A Kingdom Divided: Trouble in the Promised Land 1 Kings 12 – 2 Kings – end of Old Testament

I. Problems leading to the Division of the Kingdom: 921 BC Solomon’s sins: foreign women (adultery), altars for their gods (idolatry) & overtaxing/enslaving Israelites Divided Kingdom Rehoboam’s hard heart: “I will beat you with scorpions” Rehoboam’s hypocrisy: change in taxation, Solomon’s treasures, refusal to listen to elders & God Split ten tribes seceded and formed Israel (Northern Kingdom) Jeroboam ruled Israel, Rehoboam ruled Judah (Judah and Benjamin)

II. Problems in the Divided Kingdom: Idolatry - Rehoboam followed in Solomon’s footsteps Jeroboam built false altars and images Jeroboam feared Israel’s reunification: worshiped Baal – built two golden calves at alternate ends of the country This lead to the rise of prophets in the Northern Kingdom (Israel) Who is Jeroboam Ephraim Advisor of Solomon Chances for grace Leader of a rebellion

III. Primitive Prophets:Elijah, Elisha, Hosea, Amos Hiding from Ahab and Jezebel Slaughtered the 450 prophets of Baal Assumed into heaven by a fiery chariot B. Elisha: Successor to Elijah –continued the work of his predecessor Known for ability to heal others (Namaan of leprosy) C. Hosea: Victim of an unfaithful wife – this influences prophecy Described the relationship of God and Israel as a married couple: Israel cheats on God (idolatry) but God takes back the repentant “spouse” Israel’s responsibility is to always be faithful D. Amos: - warned of destruction and end of world

IV. Menaces to Israel/Judah Assyria – capital is Ninevah - Always threatening both kingdoms – early on - Most powerful kingdom of the time (short-lived) - Destroyed Israel (north) in 721 BC - Almost destroyed Judah (south) as well Assyria is portrayed as an instrument of god’s judgment – punishment for forsaking covenant