bible · study the history of israel from the end of solomon’s reign to the assyrian captivity of...

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BIBLESTUDENT BOOK

6th Grade | Unit 4

804 N. 2nd Ave. E. Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1759

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The Divided Kingdom | Unit 4

2| Section 1

ObjectivesRead these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully completed this LIFEPAC. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to:

1. Explain Solomon’s role in the division of the kingdom.

2. List two major mistakes made by Rehoboam that contributed to the division of the kingdom.

3. Name the two tribes of the Southern Kingdom.

4. State two conditions God would require of Jeroboam to establish his dynasty in Israel.

5. Describe the “sin of Jeroboam.”

6. Name the most wicked king of Israel and identify the false worship he introduced into the kingdom of Israel.

7. Discuss two miraculous demonstrations of God’s power to Israel at Carmel in response to Elijah’s faith and in answer to his prayers.

8. Identify Elijah’s successor.

9. Name the king who destroyed the worship in Israel of the false god Baal and relate God’s resulting promise to the king.

The Divided KingdomIntroductionWhen the kingdom of Israel was established under Saul, God promised the people of Israel that He would continue to bless both Israel and their king, if they obeyed His voice and did not rebel against His commandment. Saul was disobedient and did rebel against the commandment of the Lord. The Lord rejected him as king of Israel and chose David as Saul’s successor.

Another promise from the Lord was made to David. The Lord promised that He would build David a “house,” a royal family forever. This promise was fulfilled in Christ (see Luke 1:32–33). The Lord also promised David that He would establish the kingdom of Solomon forever, if Solomon, David’s son and successor, continued to do His commandments. Solomon failed to keep the commandments of the Lord. His kingdom was divided under his son, Rehoboam.

God had also made a promise to the people of Israel. He promised the land of Canaan as a permanent possession. He also told them that, if they did not obey His commandments, but worshiped false gods, He would remove them from the land. In this study you will learn that, during the period of the divided kingdom, the people of Israel failed to obey God’s commandments. They worshiped and served false gods. Therefore, God removed them from the land. God’s Word is true. Today, God promises us many blessings if we will love Him and obey His commandments.

God’s desire for His people, Israel, in Canaan was that they would “walk” with Him, that they would be His people and that He would be their God. God’s desire for believers today has not changed. He wants us to walk with Him so that we will be His people and He will be our God. He desires our loving obedience. While studying about the division of the kingdom in this LIFEPAC®, remember both the good and bad examples of the kings and people of Israel—how they did or did not walk with God in loving obedience, in worship, and in service. Make all effort in your own life to follow the good examples and to avoid the bad.

The study in this LIFEPAC will involve the history of Israel (and Judah) from the division of the kingdom to the Babylonian Captivity. You will study the major kings and prophets of this period. You will also study briefly nine books classified as minor prophets and related to this period.


Section 1 |3

Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study and write your questions here.

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10. Name the first and last kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

11. Identify two prophets of Judah and three prophets of Israel who ministered during the period of the divided kingdom and who are classified as minor prophets.

12. Explain the term minor.

13. Relate each of the five minor prophets who ministered during the divided kingdom period and whose ministry concerned the political and religious conditions of the two kingdoms.

14. List those Bible references that present the reign of Hezekiah.

15. Discuss revival and reform in Judah under both Hezekiah and Josiah.

16. Identify three kings of Judah who did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of David.

17. Name the first king and the last king of the Southern Kingdom.

18. Identify six prophets of the remaining kingdom of Judah.


4| Section 1

1. FROM THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM TO THE ASSYRIAN CAPTIVITYIn this section of Bible 604 LIFEPAC, you will study the history of Israel from the end of Solomon’s reign to the Assyrian captivity of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. The Old Testament historical books of 1 and 2 Kings, and 2 Chronicles provide the information for this section: 1 Kings chapters 12–22; 2 Kings chapters 1–17; and 2 Chronicles chapters 10–28.

Solomon had received great wisdom, wealth, and honor from God; but he sinned against the Lord. His heart was turned away to false gods. Jerusalem, the city of God, was corrupted

by high places for the worship of false gods (1 Kings 11:1–8). The Lord was angry with Solomon and warned him that his kingdom would be divided under his son (1 Kings 11:9 and 11–13).

The books of 1 and 2 Kings present the histories of both kingdoms, Israel and Judah. Covering the same period as the books of Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles present only the reign of the kings of Judah. As you study this section, refer often to the chart showing the kings and prophets of Israel and Judah.

Section ObjectivesReview these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to:

1. Explain Solomon’s role in the division of the kingdom.

2. List two major mistakes made by Rehoboam that contributed to the division of the kingdom.

3. Name the two tribes of the Southern Kingdom.

4. State two conditions God would require of Jeroboam to establish his dynasty in Israel.

5. Describe the “sin of Jeroboam.”

6. Name the most wicked king of Israel and identify the false worship he introduced into the Kingdom of Israel.

7. Discuss two miraculous demonstrations of God’s power to Israel at Carmel in response to Elijah’s faith and in answer to his prayers.

8. Identify Elijah’s successor.

9. Name the king who destroyed the worship in Israel of the false god Baal and relate God’s resulting promise to the king.

