TheThe

Divided Divided KingdomKingdom

from from Rehoboam Rehoboam to Zedekiahto Zedekiah

Historical Bible BooksHistorical Bible Books

1 Kings 12 – 2 Kings 251 Kings 12 – 2 Kings 25

2 Chronicles 362 Chronicles 36

Prophetic BooksProphetic Books

All except Daniel, Haggai, All except Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, MalachiZechariah, Malachi

The DisruptionThe Disruption The two sections of the kingdom were united in The two sections of the kingdom were united in

their religion and in their allegiance to the kingtheir religion and in their allegiance to the king Ahijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 11:29-31)Ahijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 11:29-31) Jeroboam flees to Egypt (1 Kings 11:40)Jeroboam flees to Egypt (1 Kings 11:40) Death of Solomon (1 Kings 11:42-43)Death of Solomon (1 Kings 11:42-43) Rehaboam’s kingship was not automatic. He Rehaboam’s kingship was not automatic. He

presented himself for re-election at Shechem.presented himself for re-election at Shechem. Return of Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:2)Return of Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:2) Rehoboam’s unreasonable demands. If he had Rehoboam’s unreasonable demands. If he had

acted more tactfully, would the outcome have acted more tactfully, would the outcome have been different?been different?

Rehoboam and JeroboamRehoboam and JeroboamRehoboam didn’t realise the seriousness Rehoboam didn’t realise the seriousness

of the situation. of the situation. Death of Adoniram, the forced labour Death of Adoniram, the forced labour

chief. Rehoboam escapes (1 Kings 12:18).chief. Rehoboam escapes (1 Kings 12:18).Rebellion of Israel (1 Kings 12:19-20).Rebellion of Israel (1 Kings 12:19-20).War averted by action of the prophet War averted by action of the prophet

Shemaiah (1 Kings 12:22-24).Shemaiah (1 Kings 12:22-24). Israel and Judah separated under different Israel and Judah separated under different

dynastiesdynasties

Jeroboam – Israel’s First KingJeroboam – Israel’s First King1 Kings 12-141 Kings 12-14A New Capital – ShechemA New Capital – ShechemEstablished a short-lived dynastyEstablished a short-lived dynastyTwo new sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan to Two new sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan to

counter influence of Jerusalem and its king.counter influence of Jerusalem and its king.Prophecies against Jeroboam – man of Prophecies against Jeroboam – man of

God, Ahijah (1 Kings 13, 14)God, Ahijah (1 Kings 13, 14)Subsequent references refer to Jeroboam Subsequent references refer to Jeroboam

as the one who “made Israel to sin”.as the one who “made Israel to sin”.

Religious ConsequencesReligious ConsequencesMore serious in the northMore serious in the northThe new sanctuaries encouraged idolatry The new sanctuaries encouraged idolatry

(two golden calves). The calves – images (two golden calves). The calves – images of Yahweh or fertility symbols associated of Yahweh or fertility symbols associated with the Baal cult?with the Baal cult?

Priesthood open to non-Levites. The king Priesthood open to non-Levites. The king participated in the sacrifices himself.participated in the sacrifices himself.

Date of autumn festival changed.Date of autumn festival changed.As time progressed , the worship became As time progressed , the worship became

more degenerate.more degenerate.

Kings of Judah and IsraelKings of Judah and Israel Rehoboam (931-913)Rehoboam (931-913) Abijam (913-911)Abijam (913-911) Asa (911-870)Asa (911-870)

Jehosophat (870-848)Jehosophat (870-848) Jehoram (848-841)Jehoram (848-841) Ahaziah (841)Ahaziah (841) Athaliah (841-835)Athaliah (841-835) Joash (835-796)Joash (835-796)

Jeroboam 1 (931 -910)Jeroboam 1 (931 -910) Nadab (919-909)Nadab (919-909) Baasha (909-886)Baasha (909-886) Elah (886-885)Elah (886-885) Zimri (885)Zimri (885) Tibni (885-880)Tibni (885-880) Omri (880-874)Omri (880-874) Ahab (874-853)Ahab (874-853) Ahaziah (853-852)Ahaziah (853-852) Joram (852-841)Joram (852-841) Jehu (841-814)Jehu (841-814)

