old testament Lesson 16 LIBERTY HOME BIBLE INSTITUTE ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM Old Testament Unit 2 United Kingdom Stage

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1 old testament LIBERTY HOME ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAM Unit 2 United Kingdom Stage The Kings and the Chronicles 177

2 First Kings, Second Kings, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles I Kings GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS! THE BUILDING OF ISRAEL S FIRST TEMPLE IS THE GOOD NEWS. THE BREAKUP OF ISRAEL S TWELVE TRIBES IS THE BAD NEWS! Concerning the good news: The overseer of this first temple was the world s wisest man (chapter 3) and one of the richest men who ever lived (chapters 4, 10). Solomon s reign was the highwater mark of Israel s kingdom in the. He controlled more than 60,000 square miles, some ten times the size of David s dominion. The three books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon were written during this time. This temple, begun in 968 B.C., lasted nearly four centuries. It was destroyed by Babylonian monarch Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. Concerning the bad news: Solomon s love for wealth, women, pomp, and power had seriously weakened the fragile unity among the twelve tribes. Upon Solomon s death, the northern ten split from the southern two in a tragic civil war. Two biblical chapters should be compared at this point. In 1 Kings 12 we find described the disuniting of Israel s twelve tribes. In Revelation 7 we find described the future uniting of Israel s twelve tribes. In Scripture there are four key periods in which many miracles were performed. The book of 1 Kings marks the beginning of the second period. n First period: accomplished in the days of Moses and Joshua. n Second period: accomplished in the days of Elijah and Elisha. n Third period: accomplished in the days of Daniel and Ezekiel. n Fourth period: accomplished in the days of Christ and his apostles. A. This book records the first of eight bodily resurrections from the dead. Christ s glorious resurrection is not counted in this number, for it was in a class entirely by itself. These eight are: 1. Resurrection of a dead boy by Elijah (widow of Zarephath s son; 1 Kings 17:22). 2. Resurrection of a dead boy by Elisha (Shunammite woman s son; 2 Kings 4:34). 3. Resurrection of a dead man by Elisha (2 Kings 13:21). 4. Resurrection of a dead girl by Christ (Jairus daughter; Luke 8:54) 5. Resurrection of a dead boy by Christ (widow of Nain s son; Luke 7:14) 6. Resurrection of a dead man by Christ (Lazarus; John 11:43) 7. Resurrection of a woman by Peter (Dorcas; Acts 9:39-40) 8. Resurrection of a boy by Paul (Eutychus; Acts 20:9-11) 178

3 B. The book of 1 Kings also describes the first of three bloody and brutal women in the Bible. These are: 1. Jezebel (1 Kings 21) 2. Athaliah (2 Kings 11) 3. Herodias (Matt. 14) Finally, Elijah s contest on Mount Carmel marks the second of Scripture s two greatest demonstrations showing the power of the true God as opposed to that of the false gods (1 Kings 18). The ten plagues in Moses day were history s first such demonstration (see Exod. 7-12). The book of 1 Kings is quoted from or alluded to 53 times by nine New Testament books. It is the 12th-longest book, and 13th-longest biblical book, with 22 chapters, 816 verses, and 24,524 words. The book covers a time span of 118 years, from 971 to 853 B.C. II Kings THE ASSYRIANS ARE COMING! THE BABYLONIANS ARE COMING! The book of Second Kings records both these events, the first resulting in the capture of the Northern Kingdom (chapter 17), and the second in Judah s destruction (chapter 25). In essence, this book includes the following: A. The discovery in the days of Josiah of the Word of God (chapter 22). B. The destruction in the days of Zedekiah of the Temple of God (chapter 25). C. The only man ever to be healed of leprosy (Naaman; chapter 5). D. The salvation of Samaria by four lepers, and of Jerusalem by the death angel (chapter 6,19). E. The beginning of the Samaritan race (chapter 17). F. The second and third of three occasions when God rolled back the waters of the Jordan River (chapter 2). For the first occasion, see Joshua 3. G. The sight of an ax head floating on water (chapter 6). H. The last of two men who left this earth without dying (chapter 2). For the first, see Genesis 5. I. The only time in the where men are allowed to see God s mounted army of angels (chapter 6). J. The first mention of the word Jew in the Bible (16:6). K. The second of two biblical fables (14:9). For the first, see Judges 9:7-15. L. The deaths of two of the s most wicked women (Jezebel, 9:33; Athaliah, 14:14). M. The second miracle dealing with the sun (20:8-11). For the first see Joshua 10: N. The final two of three bodily resurrections from the dead (4:34; 13:21). The book of Second Kings is the 13th-longest book and the 16th-longest biblical book, with 25 chapters, 719 verses and 23,532 words. It is quoted from or alluded to 26 times by six New Testament books. The events cover a period of 293 years (853 to 560 B.C.) I CHRONICLES AN ISRAELITE WHO S WHO AND A PRIESTLY OVERVIEW General Introduction: Although there is much related material in the New Testament Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each is different and unique, written to accomplish a specific task. So it is with the books of Second Samuel, the Kings, and the Chronicles. In spite of the many similarities in these parallel accounts, each is written for a specific purpose. Thus: 179

