Today's Reading:

1 Kings 15:25-34
1 Kings 16
2 Chronicles 17

God warned the Israelites that it would not go well to have a human king as He was their one and only true King (1 Samuel 8:19). While the Northern Kingdom (Israel) was falling deeper into idolatry under Ahab, the Southern Kingdom (Judah) was experiencing revival and stability under Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 17 showed the positive result of godly leadership under Jehoshaphat, just the opposite of the chaos in the Northern Kingdom. Judah was blessed because Jehoshaphat had sought the Lord with his whole heart and led the people back to God’s Word. This is grace, even when a person or entire nation drifts away, God is ready to bless and restore them the moment a heart turns back towards Him.

God can bring protection even to a divided and broken nation when a leader chooses to put Him first. Is there a relationship, responsibility, or area of your life that feels divided or chaotic right now? Can you “seek the Lord” as Jehoshaphat did in that situation?

Nadab King of Israel #2 (north)- He was Jeroboam’s son who reigned for two years and “did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” continuing idolatry. Nadab was killed by Baasha while at war with the Philistines in Gibbethon.

Baasha King of Israel #3 (north)- Baasha was the son of Ahijah from the tribe of Issachar (not the prophet Ahijah). Baasha reigned for 24 years. He killed Nadab and then Jeroboam’s entire family to prevent rivalry. This fulfilled the prophecy by Ahijah the prophet. Like “dung on the ground,” showing God’s word is reliable. God pronounced judgment on his house. Baasha had done good in his early years by destroying Jeroboam, but he did wrong by continuing to follow idolatry.

Jehu son of Hanani was a prophet in 1 Kings 16 who brought the message of judgment against Baasha for following the sins of Jeroboam. He is the same prophet who later rebuked King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:2.

He is not the same Jehu that becomes the 10th King of Israel, Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, who overthrows Queen Jezebel and King Ahab and his family (2 Kings 9-10).

Elah King of Israel #4 (north)- He was the son of Baasha (King #2) who reigned for two years. He was killed while drunk by Zimri, his military officer.

Zimri, King of Israel #5 (north)- He plotted against Elah. Zimri killed off all of Baasha’s family and friends so that no relative would have a chance to overthrow him for the kingdom. He has the shortest reign of all the kings at seven days. He was in the city of Tirzah (Israel’s capital), but the army was away fighting in the Philistine town of Gibbethon again, just as it had been when Nadab was assassinated. This is why the kings could be killed so quickly, as the main military force was not at the capital to protect them. When the army heard that Zimri killed Elah, they immediately made Omri, their commander, the new king, and went straight back to the capital. Zimri, knowing his fate of being captured and tortured, committed suicide by setting the Palace on fire. He knew his failure in not following God. Zimri’s suicide showed how chaotic and unstable the Northern Kingdom had become.

Omri King of Israel #6 (north)- Omri was quickly chosen by the army to be the next king, but the general population was split, some wanting Tibni to be the next king, which led to a short civil war in the north. The Northern Kingdom was in chaos. There had already been multiple assassinations and short reigns. Omri’s side won out, and Tibni died. Omri’s reign lasted 12 years, with half of the time in Tirzah and half in Samaria, where they moved the capital. This was a fresh start with a better military location on a high hill, which was easier to defend, and a central location. Samaria became the permanent capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel until the Assyrians destroyed the kingdom in 722 BC.  Fun fact: The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III- This was discovered in Iraq and was erected by the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III around 825 BC. The scene shows Jehu, the King of Israel, bowing down and bringing tribute to the king. Above the image is written “Jehu son of Omri” meaning “House of Omri” the dynasty, not family lineage. This is the only place outside of scripture his name has been found recorded.

Tibni of Isreal (N)- Tibni is not counted in most modern lists as a king. The Bible never called him a “king”, and was a rival trying to claim the throne. He had support from part of the population while Omri (army commander) had military support. Omri’s side won, and Tibni died (most likely killed). Then Omri ruled.

Ahab King of Israel #7 (north)- Ahab took over the throne after his father Omri died and reigned for 22 years. He was the most evil king by far. Ahab was so wicked that he did not even think the evil sins of the previous kings were a big deal. He married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who worshipped Baal. Ahab set up a temple and altar to Baal in Samaria. During Ahab’s reign, a man named Hiel from Bethel rebuilt Jericho, which God had forbidden in Joshua 6:26. Because of the sin, Hiel lost his firstborn son Abiram and his youngest son Segub, just like Joshua prophesied. God’s curse from centuries before still held power. Ahab’s reign was so horrible it set the stage for the prophet Elijah to come.

In 2 Chronicles 17, we switched from the Northern Kingdom back to the Southern Kingdom.

Jehoshaphat King of Judah #4 (south)- Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, was a good king. His officials were listed; note some of the names, but these men were not the same as the prophets by the same names. They taught throughout Judah, using the Book of the Law (Torah, the first 5 books of our Bible, the books of Moses). Jehoshaphat was described as “walking in the ways of his father David,” not his biological father, but the “House of David,” and he would seek the Lord with his whole heart. He removed the high places and Asherah poles (idols) from Judah. Due to the teachings, the surrounding nations understood God and His power and authority. Note that even the Philistines brought gifts of tribute. They were the ones who had previously stolen the Ark of the Covenant. Jehoshaphat was blessed by God with great riches, honor, and military strength.

Today's Discussion question:

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