10. Name the first and last kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.


Section 1 |5

VocabularyStudy these words to enhance your learning success in this section.

Baal-zebub (bā’ ul ze’ bub). The name given to Baal by the Philistines in Ekron.

blaspheme (blas fēm’). To speak about God or sacred people or things with abuse; to curse.

dynasty (dī ’ nu stē). A series of rulers of the same line or family.

grove (grōv). A translation of the Hebrew word asherah; Asherah was worshiped as the goddess of fertility.

succession (suk sesh’ un). The coming of one person or thing after another; a series.

Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.

Pronunciation Key: hat, āge, cãre, fär; let, ēqual, tėrm; it, īce; hot, ōpen, ôrder; oil; out; cup, pu·t, rüle; child; long; thin; /ŦH/ for then; /zh/ for measure; /u/ or /ә/ represents /a/ in about, /e/ in taken, /i/ in pencil, /o/ in lemon, and /u/ in circus.


6| Section 1

Answer true or false.

1.1 ______________ The books of Chronicles present the histories of both kingdoms, Israel and Judah.

1.2 ______________ The Lord had told Solomon that his kingdom would be divided under his son.

1.3 ______________ Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, had nothing to do with the division of the kingdom, except to accept it.

1.4 ______________ The southern tribes requested Rehoboam to be easier on them than Solomon had been.

1.5 ______________ Solomon’s reign had been oppressive on the people.

1.6 ______________ The old men counseled Rehoboam to be a servant of the people and to speak good words to them.

1.7 ______________ The young men advised Rehoboam to increase the burdens of the people.

1.8 ______________ Rehoboam rejected both the plea of his people and the advice of the young men.

1.9 ______________ Ten northern tribes of Israel rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king.

1.10 ______________ The Northern Kingdom became the kingdom of Judah.

FROM JEROBOAM TO AHABThe Lord had told Solomon that his kingdom would be divided under his son. When Rehoboam (rē’ u bō’ um), Solomon’s son, became king in Solomon’s place, he made two major mistakes that caused the kingdom of Israel to be divided. First, he rejected a plea by the northern tribes to receive less oppression by the new king. Solomon had placed heavy burdens upon the people. The northern tribes wanted Rehoboam to be easier on them—to make their responsibilities to the king lighter. Second, Rehoboam rejected also the good counsel of the old men and followed the bad advice of the young men. The old men counseled Rehoboam to be a servant of the

people and to speak good words to them—to be kind to the people. The young men advised Rehoboam to increase the burdens of the people, to be much harder on them than even Solomon had been. Rehoboam rejected both the plea of his people and the counsel of the old men, and the kingdom was divided as God had said it would be. The ten northern tribes rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam (jer uh bō’ um) king. The Northern Kingdom became known as Israel. The two tribes that remained loyal to Rehoboam became known as the Southern Kingdom, the kingdom of Judah.


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Read 1 KingsChapters 12–14

Jeroboam. Before becoming king of Israel, Jeroboam had met Ahijah (u hi’ juh), the prophet in Jerusalem. Catching his own new garment, Ahijah tore it into twelve pieces. He gave ten pieces to Jeroboam telling Jeroboam that God would divide the kingdom of Solomon’s son and give ten tribes to him. The prophet also told Jeroboam that his “house” or dynasty would be established in Israel like the “house” of David, if he would do these two things: (1) keep God’s commandments and (2) walk in His way.

Jeroboam did not do either one. He neither kept God’s commandments nor walked in God’s way. He made two golden calves and declared them to be Israel’s gods. He placed one of the false gods in Bethel, on the southern border of Israel, and one in Dan, on Israel’s northern border. Because of Jeroboam’s sins and his refusal to repent, the prophet Ahijah pronounced this judgment upon Jeroboam: Jeroboam’s son would die, and his dynasty would be destroyed.

Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa. The first three kings of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) in their order of succession were Rehoboam, Abijah (uh bī’ juh), and Asa (ā’ suh).

Rehoboam, son of Solomon, succeeded Solomon as king of the united kingdom. The kingdom was divided, and Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem over the tribes of Judah

and Benjamin for seventeen years. Judah and Benjamin became the two tribes of the Southern Kingdom, which became known as Judah. Rehoboam failed to seek the Lord. He did not keep the Law of the Lord and he permitted the practice of idolatry in Judah.

Upon the death of Rehoboam, his son Abijah reigned in Jerusalem for three years. Abijah’s heart did not please the Lord, but the Lord continued the line of successors through Abijah for David’s sake (1 Kings 15:4).

Asa, Abijah’s son, reigned in Judah forty-one years. His reign began during the reign of Jeroboam, Israel’s first king, and continued until Ahab, Israel’s seventh king. Asa opposed idolatry in Judah. He did right in the eyes of the Lord (1 Kings 15:16).

| Golden Calf

| Ahijah tore his own garmet into twelve pieces


8| Section 1

Complete the following statements.

1.11 Before becoming king of Israel, Jeroboam met Ahijah, who was the __________________________ in Jerusalem.

1.12 When he met Jeroboam, Ahijah caught up his own new garment and tore it into

_______________________________ pieces.

1.13 Having torn his garment, Ahijah gave Jeroboam a. _____________________________ pieces, telling

him that God would divide the kingdom and give him b. ____________________________________ .