4 In Second Samuel and First and Second Kings we get a detailed religious history of Judah only. The books of Second Samuel and First and Second Kings emphasize the rulers and prophets, while First and Second Chronicles zero in on the priests and temple. In essence, then, Second Samuel and First and Second Kings viewed the events of the day from an earthly perspective, while First and Second Chronicles saw them through the eyes of heaven. However, both viewpoints are equally inspired, in that Second Samuel parallels First Chronicles; and First and Second Samuel parallel Second Chronicles. A. Material found only in 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings: 1. David s terrible sins of adultery and murder (2 Sam. 11) 2. The revolt of Absalom (2 Sam ) 3. The struggles of Solomon to obtain his throne (1 Kings 1-2) 4. The failures of Solomon (1 Kings 11) 5. The ministries of both Elijah and Elisha B. Material found only in 1 Chronicles 1. The genealogy of the tribes (1 Chron. 1-9) 2. The names of the early dwellers in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 9:2-24) 3. The names of the tribal leaders who anointed David (1 Chron. 12). Note especially 12:32, And of the children of Issachar...were men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. 4. The elaborate preparations involved in bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (1 Chron ) 5. The fact that Satan tempted David to number the people of Israel (1 Chron. 21:1) 6. The extensive preparations for the Temple construction (1 Chron ) 7. The dividing of the Levites into 24 groups (1 Chron. 23:6-23) 8. The dividing of the priests into 24 groups (1 Chron. 24:1-19) 9. The dividing of the singers into 24 groups (1 Chron. 25:1-3) 10. The appointing of Temple doorkeepers, treasury officials, and judges (chapter 27) 11. The appointing of 12 army captains and special counselors (chapter 27) 12. David s speech at a fund-raising assembly for the construction of the Temple (chapter 28) 13. David s great prayer of thanksgiving for both his son Solomon and the future Temple (chapter 29) These final eight chapters (22-29) contain some of the most wonderful words of praise, prayer, and exhortation in all the Bible! Note especially: n David s prayer for Solomon (22:11-13; 28:9-10, 20; 29:19) n His encouragement to the Israelite leaders (22:18-19) n His praise to God (29:10-18) The book of 1 Chronicles is the 15th longest in the, and is the 18th longest biblical book, with 29 chapters, 942 verses, and 20,369 words. It is quoted from or alluded to 23 times by five New Testament books. II CHRONICLES WHAT HEAVEN REALLY THOUGHT OF JUDAH S KINGS The book of Second Chronicles is the official version of heaven s evaluation, both of Solomon, and of the 20 rulers in Judah following the tragic civil war. The book opens in Jerusalem with the determination of King Solomon to build the first temple. The book closes in Persia with the decree of King Cyrus to build the second temple. Also included are 24 events not found in 1 and 2 Kings, which two books describe the same time period. These events are: 180

