehoboam's mother or more likely Pharaoh's daughter. How much time could he possibly spend with all those women, or his many children? Did his great wisdom extend to his personal life? Did his personal life eventually impact the nation? He started out strong for God but compromised over time.
9-13 The plot changes course. "Because you...I will..." Who will the kingdom be given to? Judah referred to here as one tribe, but is actually comprised of Judah and the small tribe of Benjamin. So God made a great promise to David--the Davidic covenant--and repeated it to Solomon; did Solomon's sins negate it? No. What tribe was David from? Where was Jerusalem and the temple located? Would these stay in the control of David's line? So these are central to the covenant. Some commentators dispute whether Solomon was truly saved--what would you say? Do you think God would include three books in the Bible written by an unbeliever, an ungodly man?
Following the exodus, Israel sinned continually but their leader was faithful. Here, do we read that Israel was faithless or disobedient? Who was? We will find as we go through the kings that God judged the nation according to the obedience of the king--why?
14-25 All is not well in the kingdom. 14, 23, did this just "happen"? Did God "make" them do this? 16 probably refers to men of war. Why were these two men enemies? Hatred of David and Joab and desire for revenge.
26-39 Unlike the other two adversaries, Jeroboam is of Israel, of what tribe? Ephraim was the largest and strongest of the 10 northern tribes. Who was Ephraim? One of the two sons of Joseph, Gen. 48, the one that Jacob blessed as becoming greater even though he was the younger. What was the reason for his rebellion? Forced labor was reserved for foreign people within Israel, but now includes who? And Jeroboam is made to be over them--his own kinsmen! So the seeds of rebellion are planted in his tribe. The northern kingdom that begins under Jeroboam will often be referred to simply as Ephraim because that was the primary tribe. So in effect the northern and southern kingdom are the tribe of Joseph and the tribe of Judah, the two most important of Jacob's twelve sons. God promises what in 36? He offers what in 38? Jeroboam could have even had a promise similar to David’s, if he followed God. Because of Solomon’s idolatry, the kingdom will be split, his son will only have Judah and Jerusalem, Jeroboam will get Israel. How sad. How does 33 define worship by contrast? This is how we worship God. In Dan. 3: yield, serve, give our bodies to. In Rom. 12:1, our bodies are a living sacrifice.
40-43 Can anyone thwart God's plans, 40? Solomon dies. There are other records besides those books included in the Bible. We see a man who started out close to God but also who played more and more with idolatry. God blessed Solomon with prosperity, but what does that often lead to? He trusted in wealth, wisdom, and military might. So how did he measure up to the standard--his father? We will find out more about Solomon in Chronicles, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. If we were reading chronologically, we’d read those now. In the Chronicles, we will read again of David and Solomon. Interestingly, the accounts are not exactly the same. In Kings we read of their personal failings and sins; Chronicles skips over many of those, such as Bathsheba, the problems with David's children, Solomon’s many wives and his resulting idolatry. Perhaps in Kings we see the human point of view, and in Chronicles we will see them more from God’s point of view, as godly, forgiven, righteous men.
CHAPTER 12
1-15 Rehoboam becomes king after his father's death; all those wives but we read of no other sons in contention for the throne as with David. Or perhaps there were but that story is not essential to the plot. Now we will see how the prophesied split happens. Does God force His will on us, or use man's own free will and choices to bring about His plans? in history, in our lives? Is God testing our faith in every choice? Is Satan tempting at the same time? But Self is responsible--we make a choice. So again, as we saw in II Sam. 24, all three are involved--God, self, Satan.
Shechem was in the center of the kingdom and was the site of other important events in Israel's history; or perhaps Rehoboam chose it over Jerusalem to appease the northern tribes. 4, now we see how Solomon got what he had, and how the people felt about it. Was Rehoboam willing to be a servant leader, 7? Perhaps Solomon had concerns in his old age about how wise his son was, compare Eccl. 2:18-19. Do people who want to do what they want ignore advice they don't like and look till they find advice that justifies what they want to do? Does he have David's heart? Did Solomon, really? Scorpions: a cruel whip with metal bits. 15, did God make him? Does this verse relate to today's news, even evil? Does God still work in spite of our wrong choices?
16-24 David/Jesse refers to a bloodline, a tribe. Israel rebels against their harsh king, but why does the tribe of Judah stay loyal to him? That is the tribe of his birth--the tribe of David. Judah is actually the two southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem its capital; Israel is the ten northern tribes, a much larger area, and Samaria would later become its capital, in its center. When did we first see Judah standing against the rest of Israel? II Sam. 2:4, 11, 5:1-3. We also saw this division with Absalom's rebellion. This division now becomes formalized. We will also find that sometimes the name Israel refers to the ten tribes, and sometimes to the entire nation, so we must read carefully and note the context. 22, the man of God is a prophet.
When God gave the land to Abraham and his descendants, did He say it was two lands, two nations? Did He give its boundaries? So what might we conclude about the northern tribes breaking away--this dividing of the land? Is this God's plan, His will? Even though God engineered this because of Solomon's sins? Does the Bible record God often adjusting His plan A to fit the situation--so on to plan B, or C? Does any of that thwart His Big Plan? The Old Testament records history without much editorializing; we are left to compare Scripture with Scripture and draw conclusions. So what might we guess about the future of the nation? The future reuniting of the land under the Messiah is one of the themes of prophecy.
25-33 The sin of Jeroboam will be referred to frequently in the future; what is it? What was he afraid of, 26-27? So he does what? He makes what other arrangements for worship, contrary to the Law. Do the golden calves represent pagan gods? No, but like in Exo. 32:4, were to be a visible representation of the God that did what? Golden calf in both Dan/north and Bethel/south, another system of priests, sacrifice, and feasts--a similar but false worship system, not under the Law of Moses but similar--anything like this today? False worship of God, changed "man's way." What is the key phrase in 33? Why do many accept it?
As we read through the period of the kings of Israel and Judah, we find that while some of the kings of Judah did right, all the kings of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. Now we see why; under this religious system, was it possible that any obeyed God? The land is divided, but God has designated the capital and the temple--the only acceptable place of worship--to be where? Israel has no godly kings--it is an impossibility. We read elsewhere that those in Israel who were faithful to God left and settled in Judah, possibly one reason why Judah’s judgment came later than Israel’s. Some speak of the ten lost tribes of Israel, after they later go into captivity, but members of all the tribes will be represented in Judah.
The two key verses in this chapter set the stage for Israel's future: 19 and 28. From now on, we will be given some of Israel’s history, then some of Judah’s, back and forth. Things go downhill. The period of the kings will end in both Israel and Judah being removed from Israel/Canaan/the Promised Land. They will be taken into captivity--Israel by who? Assyria, and Judah by who? Babylon--as God’s punishment for their disobedience and idolatry.
CHAPTER 13
1-5 A prophet comes from Judah, the location of true worship, to where? which is the southern of the two centers of what in Israel? Who was there, to do what? Whose job is it to burn incense on the altar? But was Israel following the Law? Does the prophet speak to the king, who created this false worship? Is his message repentance and warning, or judgment? Jeroboam's arm is paralyzed; why does he put out his hand? What is his attitude toward God?
This prophecy, given about 300 years in advance, was fulfilled when Josiah, a godly king of Judah, the southern kingdom, reformed worship not only in Judah, but he also went up to the northern kingdom after they had been taken into captivity and tore down the altars of false worship there, II Kings 23:15-20. A present-day sign was given to validate the future prophecy and to validate the God-given authority of the prophet.
6-10 What does the wicked king ask, 6? How is this hypocrisy? An offer of hospitality, in that day and custom, contained also the offer of one’s protection; the prophet rejected this offer, which would have put him in debt to Jeroboam. Is he an obedient prophet?
11-19 The first prophet was from where? The old prophet lives where? And Bethel was one of the two centers of what? Is he part of the false system? Or is he not, but he has compromised by staying? If he was a true and obedient prophet, wouldn't he be the one speaking to the king? What do we learn about his sons, and what more might we wonder about, 11? Why were they there? Why wasn't he with them? 18-19, we have questions about the old prophet: What was his motive? Was he moved by Satan to deceive the other prophet? Was he sent by God to test him? Would God tell him to lie? Was he riled or resentful about God using someone else, so that he had the wicked desire to get that prophet to be disobedient also, like himself? Was he cynical about it all?
We have questions about the first prophet: Why did he obey God in this matter before, but then disobey? Did he truly believe that, even though he had heard from God, this man had a word from the Lord that contradicted what God already told him, and that this man's word should supersede what God had told him? Did he think this man was a true prophet, even though he had compromised by staying in Israel under Jeroboam's false worship? The first prophet refuses to compromise with idolatry/false religion, yet falls into the trap of what other kind of false religion?
