BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 30, Day 5: Facing Outward
11) I wish I had a definitive answer to this question, but, truthfully, this is so hard to know. It’s hard to know how you impact others. One day, we all will know on the other side of heaven. That being said, I tried to impart what I learned to my family and friends.
12) I was challenged to be more open to others, more accepting, and to meet people where they are at rather than expect them to be in the same place I’m at. I was challenged to let God handle my anger towards others and let Him be the definitive judge.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39
3a) Isaiah 1:1-15; Isaiah 3:1-4:1: Rebelled against God. They are corrupt. They have forsaken the Lord and turned their backs on Him. Their offerings are meaningless. Their hands are full of blood. Their words and deeds are against the Lord. They parade their sin like Sodom.
The elders and leaders of his people: “It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?” 6 The Lord says,
“The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
Chapters 28-31: Their hearts are far from God. Their worship of God is based on merely human rules they have been taught/ They sought the protection of Egypt. Chapter 28’s sins are because the people are wicked and self-reliant. They rely on Egypt and go to Egypt.
b) Isaiah 1:24-25; 5; 7:18-25; 39:5-7: God will turn His hand against you;[a]I will thoroughly purge away your drossand remove all your impurities. God will destroy Judah and the people. They will be desolate. Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also. There will be only briers and thorns instead of vineyards. The people will be carried off to Babylon.
b) Isaiah 1:18-20: God makes people’s sins white and pure. If people are willing and obedient, they will prosper. If they resist and rebel, they will be devoured by the sword.
5a) The messages might have encouraged them and offered them hope because God will take care of them and punish them.
b) God is just. He is faithful. God defends His people. God cares for His people.
6) God always puts me where He wants me, even if it’s in difficult spots or circumstances. I am to grow with Him during these times.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39
We see God’s mercy will ultimately end when it’s time to face the piper.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39
God fulfills His promises one way or another. He warns His people over and over again, in mercy giving them time to repent. When God has had enough, He gives out consequences, which are devastating.
God uses other nations to enact His judgment on His people.
God offers to cleans us through the blood of Jesus. All we have to do (and all Judah had to do) was to surrender to God and obey. Seems simple but how many people turn from God in the face of this choice?
Yet, there is hope in Christ. There is always hope.
Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king. The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold.4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. The Lord sent Babylonian,[a] Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders against him to destroy Judah, in accordance with the word of the Lord proclaimed by his servants the prophets.
Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He surrended to Nebuchadnezzar. He made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah.
Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king.19 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Now Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. They laid seige to Jerusalem and eventually captured it. They bound Zedekiah after killing his sons and putting his eyes out. He burned God’s temple and took Judah into captivity.
In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison
2 Chronicles 36:
Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king. The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold.4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. He was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar as a prisoner.
Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the Lord, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[f] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.
Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king.12 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God, and all the people became even more unfaithful to God.
God brought Babylon up against his people. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power, Cyrus king of Persia would begin building God’s temple once again.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36
11)
Jehoahaz. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Jehoiakim. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Jehoiakim paid Pharaoh Necho the silver and gold he demanded. In order to do so, he taxed the land and exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land according to their assessments.
Joehoiachin. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Zedekiah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel.14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.
12a) God sent warnings to his people via messengers. He brought consequences down on them for their sin. He took their kings away in captivity and gradually he took them, too.
b) The messengers were mocked. They continued to sin. They continued to follow other gods. No one learned.
c) God is faithful even when you are not.
13) God postponed judgment for hundreds of years. God gave His people every chance. The consequences were just.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36
Finally, the conclusion to Judah’s built-up sins. There were glimpses of light, but too few to make up for the darkness.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 17, Day 5: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; 20; 2 Chronicles 36
2 Kings 23:31-25:30
Essentially, all of Judah’s final kings (who only reigned a total of 24 years) did evil in the eyes of the Lord as they were all exiled to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar makes Judah a servant nation mainly because of where it was located near his enemies of Egypt and Assyria. The first invasion was 605 B.C. Jerusalem would be invaded again in 597 and 587 B.C. Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and it did not go well. He died, and more evil kings reigned.
