Page 56 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

Jehu’s obedience- annihilating Ahab’s line, his idol worship- Jeroboam provokes God’s wrath Hazael
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- 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, struggle with continued obedience. Amaziah, straying
after Edom’s gods (2 Chr. 25), is captured, 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

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 man- 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).

Chapter’s 10-14 focuses on David’s rise to the throne. From the start, YHWH’s rejection of Saul- death
for breach of faith, selection of David- turned over, is made clear (10)! Bracketed by all Israel elders and
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