Bible: Beginning to End - 1 Kings 12-22: The Early Divided Kingdom & Israel's Third Dynasty

Episode Date: January 17, 2024

1 Kings 12-22 (Read NLT)⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Important Links for the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here for our YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Discuss each episode on Reddit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact Us ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠On Instagram @biblebeginningtoend⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠On Twitter: @biblebeginning1⁠⁠⁠⁠ Via email: ⁠[e-mail]⁠ Supporting the Show Financial contribution is never required, but if you'd like to support the show, here are a couple of ways: Be a listener and share the show with your friends! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to become a monthly supporter via Spotify.⁠⁠⁠⁠* ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to make a one-time contribution via Paypal.* *Note that the Bible Beginning to End podcast is not a registered 501(c)3 or charitable organization. Therefore, any monetary support provided is not tax deductible. 10% of any profits made from this podcast via ad revenues or listener support will be donated to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Asha's Refuge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a Christ-centered nonprofit that "exists to assist the most disadvantaged refugees/asylees in achieving a successful resettlement in the Memphis, TN area.". Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 1:56 - Ad Break 1:57 - 1 Kings 12 14:02 -   1 Kings 13 22:38 -  1 Kings 14 30:57-  1 Kings 15 38:58 -  1 Kings 16 49:12 -  1 Kings 17 55:18 -  1 Kings 18 1:07:14 -  1 Kings 19 1:14:36 -  1 Kings 20 1:26:08 -  1 Kings 21 1:32:27 -  1 Kings 22 1:45:43 - Outro Bible Verse Copyright Statement Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. To purchase an NLT, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3wUpUef

Hello and welcome back to Bible beginning to end. I'm so glad you're here as we are continuing reading through the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. As many of you know who have been here for a while, but I say it every time. As we read, your job is to reflect and listen and think about what you're hearing, really letting God speak through His Word to you. I'm going to stop and ask questions along the way. But I'm not going to answer the questions. I'm not going to give commentary or what I think,

because I want you to sort of remove the clutter of what other people think of God's Word and really meditate on what you are gaining from God's Word. What is he telling you about His Word? What is the text saying to you? Right now, we are using the New Living Translation. Soon we will be shifting to a different. translation, and I have found another translation to continue the project with, so I'm very excited

about that, but I will let you know what translation that is when we make that shift. Last time, we read through First Kings 1 through 11, talking a lot about Solomon's reign after David, King David, passed away. And now we have lost another king. Solomon has passed away, and now his son has taken over Israel. So that is where we're picking up in First Kings 12. So take a deep breath. Focus your mind wherever you are if you're walking, if you're at home, if you're at work, if you're on the way to work, if you're in the car on a trip, focus your mind, and really listen to what God has to say to you today. And now we will begin, First Kings, Chapter 12

This section starts with a section called the Northern Tribes Revolt Chapter 12 verse 1 Rehoboam was sent to Shechem where all Israel had gathered to make him king. When Jeroboam

son of Nabat heard of this he returned from Egypt for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon the leaders of Israel summoned him and Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam. Your father was a hard master, they said.

Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects. Okay, so pause there. Who is Rehaboam's father? Who was the king just before him? And what claim are these men making about Solomon? Is this a true claim from what you know of Solomon in the past? Verse 5. Rehoboam replied,

Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer. So the people went away. Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. What is your advice? he asked. How should I answer these people? The older counselors replied,

If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects. Okay, so pause there. What did Rehoboam do when he was met with these men, and they said, change these policies that your father had? Who did he go to?

Do you think Rehoboam made the right decision going to these men? And do you think they gave him good advice? Verse 8. But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men, and instead asked the opinion, of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisors. What is your advice? he asked them. How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?

The young men replied, This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden. My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I'm going to make them even heavier. My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions. Okay, so pause there. Rehabom went to two different people to seek advice.

He went to the older men who were Solomon's advisors, and he received advice from them. Then he went to the younger men who were his advisors, and he received very different advice from them. So what do you think about this advice that the younger men gave him to be even more harsh to these men? I want you to compare and contrast the two groups' advice, the older men and the younger men. How was their advice different? How was it similar if it was? Who do you think gave the wisest advice? Which advice do you think Rehoboam should follow?

why do you think the advice he was given from both groups was so different? And why do you think Rehoboam initially rejected the older men's advice and sought out these younger men? What do you think is going to ultimately happen? Verse 12. Three days later, Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, just as the king had ordered. But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice. of the older counsellors, and followed the council of his younger advisors.

He told the people, My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I'm going to make them even heavier. My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions. So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the Lord, for it fulfilled the Lord's message to Jeroboam,

son of Nabat, through the prophet Ahijah, from Shiloh. Okay, so pause there. What are we learning about this situation? First of all, what are we learning about Rehoboam and who he is as a leader compared to how his father Solomon was as a leader? And then it says that this was actually part of God's will, fulfilling a message of a prophet. Do you know what prophecy he's talking about here? What does that tell us about this situation, knowing that this is part of God's will. If you remember in chapter 11, verses 11 to 13, and 29 to 39, there was supposed to be a judgment against Solomon. So does this prophecy have anything to do with that? Is that what they're talking about here when they're talking about

the will of the Lord? And what do you think is going to happen because of this decision that Rehoboam made. Verse 16. When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, down with the dynasty of David. We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel. Look out for your own house, O David. So the people of Israel returned home. But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the town of Judah. Okay, so pause there. What happened because of what Rehoboam chose? He made this decision, and what did the people do in response? Verse 18. King Rehoboam sent Adaniram, who was in charge of forced labor, to restore order, but the people of Israel stoned him to death. When this news reached King Rehoboam, he quickly jumped into the chariot and fled to Jerusalem.

and to this day, the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David. When the people of Israel learned of Jeroboam's return from Egypt, they called an assembly and made him king over all Israel. So only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the family of David. Okay, so pause there. I know I've paused quite a few times, but this is a really important section. What has just happened here? Israel has completely split.

So how many tribes of Israel were there when we started out? And now we have 10 tribes splitting and going with Jeroboam and two tribes staying loyal to the family line of David and staying with Rehoboam. Why is this significant? What do you think is going to happen to Israel as a result of this? And why is it important that some of the Israelites remained loyal to the family of David? Why is David's lineage so important to the story of the Bible and the gospel?

The next section is Shemaiah's prophecy. Verse 21. When Rehoboam arrived at Jerusalem, he mobilized the men of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, 180,000 select troops to fight against the men. men of Israel, and to restore the kingdom to himself. But God said to Shemaiah, the man of God, say to Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people. This is what the Lord says.