20-25 Now the old prophet truly gets a word from the Lord; what is different about this word than the other word? Thus says the Lord... Disobeyed: rebelled--not just a forgetful slip. Was he sent by God to test the other prophet's obedience? Would God use a prophet who had compromised by staying with Jeroboam? Would God tell him to lie? Or did he trick the first man out of his own jaded desires and then God used that? However it happened, was this a test from God for the first prophet because God knew his heart was divided? Might there be a clue why God might displeased? Maybe because, after God's judgment on Jeroboam, the prophet had then listened to J. and agreed to pray that he be healed? A lion, God’s judgment, was sent to the younger man, who would not be given a proper burial, which was very important to them.
How is this test relevant to us today? To do what or to do what? To stay true to God’s Word no matter what, or to believe what someone else claims is God’s Word, but which is different than what God already said. What will help us not to fall into this trap? Spiritual discernment. What is that? Is it a spiritual gift, which some teach isonly given to some, I Cor. 12:10? Or should all believers have it, Heb. 5:14? So how do you get it? What is the difference between discernment and the discerning of spirits?
26-32 Does the lion behave in a normal way? It is clearly being used by God; the Bible has a number of stories where an animal acts in obedience to God; why do we see no disobedient animals? Do animals have a sin nature, a free will which chooses sin or obedience? Only man. If man evolved from animals, how did this moral nature, which is not found in the animal kingdom, evolve? The old prophet confirms the message of the disobedient prophet. So why did God not use the old prophet, who lived there, to speak to J? Why did He have to bring someone from Judah? Was it because he himself had been a disobedient prophet so that God was no longer using him? We wonder about his backstory.
33-34 What tribe had God chosen to serve as priests? Did the message from God through the prophet change Jeroboam? The next chapter gives us the detailed account of how this happened.
Does God ever force people to obey, to change? What in particular about his false worship is mentioned, apparently being the main thing that was an affront to God? Why is that such a big deal? Could just anyone approach God, before the cross? Why? God is HOLY, and is to be treated as holy. What does “house of Jeroboam" refer to? As we read through the account of the kings in this book and the next, we will often see the phrase "the sins of Jeroboam." Just as David was the standard of good to which the kings are compared, so this is the standard of evil to which they are compared.
CHAPTER 14
Now that the stage has been set for the divided kingdom--David's line ruling Judah in the south, with the temple in Jerusalem, and wicked Jeroboam's line ruling Israel in the north with a false religion--from now on the account takes us back and forth between the two kingdoms, telling a little about each king, if he was good or evil, concluding with his death, the length of his reign, and his son who follows him, comparing the time frames of the parallel kingdoms. God will speak to these kings and kingdoms through a series of prophets, some sent to Judah, some to Israel, some well-known, some more obscure. We will read much about the ministries of Elijah, then Elisha, both sent to the wicked northern kingdom. Then we will see the "writing prophets"--the ones whose prophecies are recorded and grouped together in the last section of the Old Testament: the books of prophecy. The "major prophets" are the longer books: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel. The "minor prophets" are the twelve shorter books that follow. "Major/minor" does not speak of the importance of the prophets.
1-5 What is ironic here, that reveals J's lack of spiritual understanding? He believes the prophet is capable of supernatural knowledge of the child's future, but not of knowing who his wife really is.
6-16 Who was sent to whom, 6? How would you like to be the wife, repeating this message to your husband? The child will die; was 13 said because he was not yet at the age of accountability before God? Perhaps at whatever age he was, he had already showed he had a heart for God? How was his death actually a blessing? another will become king instead.
14-18 takes the prophecy beyond the immediate punishment--the child's death--to the future of the northern kingdom. Because of these sins, God will raise up a future king, a nation, to come against Israel and remove them from their land; who will eventually take them into captivity? Assyria, 300 years later. How could Jeroboam know for sure that this would take place? By the sign God was giving him--when his wife set foot in the city, the child would die.
19-20 Jeroboam dies. Both Kings and Chronicles refer to other historical accounts, which are no longer around and are not part of Scripture.
21-24 Meanwhile, what's been happening over in Judah? Solomon’s son Rehoboam reigns. Was his mother Jewish? Ammonites were not only enemies, but worshippers of Molech. Might she have contributed to the paganism that increased during her son’s reign? Why are we reminded that Jerusalem was “the city the Lord had chosen”? This was a reminder of the main problem going on: false worship at places God had NOT chosen, and God had NOT chosen Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom.
25-28 The temple is ransacked by king of Egypt. Why are we told specifically about the shields? Were the shields of gold for war? Then for what? For appearances. So they are replaced, kind of, and are put away after each appearance. What does this reveal to us about Rehoboam?
29-31 War between Israel and Judah, Rehoboam dies. Judah will now be ruled by Solomon's grandson, David's great-grandson. So Abijam is whose son? The parallel account in II Chronicles gives some additional details, and refers to the son as Abijah. Similar but different names are used in various places in the Bible, which can be confusing.
From these historical events, what have we learned about God that applies to the church, and to individual believers?
CHAPTER 15
1-8 Abijam, Rehoboam's son. The chronicle will continue to date each kingdom by who was king in the other kingdom. His mother's name is different in II Chron. and her father is listed as two different names. One of the confusing things in historical accounts is some names are common and used of various people, there are variant spellings of names, and family terms are often used loosely, for example, "father" could mean literal father or some earlier forbear.
What was his report card, 3? Is the line cut and dried between godly and evil? In the Old Testament, those who believed in the true and Living God, the Creator, the God of Abraham, were often referred to as the "godly" or the "righteous." They were required to demonstrate their faith by keeping God's Law--by living righteously. The Bible records their righteousness as well as their unrighteousness. Only God can judge their heart truly.
Now, in the church age, those who believe in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross are born again; we cannot be unborn, but are sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit the moment we place our faith in Christ. Our salvation in the church age is eternally secure; no other group of believers is given that blessing. Understanding this difference in the dispensation of Law compared to the dispensation of grace will help you understand the Old Testament better, and especially the history of the kings, as we are given the "report card" of each king. David is the standard for all the kings after him.
9-15 After Abijam's short reign, his son Asa becomes king; apparently "mother" here is grandmother, as she continued to be the queen mother. 12, father or fathers? His report card?
16-24 A little about Asa's reign. Much more about him in II Chronicles.
25-34 Who is Israel's next king, in the northern kingdom? His report card? Does Nadab's son become king next? What had God offered Jeroboam in 11:38? But what had then happened in the northern kingdom that would negate this offer and keep ANY of its future rulers from being followers of the true God? False system of worship, the sin of Jeroboam. But in Judah, they had the temple, etc., and were at least somewhat following God, although they didn’t do well, and mixed in other things. 29, how did God use Baasha? He becomes king; his report card? 34, is the king's sin just the king's sin?
Is idolatry a problem in the church, which is made up of all true believers?
CHAPTER 16
The rest of I Kings and the first half of II Kings will focus on Israel, the northern kingdom. The second half of II Kings and the parallel account of the period of the kings in II Chronicles focuses on Judah, the southern kingdom and Jerusalem, the tribe and the city that God had chosen.
1-7, the prophet Jehu, different from a later king Jehu, speaks God's message to Baasha. He was God’s instrument of judgment, but God holds HIM responsible for his wickedness in doing so, as well as being wicked in general. God shows us how our free will interplays with His sovereignty.
8-14 Baasha dies, son Elah reigns. How does he die? His report card, 13? Does his son become king next?
15-20 Is Zimri godly? Did God tell him to do this? Did it fulfill God’s plan?
21-28 Omri.
29-34 Ahab, Omri’s son. He is the very wicked king over Israel throughout the rest of this book; his wife is the wicked Jezebel, which also tells us something about Omri. Was Jezebel an Israelite? Her name means "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband to." Her father's name means "with Baal" or "living under the favor of Baal." So what does Ahab do? We see the fulfillment of Josh. 6:26.
CHAPTER 17
The prophet Elijah; his story continues throughout I Kings; in the beginning of II Kings, he is taken up, and Elisha takes his place. In contrast to Jezebel, guess what HIS name means? "My God is Jehovah."
1-7 Elijah is from the Israelites in Gilead--the territory of the tribe of Gad, on the east side of the Jordan. God sends him to Ahab with a message: the God of Israel is more powerful than their gods, and will prove it. Why? Deut. 11:16-17. It didn't rain for three and a half years, 18:1, James 5:17. Baal was the god of the sky, the weather. God tells him to go hide--why?--and that He will miraculously provide for him. This brook is also in Gilead, so Elijah returns to Gilead. Without rain, the water and food supply will be depleted. Ravens were unclean under the Law--what is God teaching him? God is building his faith for what will come. Do we see that happen in our lives? We don't know what God may be preparing us for. Does the plentiful water stop suddenly? What do you suppose Elijah thought as he watched it drying up?
8-16 Doesn't it seem odd that God sends him to a poor widow, not even an Israelite? What do you suppose he thinks when he arrives? What might be a lesson for us? Has God shown Himself to us in unexpected ways--our resources unexplainably stretched, or? Did God test her? Did she believe? What happened because of her faith? Might God sometimes provide just for our barebones needs like He did Elijah? The Lord's prayer, give us this day our...?
