Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom Till There Was No Remedy 1 Kings 15:16 – 16:14; 2 Chron. 14-15

Summary To Date Israel Has Divided: Israel and Judah North = Israel (10 Tribes) South = Judah (2 Tribes) Jeroboam Established Idol Religion In Israel No Good Kings Whole Division is Corrupt from top to bottom Judah Wavers With Good and Bad

Kings of Israel and Judah Rehoboam 17 yrs (Evil) Abijam – 3 yrs (Evil) Asa – 41 yrs (Good) Israel: Jeroboam 1 – 22 yrs Nadab – 2 yrs Baasha- 24 yrs

Israel – Northern 10 Tribes Judah – Southern 2 Tribes

In Tonight’s Lesson Asa and Judah are delivered from the Ethiopians ( 2 Chron.14:9-15) Baasha and Israel – 24 evil years Many faithful move from Israel to Judah (2 Chron. 15:9) The Message of Azariah the Prophet – 2 Chron.15:1-7 Asa Renews the Covenant with God – 1 Kgs.15:9-15; 2 Chron.15:8-19

In Tonight’s Lesson Asa’s War With Baasha – 1 Kgs.15:16-22; 2 Chron.16:1-6

The Divided Kingdom (931 – 722 B.C.) Try to memorize the Dates 931- 722BC Memorize: Israel under the divided kingdom period begins with Jeroboam and ends with Hoshea Judah begins this period with Rehoboam and ends with Ahaz Remember the books and chapters involved.

Quickly go over this summary of the two kingdoms.

North and South Judah – South Rehoboam – Israel – North Jeroboam – Sacked by Shishak of Egypt for abandoning God Humbled himself Israel – North Jeroboam – Continued his idolatry 1 Kgs.13:33-34 His son Abijah becomes ill Jeroboam sends his wife disguised to Ahijah to inquire of son’s fate Chapter 13 — God grants Jeroboam another chance by sending a prophet to him with a warning and a sign. Jeroboam seems to repent at the time but finally plunges into total apostasy.Jeroboam's sin ➢ Made golden calves ➢ “Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” ➢ Appointed non-Levites as priests ➢ Established his own festivals and Sacrifices Israel under Jeroboam ➢ Ruled 22 years ➢ God decreed disaster on Jeroboam ➢ 1 Kings 14:11 “Dogs will eat those belonging to Jeroboam who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country. The LORD has spoken!” Rehoboam abandons the LORD 2 Chron 12 ➢ Shishak king of Egypt attacks Jerusalem ➢ King and leaders humble themselves ➢ God prevents Shishak from destroying ➢ Shishak carries off treasure of Judah Judah under Rehoboam ➢ Some good in Judah (2 Chron 12:12) ➢ Rehoboam did not seek the LORD ➢ Rehoboam ruled 17 years ➢ Constant warfare with Jeroboam

North and South Judah – South Rehoboam – Sacked by Shishak of Egypt for abandoning God Humbled himself Ruled for 17 years Abijah – 3 years Evil Fought Jeroboam Won with God’s help Israel – North Jeroboam – Jeroboam sends his wife disguised to Ahijah to inquire of son’s fate Ahijah sees through her deception Tells of God’s disappointment in Jeroboam Disaster is coming 1 Kings 14: 1 Abijah being sick, Jeroboam sends his wife, disguised, with presents to the prophet Ahijah at Shiloh. 5 Ahijah, forewarned by God, denounces God's judgment. 17 Abijah dies, and is buried. 19 Nadab succeeds Jeroboam. 21 Rehoboam's wicked reign. 25 Shishak spoils Jerusalem. 29 Abijam succeeds Rehoboam. Abijam (Abijah in Chronicles) [Judah, 913-911] Reheboam’s son Abijam ruled after him Abijam and Jereboam fought. 400,000 for Abijam and 800,000 for Jereboam Abijam and Judah still worshipped God as per the law whereas Jereboam had his own system (2 Chron 13:9-11) Jereboam ambushed Judah but God intervened and Judah won. 500,000 Israelites died. Among the cities they took was Bethel. Abijam walked in the sins of his father. God spared him because of David Chapter 14 — Ahijah the prophet pronounces judgment on Jeroboam and measures him according to David (v. 8). Rehoboam king of Judah led the people into idolatry and sin. There was an abnormal increase of homosexuality (v. 24). Shishak king of Egypt came against Jerusalem and captured it. He took as booty the gold shields that Solomon had on display. Rehoboam substitutes shields of brass. There was deterioration in the kingdom now as well as division. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, dies. This chapter, which describes the reigns of Jeroboam and Rehoboam, sets the pace for the sordid record of the kings of the divided kingdom. There was not one good king in the northern kingdom of Israel. There were 19 of them, and all were bad. In the southern kingdom there were 20 kings — 12 of them were bad. Only 8 of them could be labeled good kings. Out of the 8, only 5 were outstanding.