1.14 Ahijah told Jeroboam that his “house” would be established in Israel like the “house” of David,

if he would do these two things:

a. ________________________________________________________________________________________ and

b. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ .

1.15 Because of Jeroboam’s sins, Ahijah pronounced ____________________________ upon his house.

1.16 Another word for “house” is ________________________________ .

Write the correct letter and answer on each blank.

1.17 Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa were the first three kings of the _______________________ kingdom. a. united b. southern c. northern

1.18 Rehoboam succeeded Solomon, his father, as king of the _________________________ kingdom. a. united b. southern c. northern

1.19 The first king in Judah to oppose idolatry was _____________________________ . a. Abijah b. Asa c. Rehoboam

1.20 Asa, Abijah’s son, reigned in Judah for _____________________________ years. a. forty-one b. thirty-one c. twenty-one


Section 1 |9

Nadab and successors. The brief reign of Nadab (nae’ dab), son of Jeroboam, ended the dynasty of Jeroboam in Israel. Nadab began to reign in Israel during the second year of Asa, king of Judah. Nadab reigned only two years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord. Like his father, Jeroboam, he caused Israel to sin.

Nadab was slain by Baasha (bā’ ah shah), who took his throne. Baasha destroyed all the descendants of Jeroboam, as the prophet Ahijah had predicted. Baasha reigned in Israel

for twenty-four years. Because Baasha walked in the ways of Jeroboam, his descendants were also destroyed. Elah, Baasha’s son, succeeded him and was slain by Zimri. Zimri slew not only all of Baasha’s descendants but also all of his friends. Zimri reigned only seven days in Israel. The people of Israel rejected Zimri and made Omri king. Omri was captain of Israel’s army before he was made king.

Of all the sinful kings in Israel before him, Omri was the most wicked. He reigned in Israel for twelve years. After six years as king of Israel, Omri bought the hill of Samaria and built on it a city. He called the city Samaria and made it the capital city of Israel. Samaria remained the capital of Israel until the Assyrians made slaves of the Israelites. Omri reigned his last six years in Samaria. He was the father of Ahab. Ahab was to become a king who was even more wicked than Omri.

Upon the death of Omri, his son Ahab became king in Israel. Ahab was the seventh and most wicked king of Israel. He became king in Israel during the thirty-eighth year of Asa, king of Judah. Ahab reigned twenty-two years in Samaria. He married Jezebel of Sidon and became a follower of her false god, Baal. He built a house and an altar for Baal and introduced Baal worship into the kingdom of Israel. The study of Ahab will continue with more detail in the following section.

| Nadab, son and successor of Jeroboam


10| Section 1

Match the following items.

1.21 ________ Nadab

1.22 ________ Baasha

1.23 ________ Elah

1.24 ________ Zimri

1.25 ________ Omri

Answer the following questions.

1.26 Who was the seventh and most wicked king of Israel and how long did he reign?

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1.27 How was Baal worship introduced into the kingdom of Israel?

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a. son and successor of Baasha

b. builder of the city of Samaria

c. son and successor of Jeroboam

d. son and successor of Omri

e. destroyer of Baasha’s descendants and friends

f. destroyer of Jeroboam’s descendants


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FROM AHAB TO JEHUThe content of this section includes a study of Elijah (ē lī’ juh) and Elisha (ē lī’ shuh), prophets of God to the Northern Kingdom. It also includes a closer look at the wicked Ahab, king of Israel. Six other kings of Judah and Israel will be mentioned in this section. Jehoshaphat (juh hosh’ u fat), Jehoram (juh ho’ rum), and Ahaziah (a’ huh zī’ uh) were three more kings of Judah. Ahaziah, Joram (jor’ um), and Jehu (jē’ hyu) were three kings to follow Ahab as king of Israel.

Elijah. Christ and the Apostles often made reference to Elijah. Elijah is mentioned more in the New Testament than any other prophet. He ministered to Israel during the reign of Ahab.

God sent Elijah to king Ahab with a solemn announcement. Elijah told Ahab that the dew and rain would be withheld according to his word. Led by the Lord, Elijah then disappeared for about three and one-half years.

At first, God hid Elijah by the brook Cherith. There the Lord provided him bread and meat twice each day by ravens. Later, God sent Elijah to Zarephath and the home of a widow and her son. God, through Elijah, miraculously

made the widow’s little amount of meal and oil last throughout the remaining period of the drought. He made the food and oil last more than two years. When the widow’s son became ill and died, God answered Elijah’s prayer and restored the child to life.


1.28 What was God’s solemn announcement to Ahab by Elijah?

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1.29 How did God supply Elijah’s food while He hid him by the brook Cherith?

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| Elijah denouncing Ahab


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Read 1 Kings Chapters 17 and 18, 2 Kings Chapter 2

1.30 How did God minister to a widow and her son at Zarephath?

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In his third year at Zarephath, Elijah was instructed by the Lord to visit Ahab again. God promised Elijah to send rain again upon the earth. Elijah asked Ahab to gather all Israel so he could speak to them on Mount Carmel. Elijah wanted 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the groves, who ate at Jezebel’s table, to be there also. On Carmel, Elijah called upon the people of Israel to follow the true God. He also challenged the false prophets to test their god against the God of Israel. The one who would answer with fire would be the true God.