5 A. The musical celebration at the temple dedication (2 Chron. 5:12-13) B. The miracle at the end of Solomon s prayer (7:1-3) C. The appointing of special signers by Solomon (8:14-16) D. The return of the godly Levites to Judah after the civil war (11:16-17) E. The temporary humbling of Rehoboam (12:2-8,12) F. The victory of Abijah over Jeroboam (13:2-20) G. Asa s victory (14:9-15; 15:1-7) H. The renewal of a covenant under Asa (15:9-15) I. The early accomplishments of King Jehoshaphat (17:1-18) J. Jehoshaphat s prayer of victory (20:1-30) K. The posthumous message from Elijah (21:12-15) L. The stoning of Zechariah (24:20-22) M. Uzziah s success in war (26:6-14) N. Uzziah s sin and punishment (26:16-21) O. Hezekiah s cleansing of the temple (29:3-26) P. Hezekiah s preparation for the Passover (30:1-27) Q. Hezekiah s further reforms (31:2-21) R. The conversion of Manasseh (33:11-20) S. Josiah s early reforms (34:3-7) T. Josiah s keeping of the Passover (35:1-19) U. Details of Josiah s death (35:20-25) V. The causes of the Babylonian Captivity (36:13-16) W. The duration of the Babylonian Captivity (36:20-21) X. The return proclamation (36:22-23) The book of 2 Chronicles is the ninth longest biblical book, with 36 chapters, 822 verses, and 26,074 words. It is quoted from or alluded to 45 times by 14 New Testament books. 181

6 ~OVERVIEW OF THE BOOKS~ FIRST KINGS, SECOND KINGS, FIRST CHRONICLES, SECOND CHRONICLES Introduction: These four books are considered as a unit and summarized by the following outline: Part One: Israel s Tranquil Years. A Study in the Spiritual Welfare of God s People Part Two: Israel s Turbulent Years. A Study in the Sinful Warfare of God s People The Splintered Kingdom (I Kings 12-22) The Single Kingdom (2 Kings 18-25; 2 Chron ) Part One: Israel s Tranquil Years. A study in the spiritual welfare of God s people I. The Tender Years of Solomon A. Chosen by God B. Challenged by David 1. The language involved 2. The legacy involved II. The Triumph of Solomon A. His two anointings 1. The first anointing 2. The second anointing B. His four adversaries 1. Adonijah 2. Abiathar 3. Joab 4. Shimei III. The Talent of Solomon A. Requesting this talent from God B. Receiving this talent from God C. Revealing this talent from God IV. The Total and Tranquil Reign of Solomon A. The source of this reign B. The extent of this reign C. The nature of this reign D. The appointed officials during this reign V. The Temple of Solomon A. The preparation 1. The co-contractors for the temple 2. The location of the temple 3. The time involved in building the temple 4. The workers assigned to the temple B. The dedication C. The explanation 1. The persons involved 2. The purpose involved D. The supplication 1. The review 2. The request E. The realization 182