Jerusalem was sacked, and the people were carried away by Nebuchadnezzar in 597. It was completely destroyed in 586 B.C. The skilled people were taken; the poor were left in Jerusalem. Jedekiah was made king by Nebuchadnezzar. He did evil and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar despite Jeremiah’s warnings Jeremiah 32:1-5. Zedekiah arrested Jeremiah and imprisoned him.
Jerusalem was under seige and finally fell. Zedekiah was taken prisoner and killed as prophesied (Ezekiel 12:13). The city was destroyed along with the temple. More people were taken except the poor. Gedaliah is made governor. He is killed. 2 Kings ends with King Jehoiachin receiving kindness from Babylon.
2 Chronicles 36:
The last 4 kings of Judah were evil. The Lord’s message is rejected, but the messengers were mocked. Jerusalem is destroyed. The people would be captives of Babylon for 70 years. They could return to their land when Persia conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. God allowed Persia to conquer the Babylonians when it was time to send his people back home. Isaiah 44:28-45:7 and Jeremiah 51:57-58 (Exodus 23:10-11).
Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He attacked him in front of the people, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. So the word of the Lord spoken to Jehu was fulfilled: “Your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.
Menahem son of Gadi went from Tirzah up to Samaria. He attacked Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. He reigned in Samaria ten years.He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years.Pekahiah did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years.He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and assassinated him, and then succeeded him as king.
2 Kings 17
Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years.He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria.
All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17
3a)
Zechariah son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned six months.
Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He reigned one month.
Menahem son of Gadi. He reigned 10 years.
Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned two years
Pekah killed Pekahiah and succeeded him as king. He reigned twenty years.
Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years.
b) Probably chaotic. There were assassinations at every turn. There was no stability. Then Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.
4) Israel had been paying Shalmaneser king of Assyria tribute to avoid an invasion. Instead, Hoshea went to the king of Egypt instead and quit paying tribute, so the king of Assyria attacked and took the Israelites captive and deported them.
5a) All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord their God. They worshiped other godsand followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced.The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. They set up sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree.At every high place they burned incense. They did wicked things that made God angry. Thye forsook all the commands of God, so exile was their punishment.
b) Well, as we’ve seen, they get attacked and deported. God’s blessings turn to judgment, and anything can happen. Life becomes even harder without God.
c) Lots of ways. We can look to other people, material things, other items we own, have, or want. Ultimately, every path is empty.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17
Lots of history here and a good insight into just how turbulent ancient times were.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 16, Day 2: 2 Kings 15:8-31; 17
In 2 Kings 15, we see 5 kings that reigned over Israel in a short amount of time.
Note that all did evil in the eyes of the Lord except Shallum, whom the writer does not say whether he was good or bad. It’s probably safe to assume he was bad.
Assyria moved many conquered nations and peoples to their lands. The land of Israel is not reduced to a small piece of land.
2 Kings 17 tells about the complete fall of Israel into the hands of the Assyrians.
Hoshea and Israel were subjects under Assyria and paid them money. However, Hoshea hoped to find help with Egypt. When Assyria found out, they attacked Israel, showing no mercy. Hoshea needed to turn to the Lord for help, not Egypt.
It took Assyria three years to conquer Israel, but they did. They deported all but the poor to Assyria.
It had been a short 200 years and many kings (19 in total) since Solomon when Israel was united when the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell.
It has been reported that Assyrians would lead captives away naked and pierced. Truly humbling for God’s people — all because God was ignored.
When Israel was resettled by the Assyrians, God is angry because they did not fear Him. He sent lions to show His power. Priests were sent, but the people still forsook God.
It’s simple — obey God and be saved. Yet, this is the ulimate example of Israel’s failure to do so.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14
8a) 17 Old Testament books. 18 if you count the Book of Revelation
b) Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha
9a) The details of the encounter: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.” I love Isaiah’s answer: Here am I! That should be all of our responses to God’s call on our lives.
b) “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. “I have put my words in your mouth.” The details here of what God said. I think we all want God to call us in this fashion!