North and South Judah – South Abijah died Buried in City of David Asa- 2 Chron. 14-16 Reigned 41 years Was a good king Destroyed idols in Judah Fortified cities Israel – North Jeroboam – Abijah died in Jeroboam’s 20th year of rule in Israel Ruled 2 more years for total of 22 years Nadab 2 years – evil Struck down by Baasha 1 Kings 15: 1 Abijam's wicked reign. Abijam, son of Rehoboam, succeeded his father on the throne of Judah. He was as wicked as his father (v. 3). David continues as the standard of excellence for the kings of both Israel and Judah (v. 5). (Jeroboam became the standard of evil for the kings of the northern kingdom.) The one black mark against David is recorded, not covered. Abijam did nothing worthy of mention, either good or bad; his death is recorded here. 7 Asa succeeds him. 9 Asa's good reign. Asa succeeded Abijam in the southern kingdom of Judah. Asa compares to David (v. 11). He led in the first revival of the nation. First Kings gives only half a chapter to his reign, but 2 Chronicles gives three chapters (chapters 14, 15, 16). 16 The war between Baasha and him causes him to make a league with Bed-hadad. 23 Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa. 25 Nadab's wicked reign. 27 Baasha conspiring against him, executes Ahijah's prophecy. 31 Nadab's acts and death. 33 Baasha's wicked reign. Asa did have to bribe Ben-hadad, king of Syria, and he warred with Israel continually. Jehoshaphat succeeded Asa as king of Judah. Nadab, son of Jeroboam, succeeded him as king of Israel. He was evil (v. 26). Baasha led a conspiracy against him, slew him, and reigned in his stead (vs. 27, 28). Baasha continued war against Asa (v. 32).

North and South Judah – South Rehoboam-wicked Abijah-wicked Asa- good A massive Ethiopian invasion Asa prayed for God’s help God gave a great victory Jehoshaphat Israel – North Jeroboam – Nadab Baasha – 24 years Another evil ruler Conspires against Nadab and executes Ahijah’s prophecy. 1 Kings 15: 1 Abijam's wicked reign. 7 Asa succeeds him. 9 Asa's good reign. 16 The war between Baasha and him causes him to make a league with Bed-hadad. 23 Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa. 25 Nadab's wicked reign. 27 Baasha conspiring against him, executes Ahijah's prophecy. 31 Nadab's acts and death. 33 Baasha's wicked reign. Asa in Reigns over Judah in Relative Righteousness (15:9– 24) 􀂄 His reforms (15:9–15) 􀂄 “And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.” (15:22–24) 􀂄 Alliance with Aram against Israel (15:16–24)

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom The Early Years of Asa 1 Kings 15:11-15; 2 Chron. 14:1-8 JUDAH After a reign of 3 years, Abijah died His son Asa succeeded him as king Asa reigned over Judah for 41 years He did what was right in the sight of the LORD Israel: Jeroboam – Nadab – Baasha

Note Asa was the first good king since the kingdom divided.