Do not fight against your relatives, the Israelites. Go back home, for what has happened is my doing. So they obeyed the message of the Lord, and went home as the Lord. had commanded. Okay, so pause there. What does God mean? What does he mean when he says, Don't fight, because this is my doing? Why would God want to split up the tribes of Israel? The next section is Jeroboam makes golden calves. Verse 25. Jeroboam then built up the city of Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and it became his capital. Later, he went and built up the town of Poneal. Jeroboam thought to himself, unless I am careful, the kingdom will return to the

dynasty of David. When these people go to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord, they will again give their allegiances to King Rehoboam of Judah. They will kill me and make him their king instead. So on the advice of his counselors, the king made two gold calves. He said to the people, It is too much trouble for you to worship in Jerusalem. Look, Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of Egypt. He placed these calf idols in Bethel and in Dan at either end of his kingdom. But this became a great sin for the people worshipped the idols, traveling as far north as Dan to worship one there.

Jeroboam also erected buildings at the pagan shrines and ordained priests from the common people, those who were not from the priestly tribe of Levi. And Jeroboam instituted a religious festival in Bethel, held on the 15th day of the eighth month, in imitation of the annual festival of shelters in Judah. There at Bethel, he himself offered sacrifices to the calves he had made, and he appointed priests for the pagan shrines he had made. So on the 15th day of the 8th month, a day that he himself had designated,

Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar at Bethel. He instituted a religious festival for Israel, and he went up to the altar to burn incense. Okay, so pause there. What has Jeroboam done? What laws has he broken, and how has he turned against the one true God? and because of the idols he's built and the false holidays he's created, how has he negatively impacted the people of Israel he's supposed to be leading?

What do you think will happen to Jeroboam and the people who followed him as a result of this? Okay, so now we can start Chapter 13, which begins with a section called a prophet denounces Jeroboam. Chapter 13, verse 1. At the Lord's command, a man of God from Judah went to Bethel, arriving there just as Jeroboam was approaching the altar to burn incense. Then, at the Lord's command, he shouted, O altar, altar. This is what the Lord says.

A child named Josiah will be born into the dynasty of David. On you, he will sacrifice the priests from the pagan shrines who come here to burn incense and human bones. will be burned on you. The same day, the man of God gave a sign to prove his message. He said, The Lord has promised to give this sign, this altar will split apart,

and its ashes will be poured out on the ground. When King Jeroboam heard the man of God speaking against the altar at Bethel, he pointed at him and shouted, seize that man. But instantly, the king's hand became paralyzed in that position. and he couldn't pull it back. At the same time, a wide crack appeared in the altar, and the ashes poured out,

just as the man of God had predicted in his message from the Lord. The king cried out to the man of God, please ask the Lord your God to restore my hand again. So the man of God prayed to the Lord, and the king's hand was restored, and he could move it again. Then the king said to the man of God, come to the palace with me and have something to eat, and I will give you a gift. But the man of God said to the king, even if you give me half of everything you own,

I would not go with you. I would not eat or drink anything in this place. For the Lord gave me this command, you must not eat or drink anything while you are there, and do not return to Judah by the same way you came. So he left Bethel and went home another way. Okay, so pause there. Who is this man from God, and why was he sent to Jeroboam? He talks about a man named Josiah. Who is this person called Josiah, and what will he do after he is born?

At some point, Jeroboam asks the people to seize this man of God who's come to make this proclamation, but he's not able to. Why is that? Why can he not seize this man? what does this man of God say is going to happen here, and happen at this altar, and happen to Jeroboam? And why did God send a man to denounce Jeroboam? What was he doing that required someone coming here and making these proclamations? Verse 11. As it happened, there was an old prophet living in Bethel, and his sons came home and told him what the man of God had done in Bethel that day. They also told their father what the man had said to the king.

The prophet asked them, which way did he go? So they showed their father which rode the man of God had taken. Quick, saddled the donkey, the old man said. So they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it. Then he rode after the man of God and found him sitting under a great tree. The old prophet asked him, Are you the man of God who came from Judah? Yes, I am, he was.

replied. Then he said to the man of God, come with me and eat some food. No, I cannot, he replied, I am not allowed to eat or drink anything here in this place. For the Lord gave me this command. You must not eat or drink anything while you are there, and do not return to Judah by the same way you came. But the old prophet answered, I am a prophet too, just as you are, and an angel gave me this command from the Lord. Bring him home with you. you so you can have something to eat and drink. But the old man was lying to him. So they went back together and the man of God ate and drink at the prophet's home. Okay, so pause there. Who is telling the truth in this situation? They're both saying that they had commands from the Lord,

but the commands are different. So who is telling the truth? Why do you think the old man is lying. And what do you think is going to happen after they eat and drink together in the old man's home? Verse 20. Then, while they were sitting at the table, a command from the Lord came to the old prophet. He cried out to the man of God from Judah. This is what the Lord says. You have defied the word of God and have disobeyed the command the Lord your God gave you. You came back to this place and ate and drank where he told you not to eat or drink. Because of this, your body will not be buried in the graves of your ancestors. After the man of God had finished eating and drinking,

the old prophet saddled his own donkey for him, and the man of God started off again. But as he was traveling along, a lion came out and killed him. His body lay there on the road with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. People who passed by saw the body lying in the road, and the lion standing beside it, and they went and reported it, and Bethel, where the old prophet lived. When the prophet heard the report, he said, it is the man of God who disobeyed the Lord's command. The Lord has fulfilled his word by causing the lion to attack him and kill him.

Then the prophet said to his sons, Saddle a donkey for me, so they saddled a donkey, and he went out and found the body lying in the road. The donkey and lion were still standing there beside it, for the lion had not eaten the body, nor attacked the donkey. So the prophet laid the body of the man of God on the donkey, and took it back to the town to mourn over him and bury him. He laid the body in his own grave, crying out and grief. Oh, my brother. Okay, so pause there. Why did the man of God die? Why do you think this was his punishment. Why did the prophet lie to him in the first place? Was God testing him to see if he was truly following what God asked him to do? And then what do you think of these characters of the lion

and the donkey? What are their purposes in the story and what do they represent? And then what about the prophet's reaction to this man's death? What does that tell us about the prophet? Verse 31. afterward the prophet said to his sons, When I die, bury me in the grave where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones. With a message the Lord told him to proclaim against the altar in Bethel and against the pagan shrines in the town of Samaria will certainly come true. But even after this, Jeroboam did not turn from his evil ways.

He continued to choose priests from the common people. He appointed anyone who wanted to become a priest for the pagan shrines. This became a great sin and resulted in the utter destruction of Jeroboam's dynasty from the face of the earth. Okay, so pause there. What is Jeroboam doing that goes against God's desire for the people of Israel? What do you think is going to happen to him and the people who are following him because of this? Okay, so now we can start chapter 14, which begins with a section called Ahijah's prophecy against Jeroboam. Chapter 14, verse 1.

At that time, Jeroboam's son Abijah became very sick. So Jeroboam told his wife, Disguise yourself so that no one will recognize you as my wife. Then go to the prophet Ahijah at Shiloh. The man who told me I would become king. Take him a gift of ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and ask him what will happen to the boy. So Jeroboam's wife went to Ahedja's home at Shiloh.

