Page 55 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

Syria) and internal conflict. Through Ahijah, YHWH promises to build Jeroboam sure house- ten tribes, if
he will obey YHWH. He also promises to punish David’s offspring, but not forever- 2 Sam. 7!

1 Kings 12-16 narrates Israel’s decline (both spiritually and morally) from Jeroboam-Ahab moving from
bad-Worse. After crowning Solomon’s son, Israel sends a delegation to ask him to lighten their
workload. When Rehoboam unwisely follows directive of young friends, his harsh response leads to
division, at sovereign direction of YHWH. Jeroboam is made king of Israel, but despite seeing God’s
retribution on Solomon’s idolatry, Jeroboam reinforces division to protect his own rule/life, installing
new gods, worship sites, priests and feast (12). Though God’s prophet rebukes his sin- altar/hand [Hope:
repent restored], Jeroboam is unchanged. For Jeroboam’s rebellion, YHWH decrees his house will be cut
off. His son falls ill and God’s prophet rebukes king’s idolatry, repeats end of royal line, reveals coming
exile. While he cut off house of Jeroboam, Baasha and the next four kings of Israel walk in same way-
Jeroboam climaxing w/ Omri and Ahab, who did more evil than all before (13-16). Rehoboam and son
were idolaters, and Asa struggled to trust YHWH

1 Kings 17- 2 Kings 8 narrates the prophet’s challenges! Elijah: YHWH vs. Baal (1 Kings 17-19). From the
beginning, Elijah confronts Israel’s Baal worship! He enters abruptly to predict 3 yr. drought! Ironically,
Elijah finds greater faith in YHWH in Sidon than Israel! When Elijah returns, he rebukes Ahab Troubler of
Israel, you have abandoned YHWH and challenges Baal! Rebuking syncretism limping two opinions,
Elijah calls Israel to a test at Carmel: the one who rains fire to consume sacrifice will be proven God.
YHWH is victorious! After killing prophets of Baal, Elijah flees to Sinai, where YHWH meets fatigue w/
rest, despair w/ assurance, commissioning him to finish race well! Prophet: YHWH vs. Ahab (1 Kgs 20-2
Kgs 1) Focus still on supremacy section shifts to the king! (1) Syria sieges Samaria, YHWH’s prophet twice
promises victory to show supremacy- you will know. When Ahab makes treaty, prophet condemns Ahab
your life will be for his life. (2) After Naboth refuses to sell family land to king, Jezebel stresses power,
arranges Naboth’s death. When Elijah confronts/ condemns king- disaster, Ahab genuinely repents and
God delays- hope! (3) Ahab wars w/ Syria, reluctantly seeks YHWH, Micaiah foretells death return in
peace, and YHWH has not spoken by me. Ahab randomly struck in battle (4) Ahaziah (son) follows way of
Ahab and Jeroboam. Elijah rebukes for seeking Baal- come now, dies. But Jehoshaphat did right!
Prophets’ Challenge (1 Kings 17-2 Kings 8) Nation’s Collapse and Captivity (10-25) Elisha: YHWH vs. Baal
and His King (Ahab) (2-10) Elisha, seeing Elijah taken to heaven- dedicated, receives a double portion of
his spirit, showing his inheritance of the prophetic mantle- firstborn.

This section is littered with connections showing that Elisha carries on the ministry of Elijah to proclaim
YHWH’s supremacy over king and gods, even exceeding Elijah both in number and nature! With allusions
to Joshua-name, Elisha also parts the Jordan, purifies water at Jericho, pronounces curse on mockers of
God, His prophet- Bethel (2) When Israel and Judah go thru desert to battle Moab w/o adequate
provision (1 Kings. 22), Elisha predicts provision- water, enemy. Judgment! (3) Similar to Elijah and the
widow of Zarephath, Elisha provides oil- prophet’s widow, raises son- woman of Shunem, provides food-
prophet, and heals Gentile Naaman’s faith, showing YHWH’s supremacy (4-5). As Elijah, Elisha is
shielded, shows YHWH’s power over Baal- provision and prediction of famine (6-8). Carrying out God’s
commission to Elijah (1 Kings 19), Elisha foretells Hazael as king of Syria, anoints Jehu as king of Israel (8-
9). With influence of idolatry in Israel and Judah- intermarriage, Elisha charges Jehu to cut off the line of
Ahab- avenge. Jehu kills Jehoram (Israel-son), Ahaziah (Judah grandson, Naboth), Jezebel (wife), 70 sons,
nobles, relatives, friends, priests, prophets of Baal- Elijah! But Jehu followed in the way of Jeroboam (9-
10).

2 Kings 10-17 narrates God’s Judgment over Israel which led to Israel’s exiled by Assyria. Chapter’s 10-17
are bracketed by God’s exile of Israel. This section also details the northern kingdom’s downward spiral.
At the end of Jehu’s reign, judgment begins, as ‘YHWH began to cut off parts of Israel’ (10:32). Despite
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