17-24 What false conclusion does she draw that Christians often do? Does everything always go great when following God’s leading? Have we ever seen one disaster and discouraging incident after another? Why, maybe? An opportunity to see God’s power, for faith to grow, to learn to stop leaning on self? These three experiences prepare Elijah to be used. Might we experience that which appears to us to be dried up, empty, dead? This is the first Bible incident of the dead raised to life.
CHAPTER 18
1-16 How much time has passed since 17:1? God sends Elijah to end the drought, through a series of events. Elijah heads off to see Ahab. First he meets Obadiah, so we get the back-story on him (this was a common name, the Bible mentions 13). His name means "worshipper of God." What was his position? What had Jezebel done? We don't know how many, but the implication is a lot. Prophets here probably does not denote men such as Elijah or Isaiah, but probably speaks of students of the Law, faithful godly spiritual leaders and teachers. So A&J not only institute and encourage Baal worship, along with the false religion begun by Jeroboam; they try to wipe out Jehovah-worship.
What do we learn from Obadiah' story? How could a godly Jew live in and rise to a high position in Ahab's court? Live a double life? Might there have been others like him? We might wonder why true believers didn't migrate down to Judah. We wonder if they stayed hoping to be an influence or be used by God? Were they cowardly, or didn't care all that much, or stayed because of family ties? Did they see themselves as stealth believers, undercover for God? What bold act had he done? He must have also continued to supply them with provisions. I wonder if they had to outwardly go along with the false worship or if others knew they followed God. I wonder if during the Tribulation some will take the mark, fearing the consequences of not doing so, but may help those who are followers of God. Might they need to be brave for the Lord? So coincidentally he and Elijah's paths cross? They knew each other. He is afraid for his life, but he obeys Elijah.
17-24 According to Ahab’s thinking, Israel’s drought and famine are whose fault? How does Elijah respond? Idol-worshippers were OK with many gods--except which one? How does 4 give context to 19? What does "eat at her table" mean? Government-sponsored religion. We wonder how many "all Israel" is. We wonder why Ahab agreed to these requests; perhaps he was sure Elijah was about to get his come-uppance from the furious Baal-worshippers whose god had not been able to bring them rain. Elijah challenges them; 21, were the people anti-God? Mix-n-match, like New Age. 22, Is Elijah forgetting about the 100 hidden prophets, or is he perhaps speaking of the office of prophet that speaks for God and had power from God? KJV translates "am left" as "remain"; perhaps he is saying that there he is, alone, in opposition to Baal's prophets. It does not say that God told him to do and say these things, but based on 17:1,2,8,14,18:1,36 I think we can assume the prophets did and said what was given to them by God, even if that is not mentioned every time.
25-40 A confrontation between who? Who is the confrontation primarily for, 17-18? What had prepared Elijah for this confrontation? It's interesting that pagans had the idea that their god demanded blood, as we even see pagans doing human sacrifice, child sacrifice; where did they get that idea? A remnant of the original truth about God that had been passed down and corrupted? How do the people respond to the test? Elijah mocks; 27 implies he is busy going to the bathroom. 30 gives a clue as to why this place. Elijah involves the people in his preparations. How many stones did he use? Not ten. How many pitchers of water? 36-37, the crux of the matter. The end of 37 takes us to what is said about him in Mal. 4:5-6, prophesying of a future time. The people acknowledge God, and Elijah has them kill the prophets of Baal. Any response from Ahab? We are not told he repented, nor that he did or said anything to Elijah.
41-46 What had to happen for the drought to end? Deut. 11:16-17. Yet we do not read of revival, of national repentance, here or in the future. No reason is given why God would supernaturally empower Elijah to outrun a chariot for 15-20 miles. It could also be translated "ran from the presence of" or "ran from the face of." To me that makes more sense, especially since the next chapter starts by saying he ran for his life from Ahab and Jezebel who wanted to kill him.
CHAPTER 19
1-3 Had the Mt. Carmel incident brought the change Elijah had hoped for? When God's power was shown to be greater, how did they react? Kill the messenger! Did they want truth? Are many people still this way? He had been bold for the Lord there, but is he bold now? We don't know if God told him to flee, but what makes us think not? He was afraid. Why do we trust God in some things but not in others? Do true believers have fears and doubts? Beersheba was 80 miles south.
4-8 He goes further, alone now. Why might he be so low as to ask God to take his life--why did he feel like a failure? When we obey God, are we responsible if others reject God? Does it always bear fruit? He is physically exhausted, maybe also mentally, emotionally, spiritually. What is God's response? 8, again we are not told if God sent him, but this time it appears so. Mt Horeb is Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God, 400 miles further south, not a 40 day journey; this seems to be an allusion to what event? Exo. 24:18, apparently without food. Also at Mt. Sinai Israel did not trust God, and they were sent on a 40-year walk through the desert of Sinai, and God provided food and water.
Do Christians struggle with depressed? What might that look like? Giving up, isolation, no energy, feeling sorry for self, uncontrollable crying, unrealistically negative attitude. Can this be the result of a physical problem--eat and sleeping habits, meds side-effects? What should a Christian do who feels depressed? Find a Christian you can talk to. Spend more time in God’s Word, especially looking for passages that deal with anxiety, self, relating to God and others, dealing with troubles; apply it. Spend more time talking to God, meditating on Scripture. Focus on the needs of other rather than self.
9-14 Why does God ask him why he is there? Might that imply that God had NOT sent him there? If God had Not sent him there, isn't it interesting how God mercifully provided his needs anyhow? His answer, who is he focused on? Is he suffering from depression, exaggerated emotional responses, or even delusions? Can God use all personality types? even those with mental or emotional issues? But all the prophets have been killed except the 100 that are in hiding, so in effect, this IS the situation. Might we feel alone even when we are not? Are Christians to function alone? Feelings and thoughts are powerful--do they have to rule us? Why does God show him these natural phenomena? Why does Elijah make his same answer--what is going on with him?
15-21 God sends him back north, where he came from. Probably quite some time has passed; we don't read of Jezebel still being after him. God’s directions: Hazael/Syria, Jehu/Israel, Elisha/prophet. The first two were done through Elisha; the anointing of Elisha is not recorded, but Elijah begins to train him over the next twenty-plus years. Elisha is from a town on the brook Cherith where it meets the Jordan River, where the ravens had provided for him.
Now God reveals something to encourage Elijah--there ARE other faithful ones in Israel! So if WE don't see evidence of things happening, it isn't so? Easy to fall into that trap. The passing of the prophet's mantle to Elisha; did you know this story is the origin of that phrase? What might we assume about Elisha and his family? Wealthy, much land, much to give up. Killing his oxen severs ties with old life; no going back. "What have I done to you?” is an idiom meaning, do as you please, or, what have I done to stop you?
Is everyone in the Bible as human, sinful and weak as us, or more so? Can He use us in spite of our weakness, or even use our weakness? Rather than focus on our weakness, what should we focus on?
Elijah appears once more in this book to have words with Ahab, then there is a powerful incident with him in the next book, Ch.1, followed by his taking up in the next chapter. So God did not take his life but he had over 20 years more of ministry. The Bible records several key incidents of people's lives, but we know that much more was happening in their lives, before and after, that is not recorded.
CHAPTER 20
Ben-hadad king of Syria and Ahab king of Israel; war. Israel wins, twice, with smaller army; why did the prophet say God was doing this for them, 13, 28? But Ahab allows Ben-hadad to escape even though God delivered him into his hand. Several prophets speak to Ahab, and use his own words and logic to condemn him. But it doesn't happen for several years--God is dealing with Ahab, to give him an opportunity to change.
It's interesting how God often uses what we know to speak to us. King Ahab is dealt with militarily, the prophets of Baal were destroyed through their false religious practice, Elisha was called to sacrifice the oxen he used for his living as a farmer, the poor widow was dealt with through her food supply and the mother-child relationship. God knows how to speak to each person in a way they can understand.
CHAPTER 21
1-6 Samaria was both a city and a region. Although Samaria was Israel's capital, apparently Ahab also had a palace at Jezreel, an important city. Did he really want a vegetable garden, or did he just want the vineyard and its winery, a valuable commodity? ? Why didn’t Naboth cooperate? This was very important under the Law of Moses, Lev. 25:23-28, Num. 36:7. also, it was his living, quite valuable and represented many years of labor. What do you think of Naboth's response? Might we choose to disobey authorities if ordered to do something wrong? What do we see about Ahab in 4? Like 20:43. What do you notice about how he answers Jezebel? He left out the reason--why?
7-16 What do we learn about her? She was the prototype of Hillary, Nancy, the swamp. Did she have respect for the law of Israel? Cold-blooded murder, but make it look like not murder. Did Ahab seem to be part of this or even know about it?
17-24 How does he label Elijah? How does Elijah describe him in 20 that sounds like many in power today? Is that just a figure of speech or fact? What is God’s judgment? Not being buried, and descendants would be killed. Proper burial and the family line were very important in Israel.
