Page 80 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

defeats all of Israel’s eastern tribes (10). Jehu’s sons continue to walk in ways of Jeroboam, resulting in
Israel’s repeated oppression- Syria, but glimmers of hope are found as YHWH hears their cry, responds
with covenant mercy- Abram, refusing to destroy or scatter them- yet! (13:23) though Elisha’s death
signals the end of an era, the life-giving power of his words offers hope Are covenant and conquest a
th
sign of new life? (13-14). No! After God fulfills His promise to Jehu- 4 generation, a series of short-lived,
evil kings like Jeroboam brings chaos and assassinations- Zechariah, Shallum, Menachem, Pekahiah- 14
years (15). During this time, Israel becomes a vassal of Assyria, with territory captured and people
exiled. When Pekah rebelled by seeking an alliance with Syria, Assyria subdues Israel. Also, Hoshea
rebels, seeking an alliance with Egypt, Assyria lays siege to Samaria, carrying Israel’s captive away to
exile. The exile is seen as God’s judgment for Israel’s persistent idolatry, refusal to repent; even those
resettled in Israel fear YHWH and other gods (16-17).

2 Kings 11-25 narrates Judah’s downward spiral which led to their exile to Babylon Judgment. In light of
Judah’s intermarriage with Ahab, Jehoram and idolatry- Ahaziah and Athaliah, 1 Chr. 22, Jehu brought
God’s judgment on Judah as well. Though Athaliah tried to usurp rule by killing sons, Joash was saved
and schooled by Jehoiada because of the covenant. Although Joash did right with reform and repair
temple, he failed to rely on YHWH because of paying tribute to Syria (11-12). When other Kings were
evaluated, they were found to be right. However, Judah continued to struggle in obedience. Amaziah,
straying after Edom’s gods (2 Chr. 25), is captured, and dies in a coup (14), while Uzziah’s strength and
success leads to his pride and punishment (15) Jotham receives only a favorable evaluation, but the
mention of fortification and YHWH’s instigation of Syria/Judah sounds an ominous tone (15). Ahaz,
following the ways of Israel’s kings- idols, infant sacrifice, relies on Assyria not YHWH- war, re-arranges
temple with foreign influence (16). Despite a favorable evaluation- David, Hezekiah mixes failure and
faith. After initial failure- tribute, Hezekiah is firm in faith, trusting YHWH against Assyria (18-19). After
showing faith- healing, his trust fails- Babylon (20). Manasseh did evil- idols of nations, Israel, sending
Judah into a spiral toward exile (21). Though Josiah did right- David, repair, rediscovered Law, reforms
(22-23), his sons’ disobedience leads to Babylonian exile (24-25). Jehoiachin’s release ends with a note
of hope!

1-2 Chronicles

Author: The author and the date of 1-2 Chronicles is unknown.
However, it seems likely that it could have been written in the Post-
Exilic time.

Themes of these two books include: God’s King (David), His Place
(Temple), His Covenant Message: For a nation that had experienced
the fall of God’s city (Zion), His place (temple), and His king, now
represented by a small remnant and meager temple, the Chronicler’s theology of hope through David’s
dynasty connects God’s election, preservation, and restoration with the necessity of repentance and
covenant fidelity!

Genealogies: King and Priest (1-9) The genealogy narrows from humanity- Adam to Abram. As the
covenant family becomes nations, the focus narrows- Israel, highlighting Judah (2-4) and Levi (6, 9) as
the royal and priestly lines. God’s king David (not Saul), His place- temple are central to the Chronicler’s
message, likely addressing the remnant’s doubt had God forsaken people, covenant (Abram/David). He
judges infidel Israel/Judah (5:25, 9:1) but responds to trust Jabez/Gad (4-5).

79