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom The Early Years of Asa 1 Kings 15:11-15; 2 Chron. 14:1-8 JUDAH When Asa took the throne idolatry was rampant in all of Judah Asa began to reform Judah by destroying idols and commanding the people to serve God The kingdom of Judah enjoyed 10 years of peace Israel: Jeroboam – Nadab – Baasha

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom The Early Years of Asa 1 Kings 15:11-15; 2 Chron. 14:1-8 JUDAH During this time Asa fortified cities of Judah He put together a well equipped army of 580,000 300,000 men of Judah 280,000 men of Benjamin This was a time for time of prosperity in Judah Israel: Jeroboam – Nadab – Baasha

2 Chron 14:7 Therefore he said to Judah, "Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered.

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom Ethiopia Invades Judah 2 Chron. 14:9-15 After 10 years of peace, Asa & Judah was attacked by Zera from Ethiopia Zera had an innumerable army of men & 300 chariots Asa called out to God Israel: Baasha

2 Chron 14:11 And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, "LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!"

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom Ethiopia Invades Judah 2 Chron. 14:9-15 JUDAH God was with Judah and gave them victory Zera’s vast army was crushed before the LORD Judah plundered the army & surrounding cities They enjoyed much spoil including livestock, sheep, & camels Israel: Baasha

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom Azariah the Prophet 2 Chron. 15:1-7 God sent Azariah the prophet to Asa He told Asa that God had been with Judah because of their faithfulness If they continued, God would be with them If they turned away, God would forsake them Israel: Baasha

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom Asa Renews Covenant I Kings 15:9-15; 2 Chron. 15:8-19 JUDAH Asa took courage from Azariah’s words He continued to reform Judah spiritually Asa removed idols from all the cities He repaired the altar of burnt offering in the courtyard of the temple Israel: Baasha

JUDAH The Divided Kingdom Asa Renews Covenant I Kings 15:9-15; 2 Chron. 15:8-19 JUDAH In this reformation, Asa removed his own Grandmother, Maacah, from being Queen Mother Maacah had an image of Asherah Asa tore down the image & burned it Israel: Baasha

2 Chron 15:10-15 So they gathered together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. And they offered to the LORD at that time seven hundred bulls and seven thousand sheep from the spoil they had brought. Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; and whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. Then they took an oath before the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting and trumpets and rams' horns. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around.

ISRAEL The Divided Kingdom Baasha’s Reign 1 Kings 15:16-22; 15:33-16:7; 2 Chron 16:1-6 Under Baasha’s reign there was a migration of many righteous men from Israel to Judah Many left Israel initially when the kingdom split and Jeroboam rejected God Again, “great numbers from Israel” left for Judah Judah: Asa

2 Chron 14:11 And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, "LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!"

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom Hanani and Jehu 2 Chron. 16:7 - 17:19; 1 Kings 16:1-34

Divided History Judah Hanani the Prophet rebukes Asa – 2 Chron.16:7-10 26th year of Asa 27th year of Asa 31st year of Asa Israel Jehu the Prophet Reproves Baasha – 1 Kgs.16:1-6 Elah – reigns 2 years (evil) – 1 Kgs.16:8-14 Zimri – 1 week (evil) 1 Kgs.16:15-20 Omri – 12 years (evil) 1 Kgs.16:21-28

Divided History Israel Judah 38th year of Asa Dies in 41st year Jehoshaphat – 25 years (Good) – 1 Kgs.22:41-50; 22:2-36 Strengthens His Kingdom Israel Ahab – 22 years (evil) 1 Kgs.16:29 – 22:40; 2 Chron.18:1-34 4th year of Ahab Jericho is rebuilt

Judah’s Time Under Jehoshaphat The Summary in 2 Chronicles 17 Jehoshaphat succeeds his father Asa Reigns piously, and is particularly blessed, v. 1-6 His teaching ministry and beneficial effects, v. 7-10 The Philistines and Arabians bring him gifts, v. 11 His greatness, v. 12-13 The commanders of his troops, v. 14-19