Elijah called for two bullocks (oxen; steers) for sacrifice, one for the prophets of Baal and one for himself. The prophets of Baal were given first opportunity. They were told to choose their bullock, to cut it in pieces, to lay it on wood, and not to set fire to it. From morning through noon and to evening, the prophets of Baal called on the name of Baal. They cried loudly and cut themselves painfully, but Baal did not answer. Baal could not hear. He could not answer. Baal was a false god. He did not exist. Baal was not the true God.

At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah called the people to him and repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. He placed wood upon the altar, cut the bullock into pieces, and placed the bullock on the wood. Elijah then ordered them to do an unusual thing, especially in a time of severe drought. Four barrels of water were poured on the sacrifice and the wood—once, twice, then a third time. Twelve barrels of water were poured on the sacrifice

and wood. Elijah probably ordered this action for two reasons: (1) to show that no fire was placed under that wood and (2) to demonstrate faith in God for the water they would need. Recall that God had told Elijah, when He sent him to Ahab the second time, that He would send rain again upon the earth. Elijah believed the Lord.

Observe carefully the words of Elijah’s prayer (1 Kings 18:36 and 37):

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.

Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust, and water. When the people of Israel saw the Lord answer by fire, they fell on their faces and said (1 Kings 18:39), “... The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.”

The prophets of Baal were slain, Ahab went to eat and drink but Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel to pray and to wait upon the Lord for the rain He had promised.

When the first cloud appeared in the sky only the size of a man’s hand, Elijah sent Ahab word to prepare his chariot and to leave lest the rain stop him (1 Kings 18:44; italics added for


Section 1 |13

emphasis). Elijah’s great faith reached out to a great God on the basis of His promise and the first small evidence of His answer—one small cloud the size of a man’s hand. Remember, rain had not fallen on that land for three and one-half years. The rain did come in great abundance, according to the word of the Lord by Elijah.

Elisha would become Elijah’s successor. He was found by Elijah busy with a lowly task—plowing with oxen in the field. Elisha responded to Elijah’s call by sacrificing his oxen. He then followed Elijah and ministered to him.


1.31 ______________ In his second year at Zarepheth, Elijah was instructed by the Lord to visit Ahab again.

1.32 ______________ God promised Elijah to send rain again upon the earth.

1.33 ______________ Elijah asked Ahab to gather the prophets of Israel and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.

1.34 ______________ The false prophets of Baal ate at Queen Jezebel’s table.

1.35 ______________ Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to put their god to the test of fire.

1.36 ______________ From morning to evening the prophets of Baal called upon their god, but were not answered.

1.37 ______________ After choosing his bullock, Elijah instructed the prophets of Baal to prepare their sacrifice.

1.38 ______________ Because their water supply was so low, Elijah asked them to pour a small amount on the sacrifice and wood.

1.39 ______________ Before preparing his bullock for sacrifice, Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.

1.40 ______________ When Elijah prayed, the fire of the Lord fell, consuming the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust, and water.

| Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord


14| Section 1


1.41 When the people saw the Lord answer by fire, they fell on their faces and said (1 Kings

18:39), “ … _____________________________________________________________________________________

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1.42 The prophets of Baal were ___________________________________________________________________ .

1.43 Ahab went to eat and drink, but Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel to

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Answer these questions in complete sentences.

1.44 What was the first evidence that God was about to fulfill His promise to send rain?

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1.45 What was Elijah’s immediate response of faith to the first sign that God was about to fulfill

his promise of rain? ___________________________________________________________________________

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1.46 Read 1 Kings 18:42–45. On another sheet of paper describe the actions of Elijah’s servant, and tell what you think his feelings were—how they may have changed—through his experience with Elijah on the top of Mount Carmel. Your teacher will help you evaluate your paper and will arrange for you to share your answer with a group of students.

TEACHER CHECKinitials date


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Ahab. To prove that He was Lord, the God of Israel gave Ahab two victories over the Syrians (1 Kings 20:13 and 20:28). Ahab failed to learn that important truth.

Naboth had a vineyard near Ahab’s palace. Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard. Because selling his land would violate the Law of Moses, Naboth refused to sell Ahab his vineyard. Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, wrote letters to the elders of Israel asking them to proclaim a fast. She also asked them to have two men testify that Naboth blasphemed God and the king and to have Naboth stoned to death. The elders did what Jezebel asked, and Naboth was killed. God was angered. God’s message came to Ahab by Elijah, (1 Kings 21:19) “… In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.”

Before Jehoshaphat became king of Judah, Israel and Judah had not known peace between themselves. Jehoshaphat was a good king who walked in the ways of the Lord. He established peace with Israel, and he visited King Ahab of Israel. Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat to join him in battle against the Syrians to recover Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat requested that they inquire of the Lord. When Ahab gathered his false prophets, Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet of the Lord. Ahab did not like Micaiah (mi kā’ yu),

a prophet of the Lord, because he prophesied evil, not good, concerning Ahab. When Micaiah was called, he said (1 Kings 22:14), “... What the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.” He then predicted the defeat and death of Ahab (22:17 and 29–37).