7 F. The consecration G. The demonstration H. The celebration VI. The Treasure of Solomon A. The nature of his wealth B. The source of his wealth C. The employment of his wealth 1. His palace usage 2. His public usage VII. The Testimony of Solomon A. Publicly attested to: He excelled in the following ways: 1. Jurisprudence 2. Administration 3. Architecture and engineering 4. Construction 5. Commercial enterprises 6. Forestry 7. Zoology 8. Music and poetry 9. Literature 10. Drama and play writing 11. Philosophy 12. Counseling and psychology B. Privately attested to: Solomon was visited by the Queen of Sheba 1. The reason for her visit 2. The revelation during her visit 3. The results of her visit VII. The Transgressions of Solomon A. The caution against his sins 1. The promise 2. The warning B. The cause of his sins 1. The polygamy involved 2. The paganism involved C. The consequences following his sins 1. God predicted a coming civil war 2. God permitted a current civil unrest Part Two: Israel s Turbulent Years. A study in the sinful warfare of God s people Israel s turbulent years fall into two specific categories: The Splintered Kingdom ( B.C.) and the Single Kingdom ( B.C.) Israel s turbulent years fall into two specific categories: I. The Splintered Kingdom: B.C. II. The Single Kingdom: B.C. The Splintered Kingdom An Analysis NORTHERN RULERS Jeroboam (First ruler) I. Jeroboam, the Supervisor II. Jeroboam, the Sovereign A. His reign foretold 1. The sin involved 2. The sign involved B. His reign fulfilled 1. The refuge 2. The revolt III. Jeroboam, the Sinner A. His apostasy B. His altar 1. The prophecy against Jeroboam 2. The punishment of Jeroboam 3. The plea by Jeroboam IV. Jeroboam, the Soldier V. Jeroboam, the Seeker VI. Jeroboam, the Slain Nadab (Second ruler) I. The Apostate King II. The Assassinated King Baasha (Third ruler) I. The Perversions of Baasha II. The Prophecies Against Baasha Elah (Fourth ruler) I. Elah, the Apostate King II. Elah, the Assassinated King 183

8 Zimri (Fifth ruler) I. He Killed His King II. He Killed Himself Omri (Sixth ruler) I. His Command II. His Capital III. His Corruption Ahab (Seventh ruler) I. Ahab: His Accomplishments II. Ahab: His Apostasy III. Ahab, His Associates A. Ahab and Elijah 1. Their meeting at the palace 2. Their meeting on a mountain 3. Their meeting in a vineyard B. Ahab and Ben-hadad 1. The vexation 2. The victories 3. The violation C. Ahab and Naboth 1. The request to Naboth 2. The reply by Naboth 3. The reprisal against Naboth D. Ahab and Jehoshaphat 1. Ahab s recommendation 2. Ahab s reassurance 3. Ahab s reluctance 4. Ahab s rage E. Ahab and a Syrian soldier Ahaziah (Eighth ruler) I. His Apostasy II. His Accident III. His Anger A. The object of his anger B. The outburst of his anger C. The outcome of his anger Jehoram (Ninth ruler) I. Jehoram and Elisha A. Providing 1. Elisha provided water for the thirsty king and his people 2. Elisha provided food for the starving king and his people B. Protecting 1. The revelation by Elisha 2. The refusal by Elisha II. Jehoram and Naaman A. The visit by the captain B. The vexation of the king C. The verification from the prophet III. Jehoram and Jehu Jehu (Tenth ruler) I. Jehu, His Anointing A. The person involved B. The prophecy involved II. Jehu, His Assassinations A. Jehoram, the King of Northern Israel, by an arrow B. Ahaziah, the King of Judah, by an arrow C. Jezebel, wife of Ahab, by ordering her to be thrown from an upper window D. The 70 sons of Ahab, by ordering the citizens in their hometown of Samaria to behead them Jehoahaz (Eleventh ruler) I. The character of the king of Israel II. The Compassion of the King of Kings Jehoash (Twelfth ruler) I. Jehoash and Ben-hadad II. Jehoash and Amaziah A. His warning to Amaziah B. His warfare against Amaziah Jeroboam II (Thirteenth ruler) I. Jeroboam and the true prophets of his day 184