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom A Treaty of Peace 1 Kings 17:1 – 18:46

Elijah the Tishbite 1 Kings 17 Elijah's message to Ahab concerning the three years' drought, v. 1 He is commanded to go to the brook Cherith; where he is fed by ravens, v. 2-7 He afterward goes to a widow's house at Zarephath, and miraculously multiplies her meal and oil, v. 8-16 Her son dies, and Elijah restores him to life, v. 17-24

Elijah Ready to Face Ahab 1 Kings 18 Elijah is commanded by the Lord to show himself to Ahab, v. 1-2 Ahab, and Obadiah his steward, search the land to find grass for the cattle, v. 3-6 Obadiah meets Elijah, who commands him to inform Ahab that he is ready to present himself before him, v. 7-15 Elijah and Ahab meet, v. 16-18

Elijah Challenges Ahab and Baal 1 Kings 18 Elijah Challenges the 450 priests of Baal v. 19-24 The proposal is accepted, and the priests of Baal call in vain upon their god through the whole day v. 25-29 God Confirms By Fire His Relation to Elijah The people acknowledge Yahweh to be the true God, and kill all the prophets of Baal v. 30-40 Elijah promises Ahab that there shall be immediate rain; it comes accordingly, and Ahab and Elijah come to Jezreel v. 41-46

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom Elijah Flees to Mount Horeb 1 Kings 19:1 - 20:21

Elijah Flees to Mount Horeb 1 Kings 19:1-18 Ahab tells Jezebel what Elijah had done; she is enraged, and threatens to take away his life, v. 1-2 He leaves Jezreel, and comes to Beer-sheba, and thence to the wilderness, where he is fed and encouraged by an angel, v. 3-9 His complaint, and the vision by which God instructs him, v. 10-14 He is sent to Damascus, in order to anoint Hazael king over Syria, and Jehu king over Israel, v. 15-18

Elijah went back to where the covenant had been made, Mt Elijah went back to where the covenant had been made, Mt. Horeb – where Moses talked to God, and where God made His covenant with Israel. As this map shows, the site of Mt. Sinai (Horeb) has long been an issue of uncertainty.

Elisha, The Successor 1 Kings 19:19-21 Elijah and Elisha Meet Elisha becomes Elijah’s attendant Passing the cloak or mantle

Samaria Is Attacked By The Syrians 1 Kings 20:1-21 Ben-hadad, king of Syria, and thirty-two kings, besiege Samaria, v. 1 He sends an insulting message to Ahab, and insists on pillaging the whole city, v. 2-7 The elders of Israel counsel the king not to submit to such shameful conditions, v. 8

Samaria Is Attacked By The Syrians 1 Kings 20:1-21 He sends a refusal to Ben-hadad; who, being enraged, vows revenge, v. 9-12 A prophet comes to Ahab, and promises him victory, and gives him directions how he should order the battle, v. 13-19 The Syrians are defeated, and Ben-hadad barely escapes, v. 20-21

God’s Help To Israel Was not to give approval to Ahab or Israel Was to confirm once more “that you may know that I am the Lord” If God could handle the Syrians and bring about their defeat, He could also do the same to the rebellious Israelites at any time He chooses

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom The Syrians Come Again 1 Kings 20:22 – 21:29

Review Ahab Defeated a Syrian Attack Ben-Hadad of Syria lost many horses and chariots God showed Ahab this to try once more to let him know that “I am the Lord”

The Syrians Come Again 1 Kings 20:22-34 The Preparation: A Prophet Warned Ahab – 22 Ben-Hadad’s false assurance of victory – 23-27 The Prophecy: Ahab will win again because Israel’s enemy defamed the name of God – 28 The Conflict: The Arameans lost 127,000 – 29-30 The Conclusion: Ben-hadad’s officers begged for mercy from King Ahab; and Ahab made a treaty in disobedience to God – 31-34

The Syrians are Arameans Here is the likely place of battle between Israel and the forces of Ben-hadad