Kings of Judah and IsraelKings of Judah and Israel Joash (835-796)Joash (835-796)

Amaziah (796-767)Amaziah (796-767) Azariah (767-740)Azariah (767-740)

Jotham (740-732)Jotham (740-732) Ahaz (732-716)Ahaz (732-716)

Jehu (841-814)Jehu (841-814) Jehoahaz (814-798)Jehoahaz (814-798) Jehoash (798-782)Jehoash (798-782) Jeroboam II (782-753)Jeroboam II (782-753) Zachariah (753-752)Zachariah (753-752) Shallum (752)Shallum (752) Menahem (752-742)Menahem (752-742) Pekahiah (742-740)Pekahiah (742-740) Pekah (740-732)Pekah (740-732) Hoshea (732-723)Hoshea (732-723)

Kings of JudahKings of Judah Hezekiah (716-687)Hezekiah (716-687) Manasseh (687-643)Manasseh (687-643) Amon (643-641)Amon (643-641) Josiah (640-609)Josiah (640-609) Jehoahaz (609)Jehoahaz (609) Jehoiakim (609-597)Jehoiakim (609-597) Jehoiachin (597)Jehoiachin (597) Zedekiah (597-587)Zedekiah (597-587)

After the division, the kingdoms of Judah After the division, the kingdoms of Judah (south) and Israel (north) continue for 208 and (south) and Israel (north) continue for 208 and

344 years respectively.344 years respectively.

The northern kingdom is conquered by the The northern kingdom is conquered by the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V and its people Assyrian king Shalmaneser V and its people

taken into exile in 723 BC. taken into exile in 723 BC.

The southern kingdom is eventually The southern kingdom is eventually conquered by the Babylonian king conquered by the Babylonian king

Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC.Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC.

The Relationship between Israel and JudahThe Relationship between Israel and Judah

922-876BC. A period of continued feuding. The 922-876BC. A period of continued feuding. The main issue seems to have been control of main issue seems to have been control of

Benjamin. Asa asks Syria for help.Benjamin. Asa asks Syria for help.

876-842BC. The accession of Omri ended the 876-842BC. The accession of Omri ended the feud and there was a period of alliance. Syria feud and there was a period of alliance. Syria

is now seen as the enemy. A marriage is now seen as the enemy. A marriage between Jehoram and Athaliah.between Jehoram and Athaliah.

After 842BC. Following the murder of Ahaziah After 842BC. Following the murder of Ahaziah by Jehu, relations deteriorate. “ Kings 14:8-14 by Jehu, relations deteriorate. “ Kings 14:8-14 records a clash between Amaziah and Joash.records a clash between Amaziah and Joash.

The Relationship between Israel and JudahThe Relationship between Israel and Judah

Around 736BC, Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Around 736BC, Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel tried to involve Jotham (and later Ahaz) Israel tried to involve Jotham (and later Ahaz)

of Judah in an anti-Assyrian revolt.of Judah in an anti-Assyrian revolt.

The Syro-Ephraimite alliance placed Judah in The Syro-Ephraimite alliance placed Judah in a dangerous position. Despite Isaiah’s appeal, a dangerous position. Despite Isaiah’s appeal,

Ahaz calls in Assyrian help which ultimately Ahaz calls in Assyrian help which ultimately resulted in the end of the northern kingdom.resulted in the end of the northern kingdom.

Judah had temporary relief at great expense Judah had temporary relief at great expense and the loss of independence. See 2 and the loss of independence. See 2

Chronicles 28:20.Chronicles 28:20.