25-29 Can the very wicked repent? What was the purpose of fasting? It was generally done in connection with mourning, sackcloth and ashes, tearing one's clothes, self-humiliation. A fast was mentioned earlier in this chapter but the purpose of it was unclear It has been mentioned a few times earlier in Scripture, but nowhere does God ever tell people to fast. It was practiced by the pagan nations. Do we need to approach God with mourning? Why did they, and why don't we?
CHAPTER 22
1-4 In this chapter it refers to the king of Israel--Ahab--but not by name, until his death. Ahab, Israel's wicked king, and Jehoshaphat, the god-fearing king of Judah, get together. Ahab wants to recapture Ramoth-Gilead, a city east of Israel's capital, Samaria, which is controlled by Aram, the kingdom east of northern Israel. He asks Judah's king to help, and he agrees.
5-12 What do we learn about J in 5? About Ahab? What do we learn in 6-7? How does J know they are false prophets? Remember the false religion that Jeroboam initially set up? Can any of those prophets be of God? J knows that. What is their "message from God"? Today's false prophets are also giving the message that God is about to fix everything in our country and our lives; we are to test everything by the Bible--is this what the Bible says? What do we learn in 8 about Ahab, about J? Does Ahab care about truth? Are some people like this? Inside and outside the church?
Were they lying, or did they heard from SOMEONE? Did they think it was God? Might they have knowingly sold out to demons? What did we see in 21:20? Today many are channeling from so-called ascended masters, elder brothers that have gained the higher realm and are helping us attain it too, even spirits that identify themselves as Jesus.
13-18 What do we learn in 13? 16, why does the king know he is lying? I imagine him giving a "look" to the messenger who brought him, and then a face and a tone of voice: sarcasm, ridicule. What happens in 17? Why would they be scattered with no master? Ahab will die. Knowing of the false religion of Israel, why do you suppose Micaiah, a true prophet, is there? Apparently he has prophesied truth before, 8.
19-23 What did you think of this? Does God need advice? Along with 15-16, I think we can assume M. uses heavy sarcasm. I hear 19-22 in a very silly, mocking voice. Then I hear 23 in a very different voice--serious, authoritative, prophetic, dreadful. What is he saying about the king’s advisers? What would a deceiving spirit be? A demon. Many people are open to such messages. Is God sovereign over demons? Can He use them and their deception to fulfill His purposes?
24-28 Slap = insult. Zedekiah seems to be the chief prophet, 11-12. Is he a false or true prophet? Which does he seem to think he is? What can we learn from this? What does M. mean, 25? Compare 20:30, so when Ahab is killed the they flee, hide, and are beseiged. M. to be imprisoned; he says Ahab's death will prove that HIS prophecy was from God.
29-36 He sets up J. but Ahab gets it. God protects J. Can anyone thwart prophecy? God’s plans WILL happen. Might seemingly random events be part of God’s plan?
37-40 Ahab dies, the prophecy is fulfilled. Jezebel doesn’t die until II Kings 9. Son hold or teach? Ahaziah becomes king of Israel. His story will be picked up in the next chapter, II Kings 1.
41-53 Meanwhile, keeping track of Judah, the southern kingdom, and J. who we have just been reading about, “doing right..however...” Jehoshaphat dies, son Jehoram becomes king of Judah.
David's line continues in the kings of Judah, but are any like him? And Jeroboam's false religion in Israel dooms all of them to wickedness.
II KINGS
No break from I Kings; it was all one book originally, so the story continues.
CHAPTER 1
1-8 Who is king now? Ahab’s son. Is Jezebel still alive? Ekron was a city of the Philistines. Who shows up? In those days, God seems to be most interested in confronting and dealing with the king, rather than individuals, as the Holy Spirit does today--why might this be? All thru the Bible, OT & NT, we see God confronting kings of many nations, not just Israel. Might He have been doing that all through history, everywhere, and even today? Who is “angel of the Lord?” Christ.
9-18 Ahaziah sends a military force; what might Elijah assume? To arrest him? How do the captains address him? Synonymous with “prophet.” Why this confrontation--why didn't God just let him do what he wanted and then die? That they would know that He is God. Does Ahaziah repent? He dies, his brother (3:1) Jehoram becomes king (no son)--later referred to as Joram. King of same name in Judah now--must have been a common name.
CHAPTER 2
This chapter contains some head-scratchers.
1-8 Why will Elijah be taken up to heaven? A mystery, yet not a secret--two different groups of prophets knew. Is anyone even questioning it? Nor are we given reasons elsewhere in Scripture? Why do you think? Take away: same word as in Gen. 5:24. We met Elisha in I Kings 19:15-21. Sons of the prophets: devout young men studying God's Word, and apparently hearing from God. Apparently Elijah was head prophet. All the prophets knew that Elijah was to be taken up, and when, that something unique was about to happen. Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho were down in the southern tip of Israel, where Elijah ministered. Be still: don’t remind me, don’t add to my sorrow by talking about it. Why did Elijah ask twice that he stay, yet not make him, and why did Elisha not obey? Why this last miracle? For Elisha’s benefit?
9-12 Compare Deut. 21:17, double portion for firstborn, also Jacob gave Joseph a double portion, for his two sons, as Joseph was Rachel's firstborn. (He will do twice as many miracles as Elijah, 7 vs 14, but Elijah is given much greater importance in the Bible.) Elisha is asking to be given the position of “head prophet” in the land? It's a hard thing? The fulfillment of I Kings 19:15-16? DID Elijah anoint him? We wonder if that was a failure on Elijah's part, or if it was not about a literal anointing but appointing his replacement? Neither was Hazael literally anointed king. Or, perhaps both were anointed as God said but it was not recorded.
Did Elijah go up in a chariot of fire? Were the horses and chariot in the sky or on the ground? Separated them. II Kings 13:14. What do they seem to signify? Horses/chariots most powerful, high tech warfare known then--? Another demonstration of God’s power? Seems related to approaching death, 13:14. Only said about these two men. These two prophets were known for their miracles, compared to Jeremiah/Isaiah/Ezekiel, minor prophets, known mainly for their messages from God.
What is theologically significant about Elijah been taken up to heaven without dying? A "type" of the rapture, Enoch, Gen. 5:24, Jesus, Acts 1:1-11. The precedent has been established. What might we wonder based on the mantel falling from him? Will our clothes be left? We don't know. Did he just disappear, poof, or go up, like Jesus did? Again, we wonder why God did this for him and for Enoch. Was it a reward for being the two most godly men ever? We are not told that about either of them. No reason given.
In I Kings 19:16 what did God tell Elijah to do? Did he ever anoint Jehu? No, and when Elisha later does, he does not do it himself but sends another prophet. Possible explanations: God gave the command not necessarily to Elijah himself but to the office of the prophet, whoever that may be. But is that logical since God FIRST spoke of Jehu, THEN that Elisha would be anointed to follow him? Or, maybe Elijah failed to carry this out; have we already seen Elijah had issues? Or maybe it is no big deal.
This is the end of Elijah's story. He is mentioned only once in the parallel accounts in Chronicles; Chronicles is mostly about Judah, and Elijah's ministry was to Israel. He is mentioned in the closing verses of the Old Testament, Mal. 4:5-6; because of that passage, in the Gospels we see Jews wondering if John the Baptist or Jesus Himself was Elijah.
Many believe he is one of the two unnamed witnesses in Rev. 11:3-13. There are great similarities to Elijah's life: powerful miracles such as dead raised, fire called down from heaven, earthquake, wind powerful enough to break rocks; God's supernatural protection of him, his challenge to the very wicked Ahab and Jezebel who then desire to kill him, and being taken up alive to heaven as others look on. One reason many believe Elijah and Enoch are the two witnesses is Heb. 9:27, yet only these two did not die. One generation of the church is told they will not die, and these are not in that group, so perhaps this is when they experience death. But no one knows who they will be.
If Elijah is one, we compare what Jesus said in Mat. 17:10-12, Mark 9:11-13. If Elijah, or the spirit of Elijah, was in John the Baptist, the last Old Testament prophet, as it was with Elisha, we wonder why it is not said that he turned the hearts of the fathers to the children or the children to the fathers, as Malachi said and as Jesus quotes. Luke 1:17, what does Jesus add after He quotes from Malachi? That sounds like He is explaining the quote. This is what happened in I Kings with Elijah and is what John did.
Comparing I Kings 18:37, we see that his destroying the prophets of Baal by calling down fire on them resulted in what? The people knowing the true God, that their hearts were turned back again--calling the disobedient to repentance, preparing a people for the Lord. Although he did not do miracles, this is what John the Baptist did, Mat. 3:1-2, 6, preparing them to enter the kingdom Jesus would offer them, which they rejected. Jesus said "and they did to him what they wished"--king Herod had him beheaded. It seems the prophecy of Malachi has not been completely fulfilled, only partially.
Mal. 4:5, "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord." What and when is the day of the Lord? The day of wrath, the seven years that are the seventieth week of Daniel. If "coming" means the arriving, does it fit John the Baptist? Yes. Does it fit Elijah as a candidate for Revelation? The two witnesses show up at the beginning of the first three-and-a-half years arrive at the beginning. Or it could mean before it has fully come to pass--the end of the seven years. Or because Malachi modifies "day of the Lord" with "that great and terrible," which is not said anywhere else, he could be specifically referring to the second half of the seven years, when the Antichrist morphs into the Beast, from the abyss; how does Jesus speak of that time following the abomination of desolation, Mat. 24:21?