A Prophet Rebukes Ahab 1 Kings 20:35-43 A Prophet Illustrated Ahab’s Mistake Ben-hadad should not have been spared Predicted Ahab’s death and the slaughter of Israel – 35-43

Naboth’s Vineyard 1 Kings 21:1-29 Ahab’s request – 1-2 Naboth’s refusal – 3-4 Jezebel’s reprisal – 5-16 Naboth was maligned – 5-10 Naboth was murdered – 11-16 Ahab was confronted and condemned by Elijah – 17-24 Ahab’s contrition – 25-29

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab 1 Kings 22; 2 Chron. 18

It bothered Ahab that Ramoth-gilead was no longer in Israelite control. In this lesson there will be further confrontations with the Arameans over land-control.

Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab The end of Ahab’s reign – 1 Kgs.22:1-40 Ahab and Jehoshaphat made an alliance to fight the Arameans 1-4 The prophets of Ahab assured him of victory 5-6 Micaiah revealed a very bleak outcome for Ahab and Israel 17-23 Ahab protested his negative preaching 24-28

Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab The end of Ahab’s reign – 1 Kgs.22:1-40 The royal apparel was discarded to hide Ahab’s identity 29-33 Still an arrow found him and mortally wounded him 34-40 The negative predictions of Elijah and Micaiah came true The positive preaching of the false prophets had only hardened Ahab against the truth

Ahab’s Death and Burial That evening he died The battle was stopped Ahab was brought back to Samaria and buried His bloody chariot was washed at a pool of the prostitutes Dogs licked up the bloody water (1 Kings 21:19)

Lessons From Ahab We will reap what we sow We influence people for truth or for error If we want all positive messages, we may never be willing to face important truths about ourselves We leave behind a legacy of honor or shame

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat 2 Chron. 19-20; 1 Kings 22:48 – 2 Kings 1

The Prophet Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat Some of his actions of unbelief Alliances with Ahab: Helping “those who hate the Lord” – 2 Chron.19:1-3 Merchant ship alliance with King Ahaziah – 20:35-37

Jehoshaphat’s Further Reforms 2 Chron.19:4-11 Good things he did: Appointed godly judges throughout the land Admonished them to deal justly with all the people Set aside all tendency to let bribes color their judgments

Invasion of Moabites, Ammonites, and Men From Mt. Seir 2 Chron.20:3-30 Fear of a coming storm of war – 1-2 Solution to Jehoshaphat’s fear: Proclaimed a public fast – 3 Prayed a public prayer – 4-12 Asked God’s protection Jahaziel sent word of victory from the Lord 13-17 – “The battle belongs to the Lord” Amazing grace, victory, celebration18-30

Invasion of Moabites, Ammonites, and Men From Mt. Seir When the enemy presses in hard do not fear, the battle belongs to the Lord….

Till There Was No Remedy The Divided Kingdom Ahaziah’s Accident 2 Kings 1:2 – 2:22

Ahaziah’s Accident The Final Days of Elijah’s Ministry – 2 Kings 1:1 -2:11 Elijah and Ahaziah – 1:1-18 The Fall 1:1-2 The Foretelling – 1:3-4 The Fury – 1:5-9,11 The Fire – 1:10,12 The Favor – 1:13-15 The Fulfillment – 1:16-18

Elijah Is Taken Up To Heaven Elijah and Elisha – 2:1-11 Their Final Journey Together The Route – 2:1-6 The River – 2:7-8 The Request – 2:9 The Requirement – 2:10 The Removal – 2:11

The First Days of Elisha’s Ministry He Parted The Jordan – 2:12-14 He Pacified Some Prophets – 15-18 He Purified Some Water – 19-22

Places of Note In Our Text – 2 Kings 2 GILGAL – v.1 BETHEL – v.2 JERICHO –v.4 THE JORDAN RIVER –v.6 Bethel – House of God Jericho – Victory Jordan – New Beginning Perhaps each place was a great reminder as Elijah passed the mantle on to Elisha

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