The Divided Kingdom

The Question: How Did This Happen? The people requested a king. – 1 Samuel 8:1-9, Three kings reigned over all the tribes of Israel: Saul (40 yrs), David (40 yrs), & Solomon (40 yrs). Because Solomon led the people away from God, his descendants would not be allowed to reign over or enjoy such a blessed nation. – 1 Kings 11:28-39

Studying The Divided Kingdom There Is Information In 5 Sets of Books – 1 & 2 Samuel: The Formation of The Kingdom – 1 & 2 Kings: The Explanation of The Division – 1 & 2 Chronicles: The Salvation of The Remnant – Captivity & Restoration: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther – The Prophets: Isaiah – Malachi The Good News For Personal Study – Unfamiliar Names Have Little To Remember. – They Are Arranged For Application & Understanding. – The Themes Are More Important Than The Dates.

Key Events To Learn: A,B,C,D 1050 BC – The Kingdom is United with Saul as the First King. 931 BC – The Kingdom is Divided with Rehoboam and Jeroboam as kings. - “The J’s don’t go together.” 722 BC – Israel Taken Into Assyrian Captivity 606 BC – Babylon Deports The First Captives from Judah 586 BC – The Babylonians Destroy The Temple The Return: Issued by Cyrus; Enforced by Darius.

Key Events To Learn Their Punishment Will Last For 70 Years – Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10-14 The Return: Issued by Cyrus; Enforced by Darius. – Isaiah 44:28, 2 Chronicles 36: BC to 536 BC = 70 Years of Captivity – From 1 st Captives Taken to the First Remnant Returns 586 BC to 516 BC = 70 Years of No Temple Worship – From Destruction of Temple to the Rebuilding of the Temple Led by Haggai.

The Overriding Theme Disobeying God Leads To Slavery… – Slavery to Assyria – Slavery to Babylonia – Ultimately, Slavery to Sin But Restoration Is Available! – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13

The Divided Kingdom