10) The truth of their prophecies lend them credibility for current people and future generations so that they can be believed. Speaking into current situations grabs people’s attention and is a chance to bring more people to God. Both reinforce the truths of God, His word, and His chosen prophets.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Another great lesson on following God’s words and calling for your life.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14
Humble yourself, pray and repent, seeking God’s face. Turn your heart and your life over to God. God will hear and forgive you if you do.
Jesoshaphat became king of Israel. The Lord was with Jesoshaphat because he walked in the ways his father David had in the early years. He had great wealth and honor. He was devoted to the Lord, and he removed the high places. He sent officials to teach the people throughout Jesus about God. There was peace, and many brought Jesoshaphat gifts. He became more powerful, and he built an army.
2 Chronicles 18:
There was peace between Aram and Israel for three years until Jehoshaphat king of Judah went to see the king of Israel, Ahab. Israel and Judah looked to make an alliance to take Ramoth Gilead back, but Jesoshaphat requested to inquire of the Lord first. The only prophet left was Micaiah whom Ahab did not like because he prophesied against him. All of the other prophets said to go to war and Micaiah was urged to agree. However, Micaiah refused, saying he could only say what the Lord had told him.
When Micaiah arrived when summoned for his inquiry unto the Lord, he told them that the Lord would entice them to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, but the war will be a disaster for them and that their leader would die. Zedekiah slapped Micaiah in the face, and he was ordered back to Amon to go to prison with nothing but bread and water till Ahab returns safely.
Ahab and Jehoshaphat defied Micaiah’s prophecy and went to battle for Ramoth Gilead. Ahab went disguised, while Jehosphaphat wore royal robes. The king of Aram only wanted to fight against the king of Israel, so they left Jehoshaphat alone. The king of Israel, Ahab, was hit by a random arrow. He died that night and his blood was licked by dogs as the Lord had prophesied. His son, Ahaziah, succeeded him as king.
2 Chronicles 19:
Jehoshaphat returned safely to the palace. The seer Jehu told him that the wrath of God was upon him because he made alliances with those who hate God. However, he did rid the land of Asherah poles and he does seek God. He appointed God-fearing judges to rule over his people. He appointed priests to administer the law and to settle disputes with the fear of the Lord. Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the Lord, and Zebadiah will be over youin any matter concerning the king. The Levites will be officials.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19
3a) Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim. He sought God and followed his commands. He removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah. He sent officials to teach the people throughout Jesus about God. There was peace, and many brought Jesoshaphat gifts. He became more powerful, and he built an army. He built forts in Judah and store cities. He had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.
b) Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor. He put the fear of the Lord (Himself) on all the kingdoms surrounding Judah so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute. The Arabs brought him flocks. He prospered.
4a) He risked God’s anger towards him. He risked his own life. He risked the lives of his own people.
b) Jehoshaphat returned safely to his palace despite his anger at him allying with Ahab who hated God.
c) LOL! Yep! I’d say every day, but there may be a couple of days I haven’t made one. God has always provided a way out. Always. And He has used it for good to be with Him and near him.
5a) “Consider carefully what you do because you are not judging for men, but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
b) We must all remember that the work we do, from our every day job to raising our kids, is for God, not for anyone else. He is with us, always, watching us. Everything we do is for Him and His glory.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19
I love reading the parallel accounts. It not only reinforces what is happening, but there’s always another nugget to be gleaned.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19
2 Chronicles 17:
The example is those who walked NOT in the ways of Israel.
Jehoshaphat is blessed by the Lord because he walked in God’s ways. He strengthened the kingdom. He brought the word of God to the people. Jehoshaphat and his kingdom was exalted above all other nations.
2 Chronicles 18:
King Ahab asked King Jehoshapat to ally with him against Syria. Ramoth-Gilead was only 40 miles from Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.
Jehoshaphat only picked prophets that told him what he wanted to hear. Knowing this Jehoshapat wanted to hear from a prophet of the Lord.
The two rulers sat at the gate of Samaria, which was a traditional place to make decisions. The unfaithful prophets all said what the king of Israel wanted to hear.