He was an old man now and could no longer see. But the Lord had told Ahedja, Jerobam's wife will come here pretending to be someone else. She will ask you about her son, for he is very sick. Give her the answer, I give you. Okay, so pause there. What is Jeroboam's plan? How is God one step ahead of Jeroboam?

What do you think the message is that he's going to give Ahijah to tell Jeroboam's wife? Verse 6. So, when Ahedja heard her footsteps at the door, he called out, Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why are you pretending to be someone else? Then he told her, I have bad news for you. Give your husband Jeroboam this message from the Lord, the God of Israel. I promoted you from the ranks of the common people

and made you ruler over my people Israel. I ripped the kingdom away from the family of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like my servant, David, who obeyed my commands and followed me with all his heart and always did whatever I wanted. You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made other gods for yourself And have made me furious

With your gold calves And since you have turned your back on me I will bring disaster On your dynasty And will destroy Every one of your male descendants Slave and free alike Anywhere in Israel

I will burn up your royal dynasty As one burns up trash until it is all gone. The members of Jeroboam's family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures. I, the Lord, have spoken. Okay, so pause there.

First of all, what did Jeroboam do to God? And you might ask yourself, why did God choose Jeroboam in the first place? and then because of what Jeroboam has done, what does God say will happen? Verse 12. Then Ahedja said to Jeroboam's wife, Go on home, and when you enter the city, the child will die. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him.

He is the only member of your family who will have a proper burial. For this child is the only good thing that the Lord the God of Israel sees in the entire family. of Jeroboam. In addition, the Lord will raise up a king over Israel who will destroy the family of Jeroboam. This will happen today, even now. Then the Lord will shake Israel like a reed whipped about in a stream. He will uproot the people of Israel from this good land that he gave their ancestors, and will scatter them beyond the Euphrates River, for they have angered the Lord with the Asherah poles they have set up for worship. He will abandon Israel because Jeroboam sinned

and made Israel sin along with him. So Jeroboam's wife returned to Terza, and the child died just as she walked through the door of her home. And all Israel buried him and mourned for him, as the Lord had promised through the prophet Ahijah. The rest of the events in Jeroboam's reign, including all his wars and how he ruled, are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Israel. Jeroboam reigned in Israel 22 years.

When Jeroboam died, his son, Nadab, became the next king. Okay, so pause there. What do you think overall of Jeroboam's reign over Israel? What kind of king was he? What were his negative qualities? Did he have any positive qualities? How did his reign affect the people of Israel and his family? The next section is Rehoboam rules in Judah.

Verse 21. Meanwhile, Rehoboam, son of Solomon, was king in Judah. He was 41 years old when he became king and he reigned 17 years in Jerusalem. the city the Lord had chosen from among all the tribes of Israel as the place to honor his name. Rehoboam's mother was Na'ama, an Ammonite woman. During Rehoboam's reign, the people of Judah did what was evil in the Lord's sight, provoking his anger with their sin, for it was even worse than that of their ancestors, but they also built for themselves pagan shrines and set up sacred pillars and ashorepoles on every high,

hill and under every green tree. There were even male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign, King Shishok of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He ransacked the treasuries of the Lord's temple and the royal palace. He stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made. King Rehoboam later replaced them with bronze shields as substitutes, and he entrusted them to the care of the commanders of the guard who protected the entrance to the royal palace. Whenever the king went to the temple of the Lord, the guards would also take the shields and then return them to the guardroom.

The rest of the events in Rehoboam's reign and everything he did are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Judah. There was constant war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. When Rehoboam died, he was buried among his ancestors in the city of David. His mother was Na'amah, an Ammonite woman. Then his son, Abidjum, became the next king. Okay, so pause there. What do you think of Rehoboam and his reign as king over Judah? How is it different and how is it similar? to Jeroboam's reign. And then we see that Jeroboam and Rehaboam's sons will become their predecessors.

They will become the next kings. How do you think they're going to do? Will they be different from their fathers, similar to their fathers, forge a new path? What do you think is going to happen in Israel and in Judah with these new kings? Okay, so now we can start chapter 15.

which begins with a section called Abidium rules in Judah. Chapter 15, verse 1. Abidium began to rule over Judah in the 18th year of Jeroboam's reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother was Ma'eaka, the granddaughter of Absalom. He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the Lord His God as his ancestor. ancestor David had been. But for David's sake, the Lord His God allowed his descendants to continue

ruling, shining like a lamp, and he gave Abidium a son to rule after him in Jerusalem. For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and had obeyed the Lord's commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Eurya the Hittite. Okay, so pause here. Why is God committed to David. And why do David's descendants continue sinning against God? Verse 6. There was a war between Abidium and Jeroboam throughout Abidium's reign. The rest of the events in Abidium's reign and everything he did are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Judah. There was constant war between Abidium and Jeroboam. When Abidium died, he was buried in the city of David. Then his son, he was buried in the city of David.

then his son, Asa, became the next king. The next section is Asa rules in Judah. Verse 9. Asa began to rule over Judah in the 20th year of Jeroboam's reign in Israel. He reigned in Jerusalem 41 years. His grandmother was Maaka, the granddaughter of Absalom. Asa did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, as his ancestor David had done. He banished the male.

and female shrine prostitutes from the land, and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made. He even deposed his grandmother Maaka from her position as Queen Mother, because she had made an obscene asherapole. He cut down her obscene pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley. Although the pagan shrines were not removed, Ace's heart remained completely faithful to the Lord throughout his life. He brought into the temple of the Lord the silver and gold and the various items that he and his father had dedicated. There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel. King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Rama in order to prevent anyone from entering or leaving King Asa's territory in Judah.

Asa responded by removing all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the temple of the Lord and the royal palace. He sent it with some of his officials to bin Haddad, son of Tabramon, son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, along with this message. Let there be a treaty between you and me, like the one between your father and my father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. break your treaty with King Basha of Israel so that he will leave me alone. Ben Haddad agreed to King Asa's request and sent the commanders of his army to attack the towns of Israel.

They conquered the towns of Ejan, Dan, Abel Beth, Maaka, and all Kinareth and all the land of Noftali. As soon as Baasha of Israel heard what was happening, he abandoned his project of fortified Rama and withdrew to Tersa. Then King Asa sent an order throughout Judah requiring that everyone, without exception, helped to carry away the building stones and timbers that Baasha had been using to fortify Rama. Asa used these materials to fortify the town of Giba in Benjamin and the town of Mizpah. The rest of the events in Asa's reign, the extent of his power, everything he did, and the names of the cities he built, are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Judah.

