Moving Toward Judgment

The history recorded in the book of Kings provided the nation of Israel an explanation of why they came under the judgment that resulted in both kingdoms going into captivity.

This chapter opens and closes with an account of two kings of the southern kingdom. The middle section records the reign of last five kings of the northern kingdom.

In Judah, Azariah, more commonly known as Uzziah, was condsidered a 'good' king, but he too failed to eradicate the 'high places' used to worship God in conflict with His explicit instructions. Spiritually the southern kingdom practiced a corrupted worship as the northern ten tribes did. His early reign was greatly blessed and the nation prospered. Sadly pride set in and he acted corruptly and unfaithfully. He came under great judgment and lived the rest of his life as a leper.

Turning to the northern kingdom the account picks up with the reign of the final five kings, all doing evil in the sight of the Lord. The nation was unraveling as revolts and murders resulted in great instability in Israel. Hoshea, the last king of Israel before the captivity comes to the throne. At the same time great prophetic ministries took place with God using such men as Isaiah, Joel,and Amos to warn the nation of the judgment to come.

The chapter closes with Jotham taking the throne in the southern kingdom. He reigns as a good king, but the people acted corruptly.

Observations:

1. Faithfulness brings blessing.
2. Compromise effectively corrupts.
3. Pride brings destruction.
4. Few begin well and finish well.
5. God is true to His promises.
6. Sin always brings ruin.
7. In prosperity, people tend to forget the Lord.