Apparently, Micaiah was already in prison (1 Kings 22:26). The assistants to King Ahab tried to persuade Micaiah to repeat the words of the 400 other prophets, but Micaiah refused. Ahab hated anyone who opposed him. Micaiah mocks the other prophets by repeated what they had said, and then tells the truth when prompted by Ahab.
On the right side of God sits the host of heaven on the left sits fallen angels. A fallen angel would lead Ahab into battle. Ahab would pay with his life for his fallen leadership, while Israel paid for following false gods.
Micaiah was met with violence upon this news and anger. Yet, God’s plans never fail.
Many Bible scholars are unsure why Jehoshaphat agrees to go to battle against God’s word. Maybe he wanted to save grace or perhaps he wanted to die. It was not a smart decision on either’s part.
Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, and he was saved.
The arrow that pierced King Ahab was not by chance; nothing is by chance with God. God orchastrated it.
The war ended with Ahab’s death.
Elijah prophesied about the dogs licking the blood of Ahab. 1 Kings 21:19 This just took place in a different location that prophesied.
We also see a prophecy come to fruition with 1 Kings 20:42, where Ahab spared Ben-Hadad’s life.
Despite the wealth of Israel, the people were spiritually poor.
2 Chronicles 19:
Jehoshaphat was saved by God’s mercy. Yet, he is still rebuked by God for his actions, but encouraged, too.
We see Jeru when he prophesies to Baasha the king of Israel (1 Kings 16:1, 16:7).
Jehoshaphat concentrates on bettering Jerusalem. He offers judicial reforms and improves the laws.
Remember, God’s wrath is His holy response to sin.
Jehoshaphat was king of Judah. He reigned 25 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices there. He was at peace with the king of Israel, Ahab. He rid the land of the male shrine prostitutes. He built a fleet of trading ships that never sailed. He died, and his son, Jehoram, succeeded him.
Ahaziah son of Ahab only ruled two years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He served and worshipped Baal and provoked the Lord to anger.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:41-53
9) He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices there. He was at peace with the king of Israel, Ahab. He rid the land of the male shrine prostitutes.
10) He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He served and worshipped Baal and provoked the Lord to anger.
11a) Judah follows the Lord; Israel does not. This can only lead to disaster for Israel.
b) God is just. He lets those who follow him rule a long time. Those who don’t follow him die young. God rewards those who follow Him and punishes those who do not.
12) God is always good. Despite my shortcomings, He is there for me. He always forgives and promises the chance for a better tomorrow. I have hope that I’ll do better and be better because of the Lord and Jesus Christ.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:41-53
Great summary to end 1 Kings. Israel does evil in the eyes of the Lord; Judah does good. My prayer is to do good in God’s eyes always.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:41-53
2 Chronicles tells more about Jehoshaphat’s good that he does:
Jehoshaphat sent teachers out into his kingdom to teach God’s Word (2 Chronicles 17:7-10).
Note Jehoshaphat did not take down the high places. He wasn’t perfect.
Note that Jehoshaphat did not make an alliance with Ahab’s son. He learned his lesson after the battle that killed Ahab.
Coming up, we see that Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, did not follow in the Lord’s ways because he married Ahab’s daughter (2 Chronicles 18:1). He would be noted as a bad king for Judah. (2 Chronicles 22:2-4).
Ahaziah’s short reign was partly due to the pronouncement of judgment against him for his father Ahab’s sins. 1 Kings 21:29.
1 Kings comes off the heals of King David and then descends from there.
Ben-Hadad king of Aram attacked Samaria, demanding all the silver, gold, wives, and children. At first, Ahab did not refuse. Then he did when more demands were made, so Ben-Hadad prepared to attack.
A prophet comes to Ahab to tell him that the Lord will deliver the enemy into his hands so that he will know the Lord did it. Ahab must start the battle and the young officers of the provincial commanders will defeat the army. The 7,000 remaining Israelites of faith went out while the enemy was in their tent getting drunk. The Israelites defeated the king of Aram, but the king escaped.