In his old age, his feet became diseased. When Asa died, he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David. Then Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, became the next king. Okay, so pause there. What do you think about Asa's time as king? Why do you think he was so similar to David, faithful to God, while his father, was not. Why do you think some of the rulers of Judah and some of the rulers of Israel stay faithful to God while others don't? The next section is Nadab rules in Israel. Verse 25. Nadeb's son of Jerob son of Jerob began to rule over Israel in the second year of King Asa's reign in Judah. He reigned in Israel two years, but he did what was evil in the Lord's sight and followed the example of his father,

continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. Then Baasha, son of Ahijah from the tribe of Issaqar, plotted against Nadab, and assassinated him while he and the Israelite army were laying siege to the Philistine town in Gibbethon. Basha killed Nadab in the third year of King Asa's reign in Judah, and he became the next king of Israel. He immediately slaughtered all the descendants of Kibati's reign in Judah. King Jeroboam, so that not one of the royal family was left, just as the Lord had promised concerning Jeroboam by the prophet Ahedja from Shiloh. This was done because Jeroboam had provoked

the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, by the sins he had committed and the sins he had led Israel to commit. The rest of the events in Nadab's reign and everything he did are recorded in the book of the history of the king of Israel. Okay, so pause there. How did we see the prophecy about Jeroboam be realized in this section? And what do you think is going to happen to Israel now that all of Jeroboam's descendants are dead? The next section is Ba'asha rules in Israel. Verse 32. There was constant war between King Asa of Judah and King Baasha of Israel. Baasha's son of Ahijah began to rule over all Israel in the third year of God.

King Asa's reign in Judah. Ba'asha reigned in Terza 24 years, but he did what was evil in the Lord's sight and followed the example of Jeroboam, continuing the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. Okay, so pause there. Now all of Jeroboam's descendants are dead. And this man, Ba'asha, is ruling in Israel. But is he following the Lord? Or is he doing the same thing that Jeroboam, Jeroboam's descendants were doing? Why do you think Baasha is continuing this trend of ruling in such a way that goes against God? Okay, so now we can start Chapter 16, which continues on from the previous section. Chapter 16, verse 1.

This message from the Lord was delivered to King Baasha by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani. I lifted you out of the dust to make you ruler of my people Israel. But you have followed the evil example of Jeroboam. You have provoked my anger by causing my people Israel to sin. So now, I will destroy you and your family, just as I destroyed the descendants of Jeroboam, son of Nabat. The members of Baasha's family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures. Okay, so pause there.

Why is God punishing Baasha and his family? Verse 5. The rest of the events in Ba'ah's reign and the extent of his power are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Israel. When Baasha died, he was buried in Tursa. then his son, Elah, became the next king. The message from the Lord against Baasha, and his family came through the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani. It was delivered because Baasha had done what was evil in the Lord's sight,

just as the family of Jeroboam had done, and also because Baasha had destroyed the family of Jeroboam. The Lord's anger was provoked by Baasha's sins. Okay, the next section is Elah rules in Israel. Verse 8. Ela, son of Baasha, began to rule over Israel in the 26th year of King Asa's reign in Judah. He reigned in the city of Terza for two years. Then Zimri, who commanded half of the royal chariots, made plans to kill him.

One day in Turza, Ela was getting drunk at the home of Arza, the supervisor of the palace. Zimri walked in and struck him down and killed him. This happened in the 27th year of King Asa's reign in Judah. Then Zimri became the next king. Zimri immediately killed the entire royal family of Basha, leaving him not even a single male child. He even destroyed distant relatives and friends. So Zimri destroyed the dynasty of Basha,

as the Lord had promised through the prophet Jehu. This happened because of all the sins, Basha and his son, Elah, had committed, and because of the sins they led Israel to commit. They provoked the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, with their worthless idols. The rest of the events in Elah's reign and everything he did are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Israel. Okay, so pause there. I want you guys to think about patterns here.

Are you seeing any patterns in these kings and how they're ruling? Are you seeing any patterns in the ways in which these kings are punished for their sins? Are you seeing any patterns in the ways in which other men are rising to power and overtaking these kings? The next section is Zimri rules in Israel. Verse 15 Zimri began to rule over Israel in the 20th. seventh year of King Asa's reign in Judah, but his reign in Terza lasted only seven days. The army of Israel was then attacking the Philistine town of Gibbathon.

When they heard that Zemri had committed treason and had assassinated the king, that very day they chose Omri, commander of the army, as the new king of Israel. So Omri led the entire army of Israel up from Gibbathon to attack Terza, Israel's capital. When Zimri saw that the city had been taken, he went into the citadel of the palace and burned it down over himself and died in the flames. For he too had done what was evil in the Lord's sight. He followed the example of Jeroboam in all sins he had committed and led Israel to commit. Okay, so pause there. Why were the people of Israel trying to kill Zimri?

and what had Zimri done that was evil in the side of the Lord? And we keep hearing a phrase similar to this. He had done what was evil in the side of the Lord following the example of Jeroboam. So what does that tell us about what we should learn from those who went before us? How can we look back at the mistakes people we know have made, mistakes that we have made, and grow from them so that we don't repeat those same mistakes. Understanding that we have grace if we do repeat those mistakes, but that we can be reflective and look back and try to grow from them.

Verse 20. The rest of the events in Zimri's reign and his conspiracy are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Israel. The next section is Omri rules in Israel. Verse 21. But now the people of Israel were split into two factions. Half the people tried to make Tibney, son of Ganath, their king, while the other half supported Omri.

But Omri's supporters defeated the supporters of Tibney, so Tibney was killed, and Omri became the next king. Amri began to rule over Israel in the 35th. first year of King Asa's reign in Judah. He reigned 12 years in all, six of them in Terza. Then Omri bought the hill, now known as Samaria, from its owner, Shemmer, for 150 pounds of silver. He built a town on it, and called the city Samaria in honor of Shemmer. But Amri did what was evil in the Lord's sight, even more than any of the kings before him. He followed the example of Jeroboam, son of Nabat, in all the sins he had committed and led Israel to commit.

The people provoked the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, with their worthless idols. The rest of the events in Omri's reign, the extent of his power, and everything he did, are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Israel. When Omri died, he was buried in Samaria. then his son Ahab became the next king. The next section is Ahab rules in Israel. Verse 29. Ahab, son of Omri, began to rule over Israel in the 38th year of King Asa's reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria 22 years.

But Ahab, son of Amri, did what was evil in the Lord's sight even more than any of the kings before him. and as though it were not enough to follow the sinful example of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sedonians, and he began to bow down in worship of Baal. First, Ahab built a temple and an altar for Ba'aul in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherapole. He did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than any other king of Israel before him. It was during his reign that Hyle, a man from Bethel, rebuilt Jericho.

When he laid its foundation, it cost him the life of his oldest son, Abiram. And when he completed it and set up its gates, it cost him the life of his youngest son, Seagub. This all happened according to the message from the Lord concerning Jericho spoken by Joshua, son of Nun. Okay, so pause there. Why do the kings keep sinning more and more deeply as time goes on? The last couple of kings, and now with Ahab, we hear it said that they send even more against the Lord more deeply than the kings who had come before them. So why do you think that is? Why does it seem to be getting worse and worse for Israel?