9 II. Jeroboam and a False Prophet of His Day Zechariah (Fourteenth ruler) I. The Apostate King II. The Assassinated King Shallum (Fifteenth ruler) I. Shallum, the Murderer II. Shallum, the Murdered Menahem (Sixteenth ruler) I. His Butchery II. His Bribe Pekahiah (Seventeenth ruler) I. The Apostate King II. The Assassinated King Pekah (Eighteenth ruler) I. Pekah and Pekahiah II. Pekah and Tiglath-Pileser III. Pekah and Ahaz IV. Pekah and Hoshea Hoshea (Nineteenth ruler) I. Hoshea and Pekah II. Hoshea and Shalmaneser A. The rebellion against Shalmaneser B. The retaliation by Shalmaneser SOUTHERN RULERS Rehoboam (First ruler) I. The Anointing of Rehoboam II. The Arrogance of Rehoboam A. Receiving a sensible request B. Returning a senseless reply III. The Army of Rehoboam IV. The Apostasy of Rehoboam A. The perversions involved B. The punishment involved Abijam (Second ruler) I. Abijam His Background II. Abijam His Battle A. His speech before the battle B. His salvation during the battle Asa (Third ruler) I. The First Years: Asa the Godly A. The military leader B. The spiritual leader 1. His concern for the Lord 2. His cry to the Lord II. The Final Years: Asa the Godless A. He disobeyed the precepts of God B. He disregarded the prophet of God C. He denied the power of God Jehoshaphat (Fourth ruler) I. The Glorious Aspect of His Reign A. Jehoshaphat and the Word of God 1. The king proclaimed it 2. The king proved it B. Jehoshaphat and his works for God 1. What the king did for God 2. What God did for the king II. The Grievous Aspects of His Reign A. His compromise with Ahab B. His compromise with Ahaziah C. His compromise with Jehoram Joram (Fifth ruler) I. Joram s Debauchery A. The king s wicked wife B. The king s wicked ways 185

10 II. Joram s Defeat III. Joram s Destruction A. The message from God B. The misery from God 1. Joram suffered from an invasion 2. Joram suffered from an infirmity Ahaziah (Sixth ruler) I. Ahaziah and Athaliah II. Ahaziah and Jehu Athaliah (Seventh ruler) I. The Reign of This Godless Queen A. She was a blasphemous queen B. She was a bloody queen II. The Removal of This Godless Queen Joash (Eighth ruler) I. Joash The Better Years A. His safekeeping by God B. His service for God II. Joash The Bitter Years A. His sins against God B. His sufferings from God Amaziah (Ninth ruler) I. His Works II. His Warfare A. Against Edom B. Against Northern Israel III. His Wickedness Uzziah (Tenth ruler) I. The Proficiency of Uzziah A. The builder B. The military leader C. The rancher D. The farmer II. The Pride of Uzziah A. Uzziah, the lawless B. Uzziah, the leper C. Uzziah, the lonely Jotham (Eleventh ruler) I. The King Constructing II. The King Conquering Ahaz (Twelfth ruler) I. Ahaz, the Man II. Ahaz and Isaiah A. The grievous rejection B. The glorious revelation III. Ahaz and His Enemies A. The Syrian army B. The Northern Israelite army IV. Ahaz and Tiglath-pileser V. Ahaz and God The Single Kingdom An Analysis As has been previously noted, the Assyrians captured the Northern ten-tribe kingdom in 722 B.C., imprisoning Hoshea, the final king. Thus, for the next 135 years the Southern twotribe kingdom would stand alone. Finally, in 586 B.C. it too would fall to the Babylonians. Following is a summary of the Southern kingdom s final eight rulers. Hezekiah (Thirteenth ruler) I. The Heart of Hezekiah II. The Hands of Hezekiah A. He repaired the palace (temple) of God B. He revived the people of God 1. The cleansing 2. The challenging C. He reinstituted the Passover of God 1. The request 2. The response 3. The results D. He released the power of God E. He reorganized the priests of God 186