Themes from KingsThemes from KingsThe Davidic DynastyThe Davidic DynastyGod’s Freedom and Sovereignty in HistoryGod’s Freedom and Sovereignty in HistoryGod’s commitment to His Covenant peopleGod’s commitment to His Covenant peopleRecurring cycles of apostasy and Recurring cycles of apostasy and

judgementjudgementHuman Action and their ConsequencesHuman Action and their ConsequencesThe Prophetic Ministry – Elijah and the The Prophetic Ministry – Elijah and the

School of the ProphetsSchool of the Prophets

Theological AspectsTheological Aspects

The whole period demonstrates the sovereignty The whole period demonstrates the sovereignty of God. (This is part of its teleological purpose.) of God. (This is part of its teleological purpose.) The God of Israel is in control of the affairs of The God of Israel is in control of the affairs of

empires.empires.

God is concerned about national sins, social God is concerned about national sins, social and economic injustices. This is something that and economic injustices. This is something that

is often ignored.is often ignored.

The abiding nature of God’s Covenant. The abiding nature of God’s Covenant. However, this was often misunderstood in However, this was often misunderstood in

purely nationalistic terms without faithfulnesspurely nationalistic terms without faithfulness

International Relations International Relations

PhilistiaPhilistia

EdomEdom

MoabMoab

EgyptEgypt

SyriaSyria

AssyriaAssyria

BabylonBabylon

Egyptian InfluenceEgyptian InfluenceTwo main facets of Egyptian policy:Two main facets of Egyptian policy: When strong, Egypt tried to dominateWhen strong, Egypt tried to dominate When weak, Egypt sought to use Israel When weak, Egypt sought to use Israel

and Judah as buffer states against the and Judah as buffer states against the more powerful Assyria and Babylon.more powerful Assyria and Babylon.

After Shishak (1 Kings 11:40; 14:25), After Shishak (1 Kings 11:40; 14:25), Egypt withdrew due to internal troubles.Egypt withdrew due to internal troubles.

In 606 BC, the Egyptian king Pharoah In 606 BC, the Egyptian king Pharoah Necho II was defeated by Babylonian king Necho II was defeated by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. See Jeremiah 46.Nebuchadnezzar. See Jeremiah 46.

SyriaSyria

Ion reigns of Jeroboam and Baasha (922-877), Ion reigns of Jeroboam and Baasha (922-877), the two states was equally powerful.the two states was equally powerful.

During the dynasty of Omri (877-842), Syria During the dynasty of Omri (877-842), Syria gradually became dominant.gradually became dominant.

This continued as Israel became weaker during This continued as Israel became weaker during Jehu’s dynastry (2 Kings 10:32f; 13:3, 7).Jehu’s dynastry (2 Kings 10:32f; 13:3, 7).

From 805-734BC Syria’s position was From 805-734BC Syria’s position was weakened by Assyrian attacks allowing Israel weakened by Assyrian attacks allowing Israel to recover captured towns (2 Kings 13:25).to recover captured towns (2 Kings 13:25).

From 734 onwards, Israel and Syria both come From 734 onwards, Israel and Syria both come under threat from Assyriaunder threat from Assyria

AssyriaAssyriaThe ninth century marks the expansion of the The ninth century marks the expansion of the

Assyrian empire in the west.Assyrian empire in the west.

Ashur-nasir-pal III subdued Hamath and Ashur-nasir-pal III subdued Hamath and Phoenicia. An alliance between Israel and Tyre Phoenicia. An alliance between Israel and Tyre

sealed with Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel.sealed with Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel.

In 853 BC, Shalmanezer III fought an indecisive In 853 BC, Shalmanezer III fought an indecisive battle against a coalition of 10 kings at Qatqar. battle against a coalition of 10 kings at Qatqar. The Assyrian annals report that king Ahab of The Assyrian annals report that king Ahab of

Israel supplied 2,000 chariots and 10,000 Israel supplied 2,000 chariots and 10,000 infantry to the coalition.infantry to the coalition.

AssyriaAssyriaIn a further campaign in 841 BC, most of the In a further campaign in 841 BC, most of the

states including Israel were made tributary. The states including Israel were made tributary. The coalition broke down when Jehu killed Jezebel.coalition broke down when Jehu killed Jezebel.

Jehu pays tribute, but is called a son of Omri!Jehu pays tribute, but is called a son of Omri!