So perhaps Elijah will be one of the two witnesses in Rev. 11, again calling Israel to repentance in preparation for the soon-coming kingdom, turning their hearts back to God as they witness powerful miracles like fire devouring their enemies, stopping the rain, turning the water to blood, and striking the earth with plagues. Once again, as with Ahab and Jezebel, his life will be threatened by the king, the Antichrist. After he morphs into the Beast from the abyss, he will do to him as he wishes and overcome him--kill him, as John before him was killed. But again, we can't know.
13-18 "Take up the mantle" is a well-known idiom that originated here, what does it mean? Elisha does indeed have Elijah's power--his first miracle. What does he do and why does he say what he does? Why was that important--who witnessed it? Was dividing the water for his convenience or for a witness to others? Establishing where God's power is NOW. Did they witness Elijah taken up? They seem to believe, but...are they taunting him, challenging him, honestly seeking Elijah? His first test--is he letting them intimidate him, ashamed? Or is he proving Elijah's disappearance?
19-25 Another miracle. Were the people of Jericho, knowing what just happened, with the waters of the Jordan, hoping he would also perform a miracle with their water?
What do you think of 22-24? Is Elisha an overly sensitive meanie, couldn't take a little teasing? Young lads: a word often used for young adult men. Used of Isaac when Abraham offered him as well as the servants who accompanied them, Gen. 22:3,5,12; Sodomites who attacked Lot’s home, Gen. 19:4; Joseph at 17, Gen. 37:2, and much later, Gen. 41:12; the spies at Jericho, Josh. 6:23; and many other places. He may have been bald, or they could have been using it scornfully.
Mocking a man of God is serious business. “If you’re a man of God, let’s see you be taken up, like Elijah was." Prove it!! We see God’s judgment on scoffers. So was he impulsive and spiteful, or righteous and godly, establishing his God-given authority. Does it appear there was much respect for God? Like the fire Elijah called down that devoured the captains and their 50s. God’s prophet speaks for God!
He returned to Samaria, which was what? The capital of Israel.
CHAPTER 3
Commentaries help to make sense of this chapter.
1-12 Ahab’s son Ahaziah died at end of CH1, after a short reign, two years. Having no son, his brother Jehoram becomes king of Israel in his place. How bad was he? Not quite as bad as Ahab. Since he maintains the false religion Jeroboam instituted, like all the kings of Israel, why would he even get rid of part of the idolatry? Did he have a conscience? Did he think it might give him leverage with Jehoshaphat whose help he needed? He was young and inexperienced; Jehoshaphat was much older. Unlike his father Asa who had warred with Israel, Jehoshaphat was willing to be an ally.
Kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom go against Moab, taking the long way around; after the long march, there is no water for the three armies and their animals. Jehoram attributes their trouble to who? Why doesn’t Jehoshaphat just ask for "a prophet"? Israel's false religion was full of false prophets. Why was Elisha nearby? A coincidence? God had arranged it. Again we see water in connection with Elisha, in both 9 and 11. Why is he described this way in 11? His servant spirit, and his validation as a true prophet. Jehoshaphat was familiar with him. Normally kings call people to appear in front of them, but what do they do? What does this show?
13-20 A confrontation between who? Elisha's anger and sarcasm, throwing his false religion in his face, challenging him. Again we see the king of Israel bring up the Lord God again, but he never repents and turns to Him. Do we know people like that, toying with knowledge of God but not willing to act on it? Does music help lift our spirit to God? Perhaps Elisha was so angry after confronting the king he despised that he needed to calm down to listen for God's voice. Or perhaps he was toying with the hated king. He must wait until he heard the Lord speak to him.
We don't know if there was a distant downpour creating a flash flood, or no rain, just water appearing. I read commentators stating each--like they know?! What need had they brought to Elisha? But what did God do? Perhaps as a witness to Jehoram and his men. How do you suppose the tired thirsty men felt about all that digging? Did God just hand them water and victory? What can we take from this?
21-27 What can we learn about God, about the Christian life, from this incident? God is very creative, can do the very unexpected. Before we see the outcome, might we feel thirsty, tired of digging, exhausted, confused, down, worried, mad at God, unable to believe good can come from our situation? Did they turn to God from their idols and false religion? Will they be held accountable for the amount of light they had?
How desperate is the King of Moab? This was commonly done by pagans to try to please or placate their gods, yet it did not work. Was he also exposed to the power of the true God? What did he do with that knowledge? Historical sources show he inscribed a stone claiming his gods had won the victory for him, apparently because he was not captured or killed--his spin on the story. It's not clear who was angry with Israel, but it had to do with this human sacrifice.
Did you notice the continual importance of water in connection with Elisha, in this chapter and the previous one? There will be more in the future; Elijah’s ministry and miracles often involved fire. We see Judah's godly king contrasted with Israel's wicked king, seeking guidance from God's prophet; we see a miracle from God; and we see God bring victory to the wicked king only because of the godly king's actions and involvement. And yet in Chronicles we read that God said Jehoshaphat acted wickedly in allying with Israel--what can we take from that? Don't compromise with evil. But did God still work with him where he was at? Same for us. God is continually showing Himself to be God so that all are without excuse.
CHAPTER 4
1-7 The poor widow; what is significant about who she is? The jars of oil; I have often seen this story used to say we need to think and ask big in prayer; do you think that is the application for us? What else might be? About how God provides for us in times of need, in emergencies? Why didn’t God have Elisha just make money or oil appear? The Bible says God cares for widows and orphans.
8-17 Another woman; what is significant about her? What might we infer from the fact that though she had a husband, she was the primary character? Is this birth miraculous? Only the man was old, and even an old man can father a child.
18-37 The child dies; the woman has faith that Elisha can bring him back. Some time passes; Shunem to Mt. Carmel, maybe 20-30 miles? What do we learn about prophets in 25-27? Gehazi obeyed, but was not able to do it; Elisha raises the dead child, yet it was not immediate. This prominent woman's testimony must have influenced many. She had a heart for God.
Both this and the oil incident are reminiscent of Elijah’s miracles. What might we infer from the three incidents with Gehazi in this chapter? Was he was a hindrance to God’s working? Was he the godly servant to Elisha that Elisha was to Elijah? God had chosen Elisha. In the next chapter, with Naaman, we see even worse things about Gehazi.
38-44 The next two miracles have to do with the sons of the prophets and food during the famine (as did the widow’s oil). Can God stretch our resources in time of need? Elisha’s ministry didn’t just have to do with confronting kings. These miracles were God's provision for believers. Do they remind us of any miracles of Jesus?
CHAPTER 5
1-3 There is a lot of backstory packed into these verses. Who is this story about? An important man gets leprosy, although, since he appears to live at home and be around others, this may be one of various skin diseases the Bible lumps in with true leprosy. Or it could be that he is not isolated because other nations did not quarantine lepers. Is he an Israelite? Aram, also known as Syria, was northeast of Israel, and stretched to Mesopotamia. Abraham was an Aramean, as was Laban; Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for Isaac from his people. They are now an enemy of Israel. What do we learn about God's working in 1?
How did the little girl get into the story? Through random events? She is knowledgeable, has great faith in Elisha and in God, and maintained her faith even in a foreign land. Had Elisha cured leprosy? It had never been cured, that we know of. Why would she think this? Was she aware of some or all of his doings in the previous chapter? Apparently Samaria was his headquarters--the capital of Israel, where the king lived. Was being taken captive a bad thing? Did God use it for good, for His glory?
4-8 What series of events did she set in motion? Did Naaman go directly to Elisha? Who are now involved and will be confronted with God’s power? Did the king of Aram get the message right? Why is the king of Israel greatly dismayed?
9-14 And then there is Naaman himself, and how God was dealing with him. Why didn’t Elisha come speak to him? Why couldn’t he just wash one time, and why not in a better river? Apparently he had to travel to the Jordan River, then travel back. What happens between him and his servants? Did he listen to them? What might we infer from that about him? His disease not only disappeared but his skin was even better than before. And what do you suppose happens in his life after this incident, in Syria?
Application: Might answers to our prayers, or our needs that we may not have even prayed about, come from unexpected places? Might God set things up so that we must be humbled before He gives us what we need or want? Might our problem be our “expectations"? Like Naaman, we may be resentful when people don’t treat us the way we expect or think we deserve. Might our egos, Self, be the problem? An international incident was almost touched off--might God let things look scary? Might God speak to you through someone you don’t really want to listen to (like the servants)? Naaman seems to be good, rich, powerful, important, but he is a sinner; leprosy is a type of sin in the Bible.