11 1. The speech 2. The singing 3. The sacrifices III. The Healing of Hezekiah A. His sickness B. His supplication C. His sign IV. The Hymns of Hezekiah A. His despair upon hearing that he would die B. His dedication upon learning that he would not die V. The Hastiness of Hezekiah VI. The Helplessness of Hezekiah A. The problem B. The prayer VII. The Help of Hezekiah A. The answer from the Lord B. The Angel of the Lord Manasseh (Fourteenth ruler) I. Manasseh, the Unique King II. Manasseh, the Ungodly King III. Manasseh, the Upright King A. The record of his conversion 1. The prison 2. The prayer B. The results of his conversion 1. Military accomplishments 2. Moral accomplishments Amon (Fifteenth ruler) I. The Apostasy of Amon II. The Assassination of Amon Josiah (Sixteenth ruler) I. Doing the Work of God A. The prophecy involved B. The purge involved C. The Passover involved II. Discovering the Word of God III. Disregarding the Warning of God A. The foolish war B. The fatal wound Jehoahaz (Seventeenth ruler) I. Jehoahaz, the Evil King II. Jehoahaz, the Enslaved King Jehoiakim (Eighteenth ruler) I. The Charge of Jehoiakim II. The Conspiracy of Jehoiakim III. The Cruelty of Jehoiakim IV. The Contempt of Jehoiakim A. His contempt for God s sheep B. His contempt for God s scriptures V. The Condemnation of Jehoiakim Jehoiachin (Nineteenth ruler) I. Jehoiachin and God II. Jehoiachin and Nebuchadnezzar III. Jehoiachin and Evil-Merodach IV. Jehoiachin and Ezekiel Zedekiah (Twentieth ruler) I. Zedekiah and the King of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) A. His appointment by the king B. His activities against the king 1. The revolt 2. The retaliation II. Zedekiah and the Prophet of Judah (Jeremiah) A. The rebuke by Jeremiah B. The response by Zedekiah 187

12 The Two Prophets As mentioned before, both Elijah and Elisha ministered during the two kingdom stages. Elijah (First Major Oral Prophet) I. Elijah and Ahab A. The prophet confronted the wicked king B. The prophet challenged the wicked king C. The prophet condemned the wicked king 1. The place involved 2. The punishment involved II. Elijah and the Ravens III. Elijah and a Widow A. Supernaturally feeding her family B. Supernaturally raising her son 1. The consternation 2. The confidence 3. The conclusion IV. Elijah and Obadiah A. The command of Elijah B. The concern of Obadiah V. Elijah and the People of Israel VI. Elijah and the Priests of Baal A. The proposal B. The problem C. The preparation D. The prayer E. The purification F. The praise G. The purge H. The prophecy VII. Elijah and God A. The prophet under a tree B. The prophet on a mount 1. He hears God s words 2. He sees God s works C. The prophet in a cave 1. God assigns Elijah 2. God assured Elijah VIII. Elijah and Ahaziah: Elijah pronounced God s death penalty upon Ahaziah, eighth king of Northern Israel. A. The circumstances leading to this judgment prophecy B. The confirmation following this judgment prophecy IX. Elijah and Joram: Prior to his translation, Elijah had sent a written message to Joram (also called Jehoram). Joram was the fifth ruler of Judah. A. The contents of this message 1. Concerning Joram s family 2. Concerning Joram himself B. The cause for the message X. Elijah and Elisha A. Their first meeting 1. Elisha ceased his work as a plowman 2. Elisha commenced his work as a prophet B. Their final meeting 1. The realization 2. The route 3. The river 4. The request 5. The requirement 6. The removal Elisha (Second Major Oral Prophet) I. Elisha, The Faithful Assistant to Elijah His Serving Ministry A. Their first meeting: In a field 1. The message 2. The mantle B. Their final meeting: By a river side 1. The realization 2. The route 3. The river 4. The request 5. The requirement 6. The removal II. Elisha, the Faithful Ambassador for God His Supernatural Ministry A. His personal miracles 1. Performed for himself 2. Performed for his students 3. Performed for a supporter 4. Performed for a servant 5. Performed for a soldier 188

13 B. His patriotic miracles 1. Deceiving the enemy troops 2. Revealing the war plans of the enemy troops 3. Blinding the enemy troops C. His predictive miracles Elisha correctly predicted the following: 1. The leprosy judgment upon servant Gehazi 2. The salvation