2 Kings 13:5 is a possible reference to the 2 Kings 13:5 is a possible reference to the Assyrian king Adad-nirari III who campaigned Assyrian king Adad-nirari III who campaigned

against Syria in 805-803BC.against Syria in 805-803BC.

Menahem pays tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III (2 Menahem pays tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III (2 Kings 15:18-20). A little later, Pekah is Kings 15:18-20). A little later, Pekah is

defeated and loses cities to TP III.defeated and loses cities to TP III.

AssyriaAssyriaJudah also became tributary to Assyria at this Judah also became tributary to Assyria at this

time (2 Kings 16:8).time (2 Kings 16:8).

Pekah’s successor Hoshea (the last king of Pekah’s successor Hoshea (the last king of Israel), prompted by Egypt, rebelled against Israel), prompted by Egypt, rebelled against

Assyria by withholding tribute. The result was a Assyria by withholding tribute. The result was a campaign by Shalmanezer V. Hoshea was campaign by Shalmanezer V. Hoshea was imprisoned and, after a three year seige, imprisoned and, after a three year seige,

Samaria fell to the next Assyrian king,Sargon II.Samaria fell to the next Assyrian king,Sargon II.

Sargon deported 27,290 inhabitants and Sargon deported 27,290 inhabitants and replaced them with deportees from elsewhere.replaced them with deportees from elsewhere.

2 Kings 17:6, 23; 18:112 Kings 17:6, 23; 18:11

The Assyrian MenaceThe Assyrian MenaceThe fall of Samaria occurred in 723BC. The The fall of Samaria occurred in 723BC. The

king of Judah at that time was Hezekiah.king of Judah at that time was Hezekiah.Some years later, another Assyrian king, Some years later, another Assyrian king,

Sennacherib, attacked Judah. Although the Sennacherib, attacked Judah. Although the country was laid waste, he failed to capture country was laid waste, he failed to capture Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

Following threats from the Assyrian king, Following threats from the Assyrian king, Hezekiah turns to prayer. Isaiah prophesied Hezekiah turns to prayer. Isaiah prophesied Jerusalem’s deliverance. The Assyrians lost Jerusalem’s deliverance. The Assyrians lost 85,000 men possibly as the result of bubonic 85,000 men possibly as the result of bubonic plague.plague.

Origin of the SamaritansOrigin of the SamaritansFollowing the deportation of the Israelites Following the deportation of the Israelites

from the Northern Kingdom, Israel was from the Northern Kingdom, Israel was resettled with people from different parts of resettled with people from different parts of the Assyrian Empire.the Assyrian Empire.

They formed an ethno-religious group who They formed an ethno-religious group who later claimed their worship was the original later claimed their worship was the original religion of the Israelites prior to the exile. religion of the Israelites prior to the exile.

They opposed the restoration activities of They opposed the restoration activities of the returning exiles including Ezra and the returning exiles including Ezra and Nehemiah.Nehemiah.

BabylonBabylon

Until 622, Babylon was under Assyrian control.Until 622, Babylon was under Assyrian control.

In 605 BC, the Babylonians won the battle of In 605 BC, the Babylonians won the battle of Carchemish, defeating the Egyptians and the Carchemish, defeating the Egyptians and the

remnants of the Assyrian army.remnants of the Assyrian army.

In a series of military campaigns, Israel was In a series of military campaigns, Israel was invaded by Nebuchadnezzar and its last kings invaded by Nebuchadnezzar and its last kings

deposed. The fall of Jerusalem in 587BC deposed. The fall of Jerusalem in 587BC ended the Davidic dynasty.ended the Davidic dynasty.

The last kings of Judah were seduced to revolt The last kings of Judah were seduced to revolt by Egypt and incurred Babylonian revenge.by Egypt and incurred Babylonian revenge.

The Prophets of 1 & 2 KingsThe Prophets of 1 & 2 Kings

There is a clear interplay between the prophet There is a clear interplay between the prophet and the king.and the king.