As Micaiah had predicted, Ahab was slain by the Syrians in battle at Ramoth-gilead. He was taken back to Samaria for burial. His chariot was washed at the pool of Samaria, and there the dogs licked his blood, according to the word of the Lord by Elijah.

MediterraneanSea

DeadSea

JordanRiver

Ramoth-gileadAhab’s defeat


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1.47 God gave Ahab two victories over the Syrians to _____________________________________________ . a. prove that He was Lord

b. keep Ahab king c. spare Israel from the Syrians

1.48 Naboth refused to sell Ahab his vineyard because selling his land would

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ . a. displease the elders of Israel

b. leave Naboth without an inheritance c. violate the Law of Moses

1.49 Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, wrote letters to the elders of Israel asking them to

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ . a. proclaim a fast b. have two men testify against Naboth

c. have Naboth stoned to death d. a, b, and c

1.50 Michaiah, prophet of the Lord predicted the _________________________________________________ . a. defeat and death of Jehoshaphat b. victory of Syria over Israel

c. defeat and death of Ahab d. a, b, and c



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Jehoshaphat, Ahaziah, and Joram. Jehosha-phat reigned in Judah for twenty-five years. During his reign in Judah, Ahab, Ahaziah, and Joram reigned in Israel. Jehoshaphat sent teach-ers and priests throughout Judah to teach the Law of Moses, and the Lord blessed Judah with peace and prosperity (2 Chronicles 17:10–13).

Ahaziah became king over Israel when his father Ahab died. Ahaziah reigned two years in Samaria. He was injured in a fall and sent men to Ekron to inquire of the false god Baal-zebub whether he would recover. On their way to Ekron, Ahaziah’s messengers met Elijah. God had sent Elijah with a message for Ahaziah. Ahaziah would not recover from his illness. He would surely die. The king sent fifty men and

their captain to get Elijah. Elijah called down fire from heaven that consumed the captain and his fifty men. Another fifty men and their captain were sent for Elijah, and they also were consumed by fire from heaven. When the third captain and his fifty men were sent to Elijah, they fell on their knees before him and pleaded for their lives. The Lord told Elijah to go with the men to Ahaziah and not to fear. Elijah carried the Lord ’s message to Ahaziah, and Ahaziah died according to the word of the Lord by Elijah.

Although the names Joram and Jehoram are both used for a king of Israel and a king of Judah, the names will be used for this LIFEPAC study in this way: Joram, king of Israel, and

| God in the burning bush


18| Section 1


1.51 Ahaziah became king over Israel when _________________________________, his father, died.

1.52 Ahaziah reigned _________________________________ years in Samaria.

1.53 Injured in a fall, Ahaziah sent men to Ekron to inquire of the false god _______________________ whether he would recover.

1.54 On their way to Ekron, Ahaziah’s messengers met ___________________________________________ .

1.55 Two captains and two groups of ____________________________________ men were consumed by

____________________________ from heaven at the word of Elijah.

1.56 In this LIFEPAC study, the name Joram will identify the king of a. ______________________________

and the name Jehoram, the king of b. _____________________________ .

1.57 Joram, king of Israel, was the brother of a. ___________________________________________ , whom

he succeeded, and the son of b. ______________________________________________ , king of Israel.

1.58 Joram put away the image of ______________________________________ that his father had made.

1.59 Joram was not as wicked as his father and mother, but he continued to walk in the

ways of __________________________________ .

1.60 Joram reigned _________________________________ years in Israel.

Jehoram, king of Judah. After the brief wicked reign of Ahaziah in Israel, he was succeeded by his brother Joram. He reigned twelve years in Israel and was evil in the sight of the Lord. He was not as wicked as his father and

mother, Ahab and Jezebel. He put away the image of Baal that his father had made, but he continued to walk in the way of Jeroboam. Joram continued to worship the golden calves in Bethel and Dan.


Section 1 |19

Elisha. As a chosen prophet of God, Elisha went with Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel, then to Jericho, and on to the Jordan River. Both Elijah and Elisha knew that the Lord would take Elijah that day. At the Jordan River, Elijah struck the water with his mantle. The water parted, and Elijah led the way across the divided Jordan on dry ground.

Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before being taken away. Elisha requested a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah told Elisha that his request was a difficult one and would be granted only if Elisha saw him when he was taken away. Then a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Picking up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, Elisha struck the Jordan waters and crossed the divided river on dry ground and

continued on to Jericho. Both to the people of Israel and to the enemies of God ’s people, Elisha demonstrated the power of God in his life as Elijah’s successor.

Naaman the Syrian was a man of honor and power, but he was ill with leprosy. Naaman heard about a prophet in Israel who had power from God to heal. Naaman went to this prophet Elisha. He expected Elisha to come out to him and to heal him. Elisha sent word to Naaman to go wash in the river Jordan seven times and he would be cleansed of his leprosy. At first, Naaman was angry and refused to follow Elisha’s directions. Naaman’s servants encouraged him to do what the prophet had said. Finally, Naaman did what the prophet suggested, and his leprosy was cleansed. Returning to Elisha, Naaman confessed faith in the God of Israel.

| Elijah ascends to heaven on a chariot of fire


20| Section 1


1.61 What was Elisha’s request of Elijah just before Elijah was taken by the Lord to Heaven?

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1.62 What was the condition under which Elisha’s request of Elijah would be granted?