And then what is going on in the tribe of Judah during this time? we have Asa reigning, how is he as a king? What do you think life is like for the people in Judah? And then we have this piece at the end about Hyle, a man from Bethel rebuilding Jericho. Why do you think he did this? Why do you think he rebuilt Jericho? And why do you think that caused him to lose his oldest and his youngest son? What is this message that they're talking about from,

the Lord concerning Jericho spoken by Joshua. You might want to look at Joshua 6.26 to 27 to help you with this answer. Okay, so now we can start the next chapter, Chapter 17, which starts with a section called Elijah fed by ravens. Chapter 17, verse 1. Now Elijah, who was from Tishby and Gilead, told King Ahab, As surely as the Lord the God of Israel lives, the God I serve, there will be no dew or reign during the next few years until I give the word.

Then the Lord said to Elijah, go to the east and hide by Carroth Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the raven brings you, for I have commanded them to bring you food. So Elijah did, as the Lord told him, encamped beside him. side careth brook east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while, the brook dried up, and there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. Okay, so pause there. Who is Elijah? They don't really say anything about

who he is here, but based on his actions, who do you think he is? What kind of person do you think he is? What is the significance of what he says to Ahab about there being no due or reign for the next few years? How will this affect the people of Israel? And then why do you think the Lord told Elijah to follow these directions where the ravens will bring him food? Then we have the part where eventually the brook dries up and there was no rainfall. What do you think the significance of the Ravens and Elijah going off to Carrath Brook was. The next section is The widow at Zarifoth, verse 8. Then the Lord said to Elijah, go and live in the village of Zarifoth, near the city of

Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you. So he went to Zarifoth. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, would you please bring me a little water in a cup? As she was going to get it, he called to her, bring me a bite of bread too. But she said, I swear by the Lord your God that I don't have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug.

I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die. But Elijah said to her, don't be afraid. Go ahead and do just what you've said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what's left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord the God of Israel says. There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again. So she did as Elijah said, and she in Elijah,

Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. So pause there again. Who do you think Elijah is? He's giving these messages from God and are his messages coming true? And when he meets this widow, why do you think that she says she and her son are going to die? And why do you think God sent Elijah to this person? Verse 17.

Sometime later, the woman's son became sick. He grew worse and worse and finally died. Then she said to Elijah, O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son? But Elijah replied, Give me your son. And he took the child's body from her arms,

carried him up the stairs to the room where he was sick. staying and laid the body on his bed. Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, oh, Lord, my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die? And he stretched himself out over the child three times and cried out to the Lord, oh, Lord, my God, please, let this child's life return to him. The Lord heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived. Then Elijah brought him down from the upper room and gave him to his mother. Look, he said, your son is alive.

Then the woman told Elijah, now I know for sure that you are a man of God and that the Lord truly speaks through you. Okay, so pause there. Just think about the situation that just happened. Our son dies and then God returns. life back to her son. Why do you think God chose to bring her son back from the dead? And what was her reaction to this miracle? And what do we learn about Elijah through this story? What kind of man is he? What kind of faith does he have in God? Okay, so now we can start chapter 18, which begins with a section called the Contest on Mount Carmel. Chapter 18, verse

Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain. So Elijah went to appear before Ahab. Meanwhile, the famine had become very severe in Samaria. So Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. Obadiah was a devout follower of the Lord. Once, when Jezebel had tried to kill all the Lord's prophets,

Obadiah had hidden 100 of them in two caves. He put 50 prophets in each cave and supplied them with food and water. Ahab said to Obadiah, We must check every spring and valley in the land to see if we can find enough grass to save at least some of my horses and mules. So they divided the land between them. Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way.

way by himself. As Obadiah was walking along, he suddenly saw Elijah coming toward him. Obadiah recognized him at once and bowed low to the ground before him. Is it really you, my lord, Elijah? he asked. Okay, so pause there. Who is this man, Obadiah? What kind of person is he? And how did he react when he saw Elijah? What does this tell us about Elijah and who he is. Verse 8. Yes, it is, Elijah replied. Now go and tell your master, Elijah is here.

Oh, sir, Obadiah protested. What harm have I done to you that you are sending me to my death at the hands of Ahab? For I swear by the Lord your God that the king has searched every nation and kingdom on earth from end to end to find you. And each time he was told, Elijah isn't here. King Ahab forced the king of that nation to swear to the truth of his claim, and now you say, Go and tell your master Elijah is here?

But as soon as I leave you, the spirit of the Lord will carry you away to who knows where. When Ahab comes and cannot find you, he will kill me. Yet, I have been a true servant of the Lord all my life. Has no one told you, my Lord, about the time when Jezebel was trying to kill the Lord's prophets. I hid 100 of them in two caves and supplied them with food and water. And now you say, go until your master, Elijah is here.

Sir, if I do that, Ahab will certainly kill me. Okay, so pause there. What is Obadiah worried about? Why does he think Ahab will kill him if he tells him that Elijah is here? Why do you think Ahab has been searching so fervently for Elijah? Verse 15. But Elijah said, I swear by the Lord Almighty, in whose presence I stand, that I will present myself to Ahab this very day.

So Obadiah went to tell Ahab that Elijah had come, and Ahab went out to meet Elijah. When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, so is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel? I have made no trouble for Israel, Elijah replied. You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshipped the images of Ba'Aul instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel,

along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel. So pause there. What's going on there? What is Elijah saying about Ahab? What claim is he making against Israel? Verse 20.

So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Ba'al is God, then follow him. But the people were completely silent. Then Elijah said to them, I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Ba'all has 450 prophets. Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish to cut into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it.

I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. then call on the name of your God, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The God who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God. And all the people agreed. Okay, so pause there. What is Elijah doing? What kind of test is he setting up? Do you think this test will be a convincing one for the people of Israel? Verse 25.

Then Elijah said to the prophet of Baal, go first. For there are many of you, choose one of the people. bulls and prepare it and call on the name of your God. But do not set fire to the wood. So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. And they called on the name of Baal for morning until noontime shouting, O Baal, answer us. But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made. About noontime, Elijah began mocking them. You'll have to shout louder, he scoffed, for surely he is a god. Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself, or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened.

So they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening's sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response. Then Elijah called to the people, Come over here. They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. He took 12 stones,

one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood.

Then he said, fill four large jugs with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood. After they had done this, he said, do the same thing again. And when they finished, he said, now do it a third time. So they did, as he said,

and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench. At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me. Answer me.

So these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have brought them back to yourself. Immediately. The fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, the Lord. He is God. Yes. The Lord is God. Then Elijah commanded, seize all the prophets of Baal. Don't let a single one escape. So the people seized them all, and Elijah took them down to the Kashan Valley and killed them there. Okay, so pause there. What just happened? What miracle just happened among the people of Israel?

