Lessons from Less Known Kings of Israel and Judah There are lessons to be learned from the experiences of the kings of Israel, including some of the less well‑known kings. Concerning Less Known Kings presents an overview of the kings of Judah and Israel. King Jeroboam and King Rehoboam reviews the division of the Kingdom of Israel, following the 120 years of the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon. Rehoboam heard both wise counsel and the advice he wanted, but the latter […]
A Brief Look at Kings Good and Bad We may learn from both the good and bad things done by the Kings of Judah and Israel. About half the kings of Judah were good at some part of their reigns, while all of the kings of Israel did evil. Among the early kings of Judah, Abijah and Asa began well. They were each attacked by an enemy with superior numbers. However, when they cried unto Jehovah, they became victorious. Yet later Abijah […]
Two Wrongs Did Not Make it Right “Rehoboam … forsook the advice of the elders” (1 Kings 12:12‑13, texts from NASB). By Brad Sweeney Great as King Solomon was at the beginning of his reign, his rule degraded in time when he failed to put God first in his personal life and in governing policies. Although no rebellion took place during his reign, dissatisfaction was felt. His compromises to God’s laws would be a catalyst in the spiritual decline and division of […]
Lessons from Ahab’s Life “Who shall entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth‑Gilead?” (1 Kings 22:20 ASV. Other texts from the Christian Standard Bible.) King Ahab was Israel’s 7th king, a significant number in Hebrew theology and tradition. He was a skilled general, an active administrator, a relentless negotiator, and a pursuer of alliances that seemed to benefit Israel’s stability in the short term. On occasion he exhibited humility, and even repentance, when confronted by God’s prophets or […]
Anointed for a Mission “Look out there Jehu … Then take the vial of oil, and pour it out on his head, and say, Thus saith Jehovah, I have anointed thee king over Israel” (2 Kings 9:2-3 ASV). By Austin Williams This is the story about King Jehu in 2 Kings 9 and 10. He is not talked about much in spite of the important role he played in Old Testament history, during Israel’s recurring worship of false idols. Jehu, who started […]