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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1.63 How was Elijah taken up into heaven?

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1.64 What instructions did Elisha send to Naaman the Syrian?

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1.65 Was Naaman cleansed of more than leprosy (explain your answer)?

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Section 1 |21


22| Section 1

Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Jehu. Jehoram was the oldest son of Jehoshaphat. He became king in Judah after his father. Jehoram married Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Under the influence of Athaliah, Jehoram did evil in the sight of the Lord. He continued to worship false gods as Ahab and other kings of Israel had done rather than following the good examples of Asa and Jehoshaphat, his father, in Judah.

Upon the death of Jehoram, Ahaziah, the youngest son of Jehoram and Athaliah, was made king of Judah. Under the wicked influence

of his mother, Ahaziah continued the same kind of evil rule in Judah that his father Jehoram began.

Ahaziah was probably named after his uncle, the former king of Israel. Joram, his other uncle, still reigned in Samaria. Ahaziah, king of Judah and son of Athaliah, went to Jezreel to visit his uncle Joram, king of Israel. At Jezreel, both Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, were slain by Jehu. Jehu them became king of Israel after he had slain Joram.

Match the following items.

1.66 ________ Jehoram

1.67 ________ Athaliah

1.68 ________ Ahaziah

1.69 ________ Jehoshaphat

1.70 ________ Jehu

a. wife of Ahaziah, king of Judah

b. father of Jehoram

c. successor of Joram in Israel

d. son and successor of Jehoshaphat in Judah

e. son and successor of Jehoram in Judah

f. mother of Ahaziah, king of Judah


Section 1 |23

FROM JEHU TO THE ASSYRIAN CAPTIVITYThe rise of Jehu as king in Israel brought an end to the dynasty of Ahab and to the worship of Baal in Israel. During the first six years of Jehu’s reign in Israel, Athaliah, Ahaziah’s mother, reigned in Judah. God preserved the line of descendants from David in Judah. Joash, son of Ahaziah, was spared from the murder of Athaliah, his grandmother. Although both the names Joash and Jehoash are used to refer to this son of Ahaziah, only the name Joash will be used in this LIFEPAC study.

Jehu, Athaliah, and Joash. Jehu, king of Israel, destroyed both the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal in Israel. He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam (idolatry established in Bethel and Dan), and he did not follow the Law of the Lord given to Israel through Moses. However, because of his destruction of Baal worship in Israel, the Lord promised that four generations of his children would sit on the throne in Israel.

When Athaliah, the queen mother in Judah, knew that her son Ahaziah was dead, she

took into her own hands the royal authority. To establish her authority in Judah, Athaliah attempted to destroy all the sons of Ahaziah—her own grandsons. Ahaziah’s sister took Joash, the infant son of Ahaziah, and hid him with his nurse in the house of the Lord for six years. Following the example of her mother Jezebel in Israel, Athaliah had introduced Baal worship in Judah. She reigned in Judah after the death of her son for six years.

When Joash was seven years of age, Jehoiada (juh hoi’ uh duh), the high priest in Jerusalem, revealed secretly the king’s son to the rulers and captains in Judah. They made Joash king. Athaliah was slain. The altars of Baal were broken down. The priests of Baal were also slain. The influence of Ahab and Jezebel was finally ended in Judah, and the royal line of David was reestablished on the throne in Judah with the crowning of Joash. You should remember that although the kingdom of Israel had frequent dynasty changes, the kingdom of Judah maintained the house of David through a rather stable succession of kings.

Write the following events in proper order.

Joash, infant son of Ahaziah, was hid in the Temple for six years. Jehu destroyed in Israel both the house of Ahab and the worship of Baal. Athaliah attempted to slay all the sons of Ahaziah—her grandsons. Athaliah was slain. Joash was made king of Judah.

1.71 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

1.72 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

1.73 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

1.74 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

1.75 _______________________________________________________________________________________________


24| Section 1

Read 2 Kings Chapters 10–12 and Chapter 17

Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Amaziah, and Jeroboam II. Because Jehu had destroyed Baal worship in Israel, God promised Jehu that his dynasty in Israel would last for four generations. Jehoahaz (je hoa’ uh haz), Jehu’s son, was the first king of four in the “house” of Jehu. Jehoahaz reigned seventeen years in Israel. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, continuing the idolatry established by Jeroboam.

Jehoash was the son of Jehoahaz and the grandson of Jehu. As the successor of Jehoahaz, Jehoash became the second king of four in the dynasty of Jehu. He continued to walk in the wicked ways of Jeroboam, doing evil in the sight of the Lord. Jehoash was succeeded on the throne in Israel by his son Jeroboam II, third king of four in the “house” of Jehu.

Amaziah (am uh zī’ uh), son and successor of Joash in Judah, began to rule well as king of Judah. He was twenty-five years old. He did not fully follow the way of David. He did not rule with a perfect heart as David had ruled.