God reveal himself to the people of Israel? What was their reaction to God's power, God's presence? And do you think that this is going to last? Because here we are with Israel. They've been worshipping Ba'all this false God. And then God performs a miracle and they are now saying, yes, you are the one true God. Do you think this is going to last? Or do you think we'll see Israel turn away from God again. The next section is Elijah prays for rain. Verse 41. Then Elijah said to Ahab,

Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming. So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, go and look out toward the sea. The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, I don't see anything. Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally, the seventh time,

his servant told him, I saw a little cloud about the size of a man's hand rising from the sea. Then Elijah shouted, hurry to Ahab, and tell him, climb into your chariot, go back home. If you don't hurry, the rain will stop you. And soon, the sky was black with clouds, a heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jesreal. Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jesreal. Okay, so Paul's there. What does this mean for the people of Israel that rain is coming?

How does this impact the people, the society, the livelihoods of everyone? And why does this happen after God proves himself through fire? Why does God send the rain after he defeats Baal's prophets? Okay, so now we can start chapter 19, which begins with a section called Elijah flees to Sinai. Chapter 19, verse 1. When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah. May the gods strike me and even kill me, if by this time to me,

tomorrow, I have not killed you, just as you killed them. Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. I've had enough, Lord, he said. Take my life, for I am no better. than my ancestors who have already died.

Okay, so pause there. Why is Elijah asking God to take his life? Verse 5. Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, get up and eat. He looked around and there beside his head

was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water. So he ate and drink and lay down again. Okay, so pause there. What do you think God is trying to say to Elijah when he sends him this angel and sends him water and baked bread?

Verse 7. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you. So he got up and ate and drink, and the food gave him enough strength, to travel 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. There he came to a cave where he spent the night.

Okay, so pause there. Do you remember what Mount Sinai is? Why is it called the Mountain of God? The next section is the Lord speaks to Elijah, the rest of verse 9. But the Lord said to him, what are you doing here, Elijah? Elijah replied, served the Lord God Almighty, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. Go out and stand before me on the mountain, the Lord

told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, What are you doing here, Elijah? He replied again, I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me too. Okay, so pause there.

What do you make of the windstorm and the earthquake and the fire? Why did God send the windstorm and the earthquake and the fire before his presence arrived? Because it said that he sent the windstorm and the earthquake and the fire, but the Lord was not in any of those things. So why is that? And then how does God appear? And what does that tell us about him? Verse 15.

Then the Lord told him, Go back the same way you came and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Haseel to be the king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu, grandson of Nimshi, to be king of Israel.

and anoint Elisha, son of Shifat, from the town of Abel Mahola, to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Haziel will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha. Yet, I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him. Okay, so pause there. What is God's plan here? What is he telling Elijah to do and what does he say is going to happen? Why do you think God is putting this plan into motion? The next section is the call of Elisha. Verse 19.

So Elijah went and found Elisha, son of Shafat, plowing a field. There were 12 teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the 12th team. Elijah went over to him. and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, First, let me go and kiss my father and mother goodbye. And then I will go with you. Elijah replied, go on back, but think about what I have done to you.

Okay, so pause there. What action did Elijah take when he approached Elisha? What do you think this act of Elijah? Throwing his cloak across Elijah's shoulders and walking away symbolized. How do you think Elisha knew what Elijah was doing? Verse 21. So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them.

He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople. and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. Okay, so now we can start chapter 20, which begins with a section called Ben Haddad attacks Samaria. Chapter 20, verse 1. About that time, King Ben Hadad of Aram

mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of 32 allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. Ben Haddad sent messengers into the city to relay this message to King Ahab of Israel. This is what Ben Hadad says. Your silver and gold are mine, and so are your wives and the best of your children. All right, my lord the king, Israel's king replied, all that I have is yours. Soon, Ben Hadad's messengers returned again and said,

This is what Ben Hadad says. I have already demanded that you give me your silver, gold, wives, and children. But about this time tomorrow, I will send my officials to search your palace and the homes of your officials. They will take away everything you consider valuable. Then Ahab summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, Look how this man is stirring up trouble. I already agreed with his demand that I give him my wives and children and silver and gold. Don't give in to any more demands, all the elders and the people advised.

So Ahab told the messengers from Ben Hadad, Say this to my Lord the king. I will give you everything you asked for the first time, but I cannot accept this last demand of yours. So the messengers returned to Ben Hadad with that response. Then Ben Hadad sent this message to Ahab. May the gods strike me, and even kill me if there remains even dust from Samaria to provide even a handful for each of my

soldiers. The king of Israel sent back this answer. A warrior putting on his sword for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won. Ahab's reply reached bin Hadad and the other kings as they were drinking in their tents. Prepare to attack. Ben Haddad commanded his officers, so they prepared to attack the city. Okay, so pause there at the end of that section. Why is Ben Haddad trying to take all of these things from King Ahab and from Israel? Okay, so the next section is Ahab's victory over bin Hadad. Verse 13. Then a certain prophet came to see. King Ahab of Israel and told him, this is what the Lord says. Do you see all these enemy forces? Today, I will hand them all over to you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

Ahab asked, how will he do it? And the prophet replied, this is what the Lord says. The troops of the provincial commanders will do it. Should we attack first? Ahab asked. Yes, the prophet answered. Okay, so pause there. What does this prophet say is going to happen? How does this line up with what God told Elijah would happen? And then who do you think this prophet is that's coming to Ahab? Because they don't give us a name. Why do you think that is?

Verse 15. So Ahab mustered the troops of the 232 provincial commanders. Then he called out the rest of the army of Israel, some 7,000 men. About noontime, as Ben Haddad and the 32 allied kings were still in their tents, drinking themselves into a stupor. The troops of the provincial commanders marched out of the city as the first contingent. As they approached, Ben Hadad's scouts reported to him, Some troops are coming from Samaria.

Take them alive, Ben Hadad commanded, whether they have come for peace or for war. But Ahab's provincial commanders and the entire army had now come out to fight. Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramian opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramian army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben Haddad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses. However, the king of Israel destroyed the other horses and chariots and slaughtered the Aramians. afterward, the prophet said to King Ahab, get ready for another attack. Begin making plans now for the king of Aram will come back next spring. Okay, so pause there.

How did this battle end up? What happened to the Israelites and what happened to the people they were fighting? And the prophet gave this message to King Ahab saying, get ready for another attack, because the king of Aram is going to come back next spring. Do you think that Ahab's going to listen? or do you think he'll be caught off guard? Okay, so the next section is Ben Haddad's second attack. Verse 23.

After their defeat, Ben Haddad's officers said to him, that Israelite gods are gods of the hills. That is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains. Only this time, replace the kings with field commanders. Recruit another army like the one you lost. Give us the same number of horses, chariots and men, and we will fight against them on the plains.