The prophet told Ahab that the king of Aram would attack next year. So, Ahab prepared for the attack. When it came, the prophet told Ahab that God would once again deliver the enemy into his hands so that he will know He is God. Ahab won the battle, but he ended up making a deal with the king of Aram and let him go free. A prophet tells Ahab that because he let a man go free whom he should have (the king of Aram), he would give his life for him.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20
10) God ensured that if an enemy attacked Israel that Israel would win. He used prophets to tell Ahab these things.
11a) Verse 13 & 28
b) Too many. Honestly, every day in some small way when He rescues me from sin.
12) He bargained with the king of Aram and let him go free.
13a) He was “sullen and angry” and retreated to his palace in Samaria. Note he was not repentant.
b) Every time He lets me know He’s in charge and not me.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20
I love how God never gives up on us like we give up on Him.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20
At first, Ahab willingly surrenders. Then, he changes his mind with advice.
A prophet appears and tells Ahab the Lord will deliver them out of His infinite mercy and love. Ahab wonders how, which is something most of us wonder when God promises to do something in our lives. God delivers Israel, but the Syrians would try again in the spring.
Saying that God was a god of the hills and valleys meant God was only a god over certain areas instead of the Lord of the earth.
The Lord delivers Israel another miraculous victory over a vastly superior army. Yet, Ahab makes a treaty with the defeated pagan king instead of completely destroying him.
The Mysterious Prophets
These prophets mentioned here are nameless and are believed to not be Elijah or Elisha. They are presumed to be among the 7,000 faithful.
The reason for the harsh judgement of against the man who refused to strike the prophet was because that man was a fellow man of God or a son of the prophet. Thus, he should have known to follow the command of the prophet.
The prophet tells Ahab a story that is really a story of the mistake he just made — failing to guard the life of someone. Since King Ahab failed to guard what was entrusted to him, he would pay the ultimate price. God wanted the death of the king of Aram to be by the army that He had empowered.
God reached out in so many ways to Ahab. As He does to us.
When Jezebel found out from Ahab that Elijah had killed all of the prophets with the sword, she threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled. He left his servant at Beersheba while he went into the wilderness. He prayed to die. He woke to an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.
Elijah then traveled 40 days and nights till he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. While in a cave, the word of the Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said how he is afraid for his life.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10
3) First, he was elated and boastful. Then he was afraid for his life. He also experienced remorse and sadness over the Israelites and their worship of other gods. Frankly, he was depressed. He was physically exhausted, too.
4a) God sent an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.
b) Similarly, God has provided when I’ve been exhausted from the trials of life with food, clothing, shelter, friendships, and more.
5) God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
6) Elijah prays for God’s help. He listens to and for God. He obeys God and trusts God for provision.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10
I think many of us have reached breaking points like Elijah to the point where we wish we were dead. Note here how God is there at our weakest moments, waiting to pick us up and strengthen us in the days ahead.
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10
Jezebel was not impressed with God’s show at Mount Carmel. Instead, she went after the instigator.
Beersheba is about 80 miles south of Mount Carmel. We are not told if God told Elijah to go there or not. All we know is God wanted to protect Elijah.
It’s ironic that Elijah prayed to die, but he’s one of the few humans that ever lived that never experienced death. Sometimes a no from God is a good thing.
Elijah was wore out, plain and simple.
We see this many times in the Bible where God provides for our physical needs before our spiritual needs.
On Elijah’s 40-day, 200-mile journey to Mount Horeb (or Mount Sinai), it is likely he gained strength physically.
Obviously, God knew the answer to why Elijah was there, but God graciously allows Elijah to explain his feelings and relieve the burdens on his heart.
Basically, Elijah is saying life is unfair here. He shouldn’t have his life threatened if he is doing God’s work (but this is usually the case). He wants an easy life like we all do. But, as God’s servant, he would not have that.
I experience God’s endless grace every day of my life. In the small moments when I get mad over stupid things and in the big moments, too. I am struggling to be less selfish and pray for that. I try to be there for others and not be so caught up in what I want to do always. I make progress, but it’s slow.
I am grateful to God for His grace and forgiveness. In fact, I couldn’t live without it.