Amaziah reigned thirty-nine years in Judah. The Lord God gave Amaziah a victory over the Edomite army. Amaziah brought with him to Judah the false gods of Edom. He set them up to be his gods, bowed down before them, and burned incense unto them. How foolish Amaziah must have been! If the gods of the Edomites were unable to deliver them from Amaziah, why would Amaziah stoop to worship them rather than the true God of Judah who had, in fact, given him victory over the Edomites. Amaziah was later slain in Lachish, and the people of Judah made his sixteen-year-old son Azariah (called also Uzziah) king of Judah.

Jeroboam II, son and successor of Jehoash and great grandson of Jehu, reigned longer than any other king in Israel. He reigned forty-one years in Samaria. Jeroboam II followed the idolatrous footsteps of the one for whom he was named. God’s Word contains a summary of his entire forty-one years in only seven verses (see 2 Kings 14:23–29).


1.76 ______________ God promised Jehu that his dynasty in Israel would last four generations.

1.77 ______________ Although he began to rule well as king in Judah, Amaziah, son of Joash, did not fully follow the way of David.

1.78 ______________ Amaziah destroyed the Edomites and their false gods.

1.79 ______________ Amaziah was succeeded as king in Judah by his sixteen-year-old son, Azariah (called also Uzziah).

1.80 ______________ Jeroboam II reigned forty-one years in Samaria, longer than any other king in Israel.


Section 1 |25

Azariah, Jotham, Zechariah, Ahaz, and Hoshea. You may have noticed that the book of 2 Kings includes histories of both Israel and Judah, but 2 Chronicles records only the history of Judah. Second Chronicles includes some details concerning the kings of Judah that are not included in 2 Kings.

Azariah, the sixteen-year-old son of Amaziah, reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. As long as he followed the Lord, Azariah was caused to prosper. He was victorious over the Philistines and the Arabians. The Ammorites gave gifts to him. His fame spread as far as the border of Egypt. Azariah had wells dug for his many cattle, and he farmed extensively.

In prosperity, Azariah’s heart became proud. He entered the Temple and took over the ministry of the priest. He burned incense upon the altar. For this action, the priest opposed him. The Lord was angry and smote him with leprosy. Azariah remained a leper, living in a separate house and cut off from worshiping in the house of the Lord until the day he died. Jotham, Azariah’s son became king of Judah. Jotham reigned in Judah sixteen years. He became very powerful because he walked in the ways of the Lord. The Lord blessed Him.

During the reign of Azariah in Judah, Zechariah (zek’ uh rī’ uh), the son of Jeroboam II, became king in Israel. Zechariah was the fourth and final king in the dynasty of Jehu. He was as wicked as Jeroboam had been. He reigned in Israel only six months. Shallum (shal’ um) slew Zechariah and took his throne. Shallum reigned one month in Samaria and was slain by Menahem, who was a wicked ruler in Israel for ten years. Menahem died, and Pekahiah (pek’ uh hī’ uh) reigned in his place for two years. Pekahiah was killed by Pekah (pē’ kuh)

who reigned in Israel for twenty years. Pekah followed the idolatrous example of Jeroboam.

In the seventeenth year of Pekah, king of Samaria, Ahaz, the son of Jotham, began to reign in Jerusalem. Ahaz ruled Judah as king for sixteen years. Ahaz did not walk in the way of David, his ancestor. He followed the wicked ways of the kings of Israel—worshiping false gods.

In the twelfth year of Ahaz, king of Judah, Hoshea began to reign in Israel. He reigned in Samaria for nine years, continuing evil in the sight of the Lord. Hoshea stopped making his yearly payments to Assyria. He attempted to make an alliance with the king of Egypt. Learning of Hoshea’s rebelliousness, the king of Assyria made him a prisoner. He took the people of Israel captive. Carrying them away, he relocated them in various parts of Assyria. The Assyrian king brought other captive people to Samaria to replace the Israelites. Those foreigners became the ancestors of the Samaritans who lived there in Jesus’ day and who are mentioned in the four Gospels.

For two hundred years the kings and the people of Israel disobeyed the commandment of the Lord by worshiping false gods. Finally, God’s patience came to an end. God’s Word must be fulfilled. He permitted His people of the Northern Kingdom to be captured and removed from the land He had given them. In 2 Kings, 18:12, the reason for the Assyrian Captivity of Israel is stated:

… Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his cove-nant, and all that Moses the Servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them. ...


26| Section 1


1.81 Azariah, son of Amaziah and king of Judah, began to reign at age sixteen and reigned in

Jerusalem for ___________________________________ years. a. twenty-two b. thirty-one c. fifty-two d. sixty-one1.82 During the reign of Azariah in Judah, the fourth and final king in the dynasty of Jehu began to

reign in Israel; his name was ____________________________ . a. Jehoahaz b. Zechariah c. Jeroboam II d. Jehoash

1.83 The king of Israel who was made a prisoner by the king of Assyria was ______________________ . a. Hoshea b. Shallum c. Pekah d. Pekahiah1.84 The kings and kingdoms of Israel disobeyed the commandments of the Lord and worshiped

false gods for ___________________________ years. a. 100 b. 200 c. 300 d. 400

Write a paragraph to complete each of the following activities.