There's no doubt that we will beat them. So King Ben Haddad did, as they suggested. Okay, so pause there. What do you think about this plan? What did they get wrong about the God of Israel? Verse 26. The following spring, he called up the Aramian army and marched out against Israel, this time at effect.

Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramian forces that filled the countryside. Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, This is what the Lord says. The Aramians have said, The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains. So I will defeat this vast army for you.

Then you will know that I am the Lord. The two armies camped opposite each other for seven days, and on the seventh day, the battle began. The Israelites killed 100,000 Aramian foot soldiers in one day. The rest fled into the town of Afek. But the wall fell on them and killed another 27,000. Ben Haddad fled into town and hid in a secret room. Ben Haddad's officers said to him, sir,

We have heard that the kings of Israel are merciful. So let's humble ourselves by wearing burlap around our waists and putting ropes on our heads and surrender to the king of Israel. Then perhaps he will let you live. So they put on burlap and ropes, and they went to the king of Israel and begged, Your servant Ben Hadad says, Please, let me live.

The king of Israel responded, is he still alive? He is my brother. The men took this as a good sign and quickly picked up on his words. Yes, they said, your brother, Ben Haddad. Go and get him, the king of Israel told them. When Ben Hadad arrived, Ahab invited him up into his chariot. Okay, so pause there. What do you think is going to happen?

What do you think the plan is on Israel's side? Do you think Ahab's actually going to forgive him, or do you think Ahab's going to try and kill Ben Haddad? Verse 34. Ben Haddad told him, I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. Then Ahab said, I will release you under these conditions. So they made a new treaty, and Ben Hadad was set free. Okay, so pause there.

Were you surprised by that outcome? Did you think that King Ahab was actually going to set Ben Haddad free? Do you agree with this outcome? Do you think this is what God wanted? The next section is, a prophet condemns Ahab. Verse 35. Meanwhile, the Lord instructed one of the group of prophets to say to another man, hit me.

But the man refused to hit the prophet. Then the prophet told him, because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me. And when he had gone, a lion did attack and kill him. Then the prophet turned to another man and said, hit me. So he struck the prophet and wounded him.

The prophet placed a bandage over his eyes to disguise himself, and then waited beside the road for the king. As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, Sir, I was in the thick of battle. and suddenly a man brought me a prisoner. He said, guard this man, if for any reason he gets away, you will either die or pay a fine of 75 pounds of silver. But while I was busy doing something else, the prisoner disappeared.

Well, it's your own fault, the king replied. You have brought judgment on yourself. Then the prophet quickly pulled the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. The prophet said to him, this is what the Lord says. Because you've spared the man, I said must be destroyed. Now you must die in his place.

And your people will die instead of his people. So the king of Israel went home to Samaria, angry and sullen. Okay, so pause there because what an interesting story at the end of chapter 20. Why do you think that the prophet needed someone to hit him? What was that part of the story about? and why do you think the man who refused to hit the prophet was sentenced to death? And then when the prophet finally spoke with Ahab, why did he condemn Ahab? What did Ahab do wrong?

And what was Ahab's punishment for this? Do you think this was a just punishment? Okay, so now we can start chapter 22, which begins with a section called Nabath's Vineyard. Chapter 21, verse 1. Now there was a man named Nabath from Jesreal, who owned a vineyard in Jesreal beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day Ahab said to Nabath, since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it. But Nabath replied, The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.

So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Nabath's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat. Okay, so pause there. Why do you think Ahab wants this vineyard? And then it says that Nabath won't give it to him because the Lord forbids it. Why do you think this is something that God would forbid? Verse 5, what's the matter? His wife, Jezebel asked him.

What's made you so upset that you're not eating? I asked Nabath to sell me his vineyard or trade it, but he refused, Ahab told her. Are you the king of Israel or not? Jezebel demanded. Get up and eat something, and don't worry about it. I'll get you Nabath's vineyard. So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and other leaders of the town where Nabath lived. In her letters, she commanded, call the citizens together for a time of fasting and give Nabath a place of honor,

and then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death. Okay, so pause there. What do you think of Jezebel's plan? Do you think she's doing the right thing? So the elders and other town leaders followed the instructions Jezebel had written in the letters. They called for a fast and put Nabath at a prominent place before the people. Then the two scoundrels came and sat down across from him,

and they accused Nabath before all the people saying, He cursed God and the king. So he was dragged outside the town and stoned to death. The town leaders then sent word to Jezebel. Naboth has been stoned to death. When Jezebel heard the news, she said to Ahab, You know the vineyard? Naboth wouldn't sell you?

Well, you can have it now. He's dead. So Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Nabath to claim it. But the Lord said to Elijah, go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth's vineyard in Jazeal, claiming it for himself.

Give him this message. This is what the Lord says. Wasn't it enough that you killed Nabath? Must you rob him too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth.

Okay, so pause there. Why is Ahab being punished? And why do you think Jezebel went about getting this land, this vineyard, in the way that she did? Verse 20. So my enemy, you have found, me. Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. Yes, Elijah answered, I have come because you have sold yourself to what is

evil in the Lord's sight. So now the Lord says, I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike anywhere in Israel. I am going to destroy your family as I did the family of Jeroboam, son of Nabat. and the family of Baasha, son of Ahijah, for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin. And regarding Jezebel, the Lord says, dogs will eat Jezebel's body at the plot of land in Jezreel. The members of Ahab's family who die in the city

will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures. No one else so completely saw. himself to what was evil in the Lord's sight, as Ahab did, under the influence of his wife, Jezebel. His worst outrage was worshipping idols just as the Amorites had done, the people whom the Lord had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites. But when Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep mourning.

Then another message from the Lord came to Elijah. Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has done this, I will not do what I promised during his lifetime. It will happen to his sons. I will destroy his dynasty. Okay, so pause there. What were Ahab's sins? Why was he being punished?

What were Jezebel's sins and why was she being punished? How did Ahab respond to his punishment? How did God know that he was remorseful? Truly remorseful. And then we have God sparing Ahab during his lifetime, but promising to destroy his dynasty. So why do you think his sons will have to pay for his sins? Okay, so now we can start chapter 22.

the last chapter in First Kings, and it starts with a section called Jehoshaphat and Ahab. Chapter 22, verse 1. For three years, there was no war between Aram and Israel. Then, during the third year, King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to visit King Ahab of Israel. During the visit, the king of Israel said to his officials, Do you realize that the town of Ramoth Gilead belongs to us? and yet we've done nothing to recapture it from the king of Aram. Then he turned to Jehoshaphat and asked, Will you join me in battle to recover Ramoth Gilead?

Jehosephat replied to the king of Israel. Why, of course, you and I are as one. My troops are your troops, and my horses are your horses. Then Jehosephat added, But first, let's find out what the Lord says. So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, should I go to war against Ramat Gilead, or should I hold back? They all replied, yes, go right ahead.