15-19 Is Naaman now a believer? Why does he want Israel’s soil? pagan superstition? What sort of problem does he anticipate, now that he knows the true God? Migt God use this man’s testimony to bring the Syrian king to knowledge of God? We continually see that God is dealing with rulers, and not just of Israel. Maybe this is the answer to, “why Naaman?" Taking the soil may have been based on a superstition, or may have been a reminder or memorial. Leaning on his hand: he is the king's right-hand man. Naaman knows who is the true God and desires to worship Him alone.
20-27 Gehazi’s sins. What sin in 20 (greed)? What sin in 22 (lying to Naaman)? What sin in 25 (lying to Elisha)? Lying to a prophet is STU-PID!! Is Elisha's servant a godly man? Now we see why he wasn't able to bring healing to the boy with Elisha's staff. His punishment. Gehazi had many opportunities to believe, to repent, but didn’t. The pagan is healed and believes, but the Jew doesn't believe and is afflicted.
CHAPTER 6
1-7 Miracle: ax head made to float. Iron was valuable, it belonged to someone else. Why have the man take it from the water? What is the purpose of this miracle? Is it a small thing? Maybe to us; might it have been a much bigger deal to that person? Is God concerned about our daily problems? Might this have made an impact on that whole group? Might God use unusual solutions to deal with our problems? What do we learn about Elisha's ministry in 1? Again we see him associated with water.
8-23 Elisha vs. the king of Aram/Syria. May or may not have been the same king as in Ch5. 8-12, what caused the conflict between them? God had “bugged” his bedroom. 12, this man had heard of Elisha, the prophet of the true God, and his power. We wonder if this servant was a believer. 13-14, king sends army to get Elisha. 15-17, why was Elisha not afraid? He could see what the servant couldn’t; he prayed, then the servant saw too. Again, horse & chariots of fire. Compare: Ps. 68;17, Zech. 6:1-7 (who saw them here?), Is. 66:15-16. So what are they? Angels; “strong ones.” Where do we find a similar picture to Zech? Rev. 6. Who saw them here? Prophets are chosen by God to have knowledge of things that are hidden from the rest of us; they may hear directly from God, they may be given knowledge of what others are doing and thinking, and also may see things taking place in the spiritual realm.
What can we learn about angels from these passages? They come to help individuals; sometimes they are they but we just don’t see them? They will have a major role in endtime events; so will the wicked angels. Will the angels appear at that time with horses and chariots? Will Jesus literally appear on a white horse? The answer may be yes; or it may be that these were the symbols of power in Bible days, but horses/chariots are not powerful today, so possibly in some more modern way? It could be literally horses/chariots, and they will be supernaturally powerful and awe-inspiring. (I read a New Age website that contained messages from the aliens, how they have they spacecraft hovering all around the earth, but we can’t see them; however, some with eyes to see, can see. What many call aliens/UFOs are actually demonic. If God’s angels behave in the way described here, might not Satan’s angels also?
What is the application for us in this incident? Does God have resources at hand to take care of the problem? even though we can’t see that? So we learn that we don’t depend on only what our five senses tell us; there is more. We are to walk by what, not what?
Which was the more spiritually mature, discerning? What did he know that the other didn’t? What was the servant’s initial response to the terrifying situation? Why did the servant not remain in the dark about it? He was helped to see, by a more mature believer. Do you know someone who isn’t quite seeing it? Pray that God will open their eyes. Maybe God wants to use you to help that person along in their spiritual journey.
Two interesting events take place here at Dothan. This, and Joseph finds his brothers at Dothan. Two different outcomes. Deliverance and protection, vs. none. Or WAS there none? Was Joseph being delivered and protected, in a different way and time frame? Can we look that way at the difficulties God allows in our lives, since we know that He DOES ALLOW them, so they are from His hand and can be considered a blessing in our lives, if we look at things from HIS perspective? God’s resources are always available, but He uses them in different ways. EITHER WAY, we are to trust Him.
Miracles: the servant is spiritually blind, then sees, the army is blinded, then the blindness is removed. Elisha instructs the king of Israel to treat them with mercy. Apparently this king Elisha as an advisor, not like the other king. 23, feast. Custom dictated that eating under someone’s roof, partaking of their hospitality, constituted making a peace covenant with them; that’s why they didn’t come again. However, they will soon break that covenant.
God has been intervening on behalf of His people. Have they turned back to Him because of this? No, so now He will make things a little tougher, “up” the pressure. When we don’t respond to Him, might He do this to us also?
6:24 to end of CHAPTER 7
What happens to Samaria (capital city of Israel), 24? And what results, 25? 6:32-7:2, the king of Israel blames who tries to have him killed? What do God's promises about Israel say is the cause of famine? 1, Elisha says what will happen the next day? Rest of chapter tells how it came about. Does the king’s right-hand man believe? If someone can't understand what God has said, does that make it not true?
How did it come about? 9, what is another term for the gospel? If we have found something wonderful, we should keep it to ourselves? If God has blessed us beyond our needs, should we share? Has God used unusual circumstances in your life? Why does He? Maybe so we won’t say, “Well, it just happened. It would have happened this way anyhow.” 6, what do you suppose the Syrians heard? Might there really have been horses and chariots? Compare 6:17. This lends weight to the more credence to the idea that the armies of heaven in Rev. 19 are angels, not the church. Angels are often cast in that role; the church never is. It is what? the bride. Both may be pictured, 8, 14, but that does not mean the bride has a part in defeating the armies of Armageddon.
CHAPTER 8
1-6 Why would God call for a famine? (Israel’s disobedience) Another incident with the second woman from chapter 4. She must have been one of the few true followers of God. She either sold her land or abandoned it and it would have been confiscated. 4, Gehazi, Elisha's servant, was given leprosy, 5:27. 5. This could have taken place earlier; we don't know if all these accounts are in chronological order. 5, what might be God's purpose in this "coincidence" of timing? But this king did not turn to God. Is God sovereign over the timing of events? She had gone in obedience to God's leading; now, apparently no longer having a husband, she seeks to have her inheritance returned, Lev. 25:23-28, Num. 36:7, I Kings do 21:3 We are told of three incidents in the life of this godly woman who had acted on her faith, where God turned her negative circumstance around: 1) she had no child, but then a son was born to her and her old husband; 2) the son died, but then Elisha brought him back to life; 3) by obeying God, she lost her land, but then it was restored to her, and even more was given to her. How were these three all crucial to her life and future? Do we need to worry about how God will provide for us? In what way do we need to be like her?
7-15 Elisha, Hazael, and king of Syria. 8, this is often asked; they seemed to look on Jehovah as a fortune-teller. God doesn’t honor that desire. Today those who believe in modern prophets want to know what God is going to do--in the world, in America, with Trump. They do not speak much about getting in the Word, growing in Christ, or evangelism, just forecasting the future, preferably with dates or a timeline. Is God truly speaking to and through such people? Does the king want to know the true God, did he want God's truth? Those who have rejected the true God have already opened themselves up to what is false; God will let him, even help him, do what is in his heart. His illness was not unto death; perhaps if Hazael had not murdered him God knew he would recover. 9, important people were always trying to buy his favor. Do you suppose the powers that be, do, or try to do that today to Christian leaders? 11, Elisha's actions tell us that Hazael had already plotted this, and Elisha was confronting him. 12, this is fulfilled in 10:32-33. If he had a heart for God, for justice, could he have repented at this point? Did he have a choice, or does God's foreknowledge mean he was predestined and had no free will?
God had told Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Syria. Did Elijah fail to obey in this matter, or was it just not time yet, or was it just not recorded, or was this the way it was supposed to happen? Hazael becomes king but there is no anointing. Why does Elisha weep? He knows Hazael is not what he appears to be; perhaps he does not know yet that he will do such things, or perhaps he does and is being devious. Would you want to know, like Elisha, what is going to happen, to you or to others, or to know what people are really like inside? Since Elisha told him he would be king one day, he could have waited for the Lord to bring it about, but he took matters into his own hands, like Jacob and his inheritance. Hazael is now king of Syria/Aram.
16-29 Another Jehoram/Joram, in Judah, a wicked king; who did he marry? 19, God keeps His promises. Do we keep promises even when things turn out differently than we wanted? Psa. 15:4, what kind of man? Eccl. 5:5. Your word is important to God. Jehoram/Joram king of Judah dies, his wicked son Ahaziah is king; the account in Chronicles gives a different age, as we sometimes find a few number discrepancies, but never any discrepancies that challenge the trustworthiness of the Bible. 28-29, the setting for the next chapter’s events; both kings are in Jezreel.
CHAPTER 9
1-13 Elisha has “Jehu the Yahoo” anointed king over Israel, in the king’s absence. (Elisha often has someone “do” for him; sends his servant out to speak to Naaman, sends Gehazi ahead to the widow’s son.) 7, what is Jehu’s role to be?
14-37 He obeys (gleefully?): kills both kings; has Ahaziah’s body cast onto Naboth’s property, according to the prophecy which he remembers (26, apparently she had also had Naboth’s sons killed); kills Jezebel. She is eaten by dogs before she can be buried; he remembers that Elijah prophesied this also. He sounds like a heartless, wild, bloodthirsty, brutal man. Do you think God would choose a gentle, kind, caring person to be the avenger of Ahab and Jezebel? Did God cause him to be bloody and vicious? This was Jehu’s nature, his choice. Can God use people like this?
