Kings and Prophets up to Exile

This module covers almost 400 years of Israel’s history from the end of David’s reign in 970BC to the fall of Jerusalem in 586BC. Through studying the books of Kings you will follow Israel’s tragic decline and disloyalty to God resulting in the nation dividing, falling and going into exile. 

You will also discover the important role the prophets played in calling God’s people back to Him. You will learn how God used and spoke through each prophet during this time and where they fit in to the Old Testament narrative.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module you should:

  • Understand what events led to the nation of Israel dividing into the Northern and Southern kingdoms
  • Understand how and why Israel and Judah declined and ended up in exile, and the significance of this for both Israel and salvation history
  • Understand the role of the prophets and how God used them during this era
  • Have studied the Old Testament narrative books of 1 and 2 Kings
  • Be familiar with the kings (and queen) of both kingdoms of Israel and Judah having logged dates, key events and prophets who spoke out during their reign on your Table of Kings and Prophets
  • Have reviewed the Old Testament Timeline pages of kings, prophets and events for this period
  • Have a basic understanding of other world powers such as Assyria and Babylon in relation to Israel’s history as well as important world events that were significant to Israel at this time
  • Have a good understanding of the Books of Prophecy and where they fit into the timeline of the Old Testament
  • Have studied the Old Testament prophets from the time of King David’s death to the Fall of Jerusalem, and know the context and situation in which each spoke out as God’s mouthpiece
  • Have studied the books of Amos, Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, Isaiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and understand how and where each fit into this time period
  • Gain greater understanding of the big picture of God’s redemptive plan for humanity in both the narrative and prophecy
  • Have explored some of the implications of these books in contemporary life

This is a large module which will take time to work through so follow through one step at a time. The rewards will be great because by the end of this module you will have covered a large portion of the Bible, have a solid and deeper understanding of Scripture and know more of God’s heart for His lost world more. You will also have covered most of the books of the prophets which is perhaps the least known and least understood part of the Bible. So be patient and persevere lesson by lesson.

The Old Testament Timeline PDFs (pages 3-5) below is a useful resource to help you better understand the dates, reigns and prophets of both the united kingdom of Israel and the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah as well as significant world events that took place during this time. All these pages connect together forming part of the whole Old Testament Timeline.

1 and 2 Kings were originally one book and therefore we will study them together. Over the 47 chapters of Kings, we see Israel go from a great, prosperous and powerful kingdom to a divided, disobedient and fallen nation. This decline is all due to their disloyalty and unfaithfulness to the Covenant. Amidst the decline are glimmers of hope when God’s greatness is shown or when a good king reigns and good reforms are made, but then there are times of despair when an evil king rises up and God’s people sin. Despite Israel’s disobedience you will see God’s continual faithfulness and steadfast love abound to His chosen people.

This unit gives a basic introduction to the Old Testament Prophets.

Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa confronts Israel on issues of social injustice and idolatry during the nation’s golden age.

 

Hosea’s shocking and tragic marriage reflects God’s relationship with His covenant people Israel and God’s grief over their unfaithfulness. Hosea’s message is to call Israel to repentance and to return to their faithful God of love. Hosea is the last prophet called to the Northern kingdom of Israel and God’s final appeal to them.

 

This well-known and dramatic story is about God mercifully reaching out to a pagan nation which even God's own prophet felt deserved only punishment. With surprising twists and unexpected outcomes, the book of Jonah shows how God's salvation is for all peoples on earth and demonstrates God's merciful, loving and awesome character.

 

Isaiah calls God's people to trust only in the Holy One of Israel for salvation. Isaiah witnesses many highs and lows among God's Covenant people during his long 60 year ministry. He prophesies messages from God relating to the people of his day but also foretells the coming of the Messaiah, the Servant King, who would save the whole world from sin. Isaiah also tells of the future glory for all who turn to God and receive His salvation.