The Lord will give the king victory. But Jehosephat asked, is there not also a prophet of the Lord here? We should ask him the same question. The king of Israel replied to Jehosephat, there is one more man who could consult the Lord for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me. His name is Makaya, son of Imla. Jehoshaphat replied,

That's not the way a king should talk. Let's hear what he has to say. So the king of Israel called one of his officials and said, quick, bring Makaya, son of Imla. Okay, so pause there. Why does Jehosephat want to talk to another? prophet. What's wrong with the prophets they've already spoken to? And then we have King Ahab saying, he doesn't like this prophet Micaiah, because this prophet Maciah only ever

prophesies trouble for Ahab. What's wrong with Ahab thinking this way? Why does Jehoshaphat say, that's not a way a king should talk? Are prophets there to tell the truth, or are they there to tell the kings what they want to hear? The next section is Makaya prophesies against Ahab. Verse 10. King Ahab of Israel and King Josephat of Judah, dressed in their royal robes, were sitting on thrones at the threshing floor near the gate of Samaria. All of Ahab's prophets were prophesying there in front of them. One of them, Zedekiah, son of Kanana, made some iron horns and proclaimed, this is what the Lord says. With these horns, you will gore or the Aramians to death.

All the other prophets agreed, yes, they said, go up to Ramoth Gilead and be victorious for the Lord will give the king victory. Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success. But Micaiah replied, as surely as the Lord lives. I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.

Okay, so pause there. What differences do you already notice between Micaiah and the other prophets? Verse 15. When Micaiah arrived before the king, Ahab asked him, Maciah, should we go to war against Ramoth Gilead? Or should we hold back?

Mackaya replied sarcastically. Yes. Go up and be victorious, for the Lord will give the king victory. But the king replied sharply, How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord? Then Makaya told him, In a vision, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said their master has been killed.

send them home in peace. Didn't I tell you? The king of Israel exclaimed to Jehoshaphat, he never prophes anything but trouble for me. Then Micaiah continued, Listen to what the Lord says. I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven around him,

on his right and on his left. And the Lord said, Who can entice Ahab to go into battle against Ramoth and Gilead so he can be killed? There were many suggestions, and finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, I can do it. How will you do this? The Lord asked.

And the Spirit replied, I will go out and inspire all of Ahab's prophets to speak lies. You will succeed, said the Lord. Go ahead and do it. So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all your prophets. for the Lord has pronounced your doom. Okay, so pause there. Do you think what Makaya is saying is true? And why did God send this lying spirit?

Why did he allow this to happen? And we could tell that Jehoshaphat knew there was something wrong with the prophets. What does that tell us about Jehosephat, his discernment and his wisdom? Verse 24. Then Zetakiah Son of Kanana, walked up to Makaya and slapped him across the face. Since when did the Spirit of the Lord leave me to speak to you, he demanded? Macaiah replied,

You will find out soon enough when you are trying to hide in some secret room. Arrest him, the King of Israel ordered. Take him back to Amman, the governor of the city, and to my son, Joash. give them this order from the king, put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return safely from the battle. But Maciah replied,

If you return safely, it will mean that the Lord has not spoken through me. Then he added to those standing around, everyone, mark my words. Okay, so pause there. what do you think is going to happen? Do you believe Micaiah? Do you believe that he is a true prophet of the Lord and what he's saying actually is true?

Or do you think Ahab is right? Do you think that Ahab's going to go into battle and win? Or do you think he's going to go into battle and die like Micaiah has prophesied? The next section is the death of Ahab. Verse 29. So King Ahab of Israel, and King Jehoshaphat of Judah, led their armies against Ramoth Gilead. The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, as we go into battle, I will disguise myself so no one will

recognize me. But you wear your royal robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to his 32 chariot commanders. Attack only the king of Israel. Don't bother with anyone else. So when the Aramian chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes, they went after him. There is the king of Israel, they shouted. But when Jehoshaphat called out, the chariot commanders realized he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped chasing him. An Aramian soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops

and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. Turn the horses and get me out of here. Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. I'm badly wounded. The battle raged all day, and the king remained propped up in his chariot, facing the aramians. The blood from his wound ran down to the floor of his chariot, and as evening arrived, he died. Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops. We're done for. Run for your lives.

So the king died, and his body was taken to Samaria, and buried there. Then his chariot was washed beside the pool of Samaria, and dogs came and licked his blood at the place where the prostitutes bathed, just as the Lord had promised. The rest of the events in Ahab's reign and everything he did, including the story of the ivory palace and the towns he built are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Israel. So Ahab died, and his son, Ahazia, became the next king. Okay, so pause there. Why do you think Jehoshaphat decided to go into battle with Ahab,

even if he didn't believe the 400 prophets and wanted to seek out another prophet? Why do you think he still went into battle? And then what did we find out? Was Makaya correct? did his prophecy come true? And then after Ahab dies, we have that scene of the dogs licking Ahab's blood. How is this in line with what God promised what happened to Ahab? Okay, the last section is Jehoshaphat rules in Judah, verse 41. Jehosephat, son of Asa, began to rule over Judah in the fourth year of King Ahab's reign in Israel. Jehosephat was 35 years old when he became king,

and he reigned in Jerusalem 25 years. His mother was Azuba, the daughter of Shili. Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the example of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight. During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines and the people still offered sacrifices

and burned incense there. Jehosephat also made peace with the king of Israel. The rest of the events in Jehosephat's reign the extent of his power, and the wars he waged, are recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Judah. He banished from the land the rest of the male and female shrine prostitutes, who still continued their practices from the days of his father, Aza. There was no king in Edom at that time, only a deputy. Jehosephat also built a fleet of trading ships to sail to offer for gold. But the ships,

never set sail, for they met with disaster in their home port of Eziangheber. At one time, Ahazia, son of Ahab, had proposed to Jehoshaphat, let my men sail with your men in the ships, but Jehoshaphat refused the request. When Jehoshaphat died, he was buried with his ancestors in the city of David. Then his son, Jehoram, became the next king. Okay, so pause there. I think I might have said that that was the last section, but there's actually one more section, just a few verses.

But I want you to reflect on Jehoshaphat as a king. Who was he? How did he rule? What mistakes did he make? What things did he do right? Okay, so the actual last section, Ahazia rules in Israel. Verse 51. Ahaziah son of Ahab began to rule over Israel in the 17th year of King Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah.

He reigned in Samaria two years, but he did what was evil in the Lord's sight, following the example of his father and mother and the example of Jeroboam, son of Nabat, who had led Israel to sin. He served Baal and worshipped him, provoking the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, just as his father had done. Okay, so pause there. What are we learning here about this next king, Ahazia? and what do you expect to happen in Second Kings?

I'm so glad that you decided to join us today for another episode. I hope that you got a lot out of this reading and that there will be much more to come. Next time we will start reading Second Kings as we continue learning about the kings who ruled in all of Israel and Judah. I hope you continue to find closeness with God and learn something new about him every day. and I will talk to you in the next one.