CHAPTER 10
1-17 What had God told Jehu to do? 10-11, 16-17. Which verse in this section is for us also? 10. the Bible claims to be without error and that all prophecy will be fulfilled precisely. Isa. 45:22-25, 55:11, Matt. 5:18. When we talk to others about the Bible, point out that it claims powers that no other book does.
18-28 Was Jehu doing God's will? Is the church to be doing this? We see differing dispensations--God doing things in different ways in different time periods. The church age is different from the age if Law. The cross has not yet happened.
29-36 What was his report card? Why? It's not that he was an evil man, but that he continued in the false religion. How could he be that bold for God yet not go all the way? Only one verse in II Chr. 22:7 is about Jehu, but Chronicles focuses on Judah; Kings focuses on Israel. Jehu’s son Jehoahaz reigns over Israel.
CHAPTER 11
1-3 Athaliah, daughter of wicked king Ahab of Israel, is the mother of Ahaziah, the king of Judah that Jehu killed. She reigns as queen over Judah, kills all the royal offspring, except one that is hidden, Joash/Jehoash--almost wipes out the line of David.
4-12 Who takes matters into his own hand? Athaliah brought Baal-worship, but Judah had been following God and there are many faithful people. Why does he bring the army into the temple? Remember that the king is both the military and religious head.
13-21 What two groups have been in conflict? Those who follow who, and those who follow who? So once again the southern kingdom is under a godly ruler.
CHAPTER 12
1-3 Joash/Jehoash reigns over Judah--how long? Good or bad king? Who was mainly responsible? 3, except.. One of the good ones. Now we will have four good ones in a row, the longest good period.
4-16 About what? Handling money, accounting systems. How should church business be handled? I Cor. 14:40.
17-21 A bad ending, 12:2. II Chron. 24 gives more details; after the death of Jehoiada the priest, Joash turned away from God.
CHAPTER 13
1-9 Up in the northern kingdom, Jehu’s son, Jehoahaz reigns over Israel. Different dating systems began to be used in Israel/Judah (confusing). Good or bad king, 2? Because of Israel's sin, they experience ongoing military defeat to Syria. Then what surprising thing happens, 4? So God did what? Do you have to be completely righteous/yielded before God will help you? But they did what, 6? Israel’s army was almost destroyed. He dies, son Joash is king over Israel.
10-13 Both Israel and Judah have a Joash/Jehoash now. Israel’s Jehoash co-reigns for a few years with his son, is evil, dies, his son is Jeroboam.
14-19 Before Israel’s Joash dies, what surprising thing do we see in 14? As with Elijah’s approaching death, we have mention of the chariots of Israel and its horsemen, compare 2:11-12. Speaking of angels? Israel will strike Syria but not destroy it. Strike the ground: shoot arrows into the ground. Was the king's trust strongly in God?
20-25 Why might God have worked this last miracle through Elisha's dead body? Probably in cave or rock tomb. As a witness to those around, to God’s power. Does contact with dead prophets bring life today? What do we learn about God in 22-23? 24-25, the prediction of the arrows.
Elijah and Elisha were the most well-known prophets to the northern kingdom and were the only ones who performed miracles. The prophets were used by God during the times of the kings, because the king was also the spiritual leader. We see rejection of God which leads to false religion, idol worship, and dirty politics. A few prophets preceded Elijah, and following Elisha are Jonah, Amos, and Hosea, who take us right up to the time of Israel's captivity. God continues to speak to Judah (the line of David, and of the Messiah to come) throughout their later captivity through Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, and afterwards when some of them return to the land, through Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
CHAPTER 14
1-7 In Judah, Joash dies, son Amaziah rules. Report card? Why does it say “David his father?" In Hebrew there are not specific words for forebears; "grandfather" is not even found in the KJV. (His father, 12:2, 20.) He avenges his father’s death, follows the Law.
8-14 Judah challenges Israel to war, what results? They lose, king captured, Jerusalem looted. Based on 3, wouldn't it seem like God would have given Azariah victory? But there is more in II Chronicles about why God turned against him.
15-22 In Israel Joash/Jehoash dies, son Jeroboam rules. In Judah Amaziah dies and young son Azariah rules Judah (ruled part of the time during father’s reign, probably when he was captive).
23-29 In Israel Jeroboam is evil but politically strong, he dies, is followed by son Zechariah. Who mentioned in 25? So he prophesied in Israel, but this prophecy is not recorded. Amos and Hosea also prophesied in Israel during this period. Reading them here would shed a little light on what was going on.
What application can we pull out of this chapter?
CHAPTER 15
1-7 Azariah is the Uzziah of Isa. 6, so this is the time and place of Isaiah’s prophesying. Good or bad? Long or short? (three good kings in a row) Only 1-7 is about him, but he gets a whole chapter in II Chron., more details. He did good, God helped him, then what shocking thing happens?
8-31 Meanwhile in Israel we see several wicked kings. 12, fulfillment of prophesy, 10:30. What nation comes against them in 19? How was it handled? Then what significant event for the northern kingdom begins to happen in 29? This will be completed in 17:6. Why does God allow this for His chosen people?
32-38 Judah: Jotham son of Uzziah/Azariah. (Good king, four in a row). 35, a negative and a positive.
What application can we pull from this chapter? How does it contribute to our "big picture" understanding of Israel's history and what God was doing in Israel?
CHAPTER 16
1-4 Judah: Ahaz son of Jotham. Good or bad? Who was he like, 3?
5-9 First use, 6, of word “Jew” (KJV). NASB, Judeans. Who waged war against Judah? Who did Ahaz look to for help? Ahaz gave him gifts; what resulted, 9? Damascus was the capital of Syria, just north of Israel. In our next chapter, just a few years later, the same thing happens to Israel, the northern kingdom.
10-20 What does Ahaz see at Damascus that he likes? What does he do? He takes liberties with the house of God. What happens in the first line of 15 that shouldn't happen? What do you think of the priest? Who is his son that is king next?
CHAPTER 17
VERY IMPORTANT CHAPTER: About Israel, her downfall and captivity. This is about 200 years after the split with Judah. Israel falls sooner than Judah; why? This concludes the history of Israel, the northern kingdom. Then, to the end of the book, we have mainly Hezekiah, Mannasah, Josiah, and finally the fall of Judah.
1-6 Who was the last king of Israel? Who captured Israel? Deut. 28:58-64. Did God take the land from them--did they lose possession? No, it was and is still their land.
Some say that when Israel went into captivity, the 10 tribes were lost. II Chron. 11:16 tells us what? representatives from all the tribes are now part of Judah. Who is James 1:1 addressed to? Revelation also tells about the 12 tribes in the future.
7-23 What important B word at the beginning of 7? 13, YET what? 14 starts with what word? And 17? and 18? and 23?
24-41 Then who was brought in? But what happened? To learn to appease and worship this god, they got priests--from Israel? No! What A word in 32? What A word in 33? They added Jehovah to their other gods and religions; syncretism, like New Age, like what the Catholic church has done in many areas. Do we add customs or other religious practices to what God has commanded? Christmas? Easter? These are “religious” holidays not given by God; they originated as customs of other religions were adopted by the Catholic church and “christianized.” Might we be doing what they did? Since we justify our practices, wouldn’t they have also justified theirs?
This chapter is important to an understanding of the literal dispensational interpretation vs. covenant theology. Covenant theology sees here God’s rejection of Israel. But because God is not a liar, they conclude that His covenant must still go on with a covenant people, and so it continues with the church. You can often tell if a teacher or speaker is Reformed/covenant by his reference to the covenant, or we, a covenant people. They disregard or misinterpret the many later references in both OT/NT to the fact that the rejection of Israel is temporary, especially Jer. 30-33 and Rom. 11. Two possible reasons: many of them lean toward anti-Semitism, or this view leads to anti-Semitism; and, the idea that the physical blessings promised to Israel are now available to the church, so a leaning toward the health/wealth/success gospel.
This chapter is also important in that it summarizes Israel’s spiritual problem and its consequences. What is the application for the NT Christian? What about idolatry, unbelief, compromise? This is the attraction of New Age spirituality: mix and match, smorgasbord religion.
CHAPTER 18
Now we have three chapters on Hezekiah, Judah's good king #4.
1-8 Only Hezekiah compares to David; any “excepts"? What at the beginning of 4 had even the good ones not done previously? His father Ahaz had led the nation back into idolatry. What do we learn about the brazen serpent of Num. 21:8-9? They had kept it and it became an object of veneration. Did God allow any objects to remain like pieces of the cross or the cup? One of many criticisms of "The Chosen" and their many extra-biblical and unbiblical additions is that Mary kept Jesus' burial strips in a box and before her death, she passed it on to Mary Magdelane.
9-12 During the time that Hezekiah was king of Judah, what happened up north in Israel? They are taken captive by Assyria. As was specified in the previous chapter, why did this happen?