Ahijah ShemaiahAhijah Shemaiah

ElijahElijah

ElishaElisha

MicaiahMicaiah

IsaiahIsaiah

Apart from Isaiah, their main work was in the Apart from Isaiah, their main work was in the northern kingdom.northern kingdom.

ElijahElijahReligious life in Israel reached an all-time Religious life in Israel reached an all-time

low in Ahab’s 22-year reign. He and his wife low in Ahab’s 22-year reign. He and his wife Jezebel of Tyre introduced the worship of Jezebel of Tyre introduced the worship of the Phoenician god Melqart (Baal).the Phoenician god Melqart (Baal).

This brings him into conflict with Elijah who This brings him into conflict with Elijah who predicted a drought. Three yours later, predicted a drought. Three yours later, there was a conflict on Mount Carmel.there was a conflict on Mount Carmel.

Elijah escapes to Sinai, calls Elisha, brings Elijah escapes to Sinai, calls Elisha, brings about changes of dynasty. Dramatic taking about changes of dynasty. Dramatic taking up to heaven.up to heaven.

Significance of ElijahSignificance of ElijahAn important point in the history of An important point in the history of

monotheism.monotheism.Challenge to IdolatryChallenge to IdolatrySchool of the ProphetsSchool of the ProphetsAmong the GentilesAmong the GentilesJames 5:13-18 – Elijah as a powerful James 5:13-18 – Elijah as a powerful

example of faith and prayer.example of faith and prayer.Eschatological significance of ElijahEschatological significance of Elijah

A forerunner of John the BaptistA forerunner of John the BaptistWith Jesus in the TransfigurationWith Jesus in the Transfiguration

Revival Kings of IsraelRevival Kings of IsraelJudah had 20 kings – 8 were good and of Judah had 20 kings – 8 were good and of

these 5 are known as the Revival Kings.these 5 are known as the Revival Kings.They were raised up by God to bring They were raised up by God to bring

periods of revival and reformation to the periods of revival and reformation to the nation.nation.

Their activities are described in Chronicles Their activities are described in Chronicles which gives a theological history. 2 which gives a theological history. 2 Chronicles, particularly, is a book of Chronicles, particularly, is a book of revivals.revivals.

Revival Kings of IsraelRevival Kings of IsraelThe revival kings were:The revival kings were: Asa – 1 Kings 15:9-24; 2 Chron 14-16Asa – 1 Kings 15:9-24; 2 Chron 14-16 Jehosophat – 1 Kings 22:41-50; 2 Chron Jehosophat – 1 Kings 22:41-50; 2 Chron

17:1 – 21:317:1 – 21:3 Joash – 2 kings 12; 2 Chron 24Joash – 2 kings 12; 2 Chron 24 Hezekiah – 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chron 29-32Hezekiah – 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chron 29-32 Josiah – 2 Kings 22:1-23:30; 2 Chron 34-35Josiah – 2 Kings 22:1-23:30; 2 Chron 34-35However, even these “revival” kings couldn’t However, even these “revival” kings couldn’t

stop the downward decline of the nation. stop the downward decline of the nation. Something new was needed.Something new was needed.

EpilogueEpilogue The writer of Kings states that the fall of the The writer of Kings states that the fall of the

northern kingdom is northern kingdom is “because the Israelites had “because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God”sinned against the Lord their God” (2 Kings 17:7). (2 Kings 17:7).

Similarly, the fall of Jerusalem was “according to Similarly, the fall of Jerusalem was “according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh” ( 2 Kings 24:3).Manasseh” ( 2 Kings 24:3).

2 Chron 36:16 is similar. God had sent his 2 Chron 36:16 is similar. God had sent his prophets “until the wrath of the Lord was aroused prophets “until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy”against his people and there was no remedy”

The ending of 2 Chronicles contains a note of The ending of 2 Chronicles contains a note of hope with a reference to Jeremiah’s prophecy of hope with a reference to Jeremiah’s prophecy of the return in 70 years time. (Jer 25:1-14; 29).the return in 70 years time. (Jer 25:1-14; 29).