1.85 In prosperity, Azariah’s heart became proud. _________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________

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1.86 Learning about the king of Israel’s treason, the king of Assyria took captive the people of

Israel and carried them away, relocating them in various places in Assyria. ___________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Section 1 |27

1.87 In 2 Kings 18:12, the reason for the Assyrian Captivity of Israel is stated (write the verse).

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

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________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Complete the following reading activity.

1.88 Review the following prefixes and their meanings. Study the word list. Using the prefix meanings to help you, decide which word from the word list correctly completes each sentence. Write the correct word in the blank space.

Prefixes Meanings WordListanti- against unable co- with cooperate dis- not export ex- out semicircle non- not nonsense re- again tricycle semi- half antifreeze tri- three disconnect un- not reclaim

Example:After Jay broke his arm, he was unable to finish the job.

a. When a car is driven in a cold climate, _____________________________________________________

should be put in the radiator water.

b. Amy went to the police station to __________________________________________________________

her stolen bicycle.

c. Many home chores are finished more quickly if two people _______________________________.

d. Some products are made especially to _____________________________________________________

to other countries.

e. The driveway had two entrances from the street making a ________________________________

in front of the house.



28| Section 1

Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. The Self Test will check your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate spe-cific areas where restudy is needed for mastery.

f. Stay with the facts and stop talking _______________________________________________________ .

g. When someone cannot balance a bicycle, he is wise to use a ______________________________.

h. Before you leave the house, _______________________________________________________________

the electric iron.

Write the following words. In the first column (a.) write words that start with the prefixes listed. You can use any words that you can think of or use the dictionary if you need to. In the second column (b.) give the meaning of the word you wrote.

Prefix WordwithPrefix MeaningofWord

1.89 a- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________

1.90 auto- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________

1.91 bi- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________

1.92 en- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________

1.93 inter- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________

1.94 pre- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________

1.95 super- a. ___________________ b. _________________________________________________


Section 1 |29

Match the following items (each answer, 2 points).

1.01 ________ the books of Kings

1.02 ________ Rehoboam

1.03 ________ Elisha

1.04 ________ Ahab

1.05 ________ Judah and Benjamin

1.06 ________ the books of Chronicles

1.07 ________ Jeroboam

1.08 ________ Jehu

1.09 ________ Hoshea

1.010 ________ Zechariah

Complete the following items (each answer, 4 points).

1.011 Under King Solomon, Jerusalem was corrupted by high places for the ______________________ of false gods.

1.012 The Lord was angry with Solomon and warned him that his kingdom would be

______________________________________________________________________________ under his son.

1.013 Rehoboam reigned in Jerusalem over the tribes of Judah and _____________________________ .

1.014 Rehoboam (did, did not) _________________________________________ keep the Law of the Lord.

1.015 Jeroboam made two golden calves and declared them to be Israel’s

______________________________ .

1.016 Jeroboam was told by the prophet Abijah that God would establish a “house” in Israel like

the “house” of David, if he would (a) keep God’s commandments and (b) __________________ .

1.017 Ahab was the seventh and most _____________________________________________ king of Israel.

a. destroyed Baal worship in Israel

b. became the Southern Kingdom

c. was the fourth and final king in Ahab the dynasty of Jehu

d. Solomon’s son and successor

e. present only the history of the Jeroboam Northern Kingdom

f. present the histories of both kingdoms

g. became prisoner of king of Assyria

h. was Elijah’s successor as prophet in Israel

i. was first king of the Northern Kingdom

j. introduced Baal worship into Israel

k. present only the history of the kingdom of Judah


30| Section 1

SELF TEST 1

1.018 Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to put their god to the test of ______________________ .

1.019 When Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel to pray, the first evidence that God was

about to fulfill His promise to send rain was the appearance in the sky of a

a. ______________________________________ the size of b. ______________________________________ .

Write the letter and the correct answer on each blank (each answer, 3 points).

1.020 Elijah’s successor as prophet in Israel was _________________________________ . a. Ahijah b. Elisha c. Micaiah

1.021 Jehu, king of Israel destroyed both the house of Ahab and the worship of __________________ in Israel.

a. Baal b. calves c. trees

1.022 The first king of the Northern Kingdom was ____________________________ . a. Rehoboam b. Jeroboam c. Jehoram

1.023 The last king of the Northern Kingdom was _____________________________ . a. Zechariah b. Azariah c. Hoshea

1.024 Although the kingdom of Israel had frequent dynasty changes, the kingdom of Judah

maintained the house of __________________________________ . a. Jeroboam b. Joash c. David

1.025 God promised Jehu that his dynasty in Israel would last ______________________ generations. a. three b. four c. five

1.026 The histories of both the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom are presented in

the books of _________________________________ . a. Samuel b. Kings c. Chronicles

1.027 The Northern Kingdom became the kingdom of _________________________ . a. Israel b. Judah c. David

1.028 When he met Jeroboam, Ahijah caught up his own new garment and tore it into

_____________________ pieces. a. twelve b. ten c. two

1.029 Rehoboam, son of Solomon, succeeded Solomon as king of the ____________________________ kingdom.

a. Northern b. United c. Southern


Section 1 |31

Answer the following questions in complete sentences (each question, 5 points).

1.030 What were two major mistakes of Rehoboam that caused his kingdom to be divided?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

1.031 What was the “sin of Jeroboam”? ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

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32| Section 1

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