1. Of Kings and Prophets
Exploring the historical and prophetic interactions of the four periods of Israel’s history from the last expansion of territory to the ultimate fall and captivity of both kingdoms

2. Eras of the Fall Relative Peace and Prosperity II Kings 13-16
BCE
Relative Peace and Prosperity
II Kings 13-16
II Chron. 25 Amos Hosea (part 1)
BCE
Civil War and Removal
II Kings 15-17
II Chron Hosea (Part II)
Micah
Isaiah (Part I)
BCE
From Service to Depravity
II Kings 18-21
II Chron Isaiah (Part II)
BCE
All of it Comes to an End
II Kings 22-25
II Chron Zephaniah Nahum Jeremiah
Eras of the Fall

3. Focus and Styles of Literature
II Kings
Written from the monarchy’s point of view
Included both Northern Kingdom reigns as well as Judah
II Chron.
Written from the priestly point of view
Only includes Judah’s Kings
Prophets
Poetry and Prose
Amos is one of the best examples
Interlaced with historical events
Focus and Styles of Literature

4. Geopolitical Dynamics
Assyria
Israel alternately fighting Assyria as enemy or attempting to befriend
Strong pro and anti Assyrian factions in Judah
Ultimately destroyed the Northern Kingdom and repopulated the land
Babylon (Chaldeans)
Gained strength in the region at the expense of Assyria
Appeared in Jerusalem shortly after fall of Northern Kingdom
Ultimately led to the destruction and captivity of Judah
Egypt
After a period of instability arrived late as a potential ally of Judah
Defeated by Babylonians at Battle of Carchemish, opening the door to Judah

5. Prophetic Implications
Condemnation of the current spiritual state of the people
Regardless of the spiritual reformations underway
Consistently referred to as a “return to the Lord”
Often with the historical point of view of the departure from Egypt
Promise of certain destruction
Even in times of relatively strong political success
Destruction is a result of the sin of the people
Promise of eventual restoration
The Lord will restore, save and usher in a new kingdom
Serving Him is the only recourse until that occurs

6. Important Considerations
The full history of the nation is clearly understood
Prophets point to several previous times in the historical plan of God
Amos 9:2-6; Psalm 139:7-10
Relied on writings handed down from the past
Annual cycle of feasts and celebrations are expected and known
In every case, the Lord’s love is constant
All the people need is a heart change