13-27 Ten years later, under a later king, Assyria attacks Judah. Does Hezekiah show strength? How does this compare to 8? But what about 3-6? Does it say he didn't sin or ever use poor judgment? But he did not compromise with idols. What is the message from Assyria to Hezekiah? Egypt won't help you, your God won't deliver you. Siege will mean famine ahead.
28-37 Nor should they depend on who, 29? 33-35, and don’t depend on who? No gods have yet given anyone help against Assyria. The people obey the king, don’t answer him. Hezekiah is told.
CHAPTER 19
1-7 What was Hezekiah's response? How does 6 speak to us? Don't just react based on how things look or sound.
8-13 The king of Assyria now sends a letter to Hezekiah, the same message as before.
14-19 What does Hezekiah do? What can we learn from how he starts his prayer? Start by focusing God, not “me." Remind ourselves of His power, sovereignty. 19, why does he want God to help? It's not about me but Him.
20-28 What is God’s response through Isaiah? What can we learn from this? Does God need us to inform Him of needs and situations? God is pleased when we turn FIRST to Him, and when our prayers are honoring to Him. What is God’s assessment of Assyria? What words speak of pride? Haughty, lifted up eyes, arrogance, I I I. The sin God hates most? Why? It is anti-God. It was Satan’s sin, and how he tempts man. God calls this behavior blasphemy--attributing to man what is only to be attributed to God, claiming to be a god or godlike.
How does 25 speak to all that? "Haven't you heard?" They, like all men, had access to knowledge of God and will be held responsible for that. They said THEY, their powerful nation, did all this great stuff. God is sovereign over both individuals and even nations. HE planned long ago for them to do whatever they did; they were merely fitting into His big plan for the ages. Now GOD says I I I.
28, because..therefore. THEIR plan will not happen, HIS will. They drove hooks through the lips or noses of their captives, tied them together, and led them by hooks. God will also force Assyria against their will to do HIS will. He will force them to obey Him like a bridle makes a horse to obey the human. They are NOT in charge.
29-37 Prophets were to prove themselves by making predictions that were seen to come true; if they didn’t come true, the prophet was false and was to be stoned. Because 32 came true literally, the people knew they could believe his prophecies of the distant future (a virgin will conceive, you will be judged if you don’t turn from idols, etc.) What happened that very night? Again we see angels in the role of God’s warriors. Who is the angel of the Lord. Christ. This is what will happen in Rev. 19. What happened to the king of Assyria? Did his god protect him?
CHAPTER 20
1-7 Does Hezekiah accept God’s revealed will? Balaam, Num. 22:12-22. Israel asks for a king, I Sam. 8:7-9, 18-22. Should we plead that we or someone else will be saved from death? IS dying, or losing someone, the worst outcome, and is continued life the best outcome? Is it always God’s will to heal, to extend life? Does the Bible teach us to ask God to change His revealed will in order to suit our desire? Could our plan possibly be better than God’s? Perhaps instead ask Him to CHANGE MY ATTITUDE? How does 3 show his attitude needed changing? If we beg or insist that God answer our demand, might He do it? If we reject His revealed will and beg Him to do something, might He? Is this a scary thought?
8-11 Did he even believe God's word? It seems his faith was not what it used to be. Doesn’t faith get stronger over time, not weaker? How/why might it get weaker, or slip, or we might become proud, begin to trust in self once again? Hezekiah was compared to David, but both were flawed humans. Shadow goes back ten steps; commentators not in agreement what that means. Earth’s movement slowed or reversed?? Wouldn’t it be possible for God to show a sign here that did not require His re-wiring the entire solar system? Just because we don’t understand how He can do something, doesn’t mean that it couldn’t happen.
12-21 What else did Hezekiah do during these 15 years that he shouldn’t have done? Why would he do that? 13, his, his, his. 15, my, my. 17-18, Isaiah pronounces a judgment based on his foolishness; is H concerned, 19? Nope, as long as it happens after he is gone, he's fine with it. What else did he do during those 15 years, 20:21-21:1? Perhaps facing death without an heir had contributed to his bitterness. Hezekiah's spiritual values slipped toward the end of his life; how firmly would young Manasseh be taught the right values about God?
The Bible gives three accounts of Hezekiah--must be important lessons for us.
CHAPTER 21
1-18 Be careful what you ask for; you might get it, like Hezekiah did. What happened in those 15 years? If he had accepted God's revealed will, Manasseh would never have been born. Was his plan better than God's? Hezekiah's story is a scary warning, also Psa. 106:15; this is why I pray, "THY will be done." If we insist God answer our prayer the way we want, especially if that flows from no accepting His Word, He may just say, "Ooooo-K....."
After 100 years of rule by godly kings, the cancer of idol worship is still strong in the people, just waiting for its opportunity again. 14, God abandons them--temporarily or permanently? Tradition says that he sawed Isaiah in two, 16; perhaps referred to in Heb. 11:37? II Chron. 33:12-16 tells that he repented at the end. His son reigned only two years.
CHAPTER 22
1-13 Josiah. Child king; Amon fathered him when a teen. This incident happened when he was 26. Who knows how long God’s Word had been misplaced, unused. But he had already been seeking the Lord for years, II Chron. 34:3.
14-20 The prophetess says God's wrath is coming, but not until after Josiah's death. We wonder why God spoke through a prophetess, since there were other prophets around at that time.
Many preachers use the story of Josiah's reforms to justify the practice of revivals in the church. The Bible does not speak of the need for revival in the church, or even in Israel. Unscriptural revival meetings began in the early 1800s; Charles Finney used emotionalism and mass meetings to manipulate crowds. Equating Josiah's reforms to "revival" in the church is misunderstanding the nature of the church and the differences between Israel and the church. The church has been sealed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Israel was a national identity, descendants of Abraham, some who obeyed God's law and some who didn't; not having eternal security like the church, they could walk away from God--David wrote of God reviving him. Christians grow through being in the Word and walking with the Lord; the New Testament does not even speak of revival or being revived, which is impossible for us who have the indwelling Holy Spirit.
CHAPTER 23
1-3 We wonder how long it had been since the books of Moses had been known and read; what a shock it must have been. The king and the leaders make a covenant.
4-25 Josiah’s reforms, details of how much false worship was going on. Compare 20 to I Kings 13:1-6. They once again observe the Passover. Compare 25 to 18:4-6, similar but different.
26-37 God will not change His mind, but He was merciful to Josiah. Several times God did this for those who were godly, or who repented. More evidence that God removes the true church before He pours out His wrath on the earth. Amazing that such a godly king would have such an evil son; Jehoahaz reigned only three months. (Jeremiah is not the prophet.) Another son of Josiah reigns, Eliakim/Jehoiakim (renaming indicated control by the renamer); puppet king, eleven years, another evil son--wow.
Josiah made external changes; does that change the hearts of people? The desire for idolatry remained.
CHAPTER 24
100 years earlier, Israel, the northern kingdom of the nation of Israel, was taken captive by Assyria. These last two chapters tell the sad end of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel, as it is taken captive by Babylon.
1-7 Babylon's taking of Judah, under king Nebuchadnezzar, took place in several stages over about 20 years, while there was conflict between Egypt and Babylon. Daniel was taken in the first group of captives, Dan. 1:1-3. Dan. 2:1 is dated as the second year of young Nebuchadnezzar's reign, so the events of Dan. 1 and of II Kings 24:1-2 would have been in his first year.
8-14 Jehoiakim's son Jehoiachin takes over at age 18, is evil; what happens after three months? He and others taken to Babylon. The prophet Ezekiel was also one of the captives, Eze. 1:1-3. He prophesied to the captives in the land of their captivity. God’s covenant with Abraham, to give the land to him and his descendants, was unconditional. But the privilege of living and prospering in the land was conditional--on what; had they met the condition? Was the land left deserted?
15-20 Jehoiachin's uncle, Zedekiah, made puppet king in Jerusalem--evil. Even after Josiah's attempts to turn the nation back to God, its final three kings were all evil. Jeremiah prophesied to Judah during this extended period of siege by Babylon, Jer. 1:1-3. Did they listen to him? NO.
CHAPTER 25
1-30 Jerusalem under siege last two years of Zedekiah; famine, city laid waste, temple looted, temple and walls destroyed. The people who are left are some of the people that Jeremiah was with, serving as prophet. Gedaliah was a friend of Jeremiah’s. They tried to convince the people to remain in the land and cooperate with Nebuchadnezzar. But those who were left flee to Egypt.
Jehoiachin was treated kindly at end; a change of policy in this direction eventually led to giving the Jews the opportunity to have more freedom and return to their own land, under the later rule of Cyrus.
Is it important to remember all the names and dates and facts of this historical section? What DO we need to notice that applies just as much to us as Christians today? We learn more about how God deals with people and with evil, about sinful human nature, about dealing with a godless culture. In those days God was dealing with Israel as a nation. Today He is dealing with the church, working in and through the church, as a body and as individuals, scattered through ALL the nations.
Copyright 2024 Jan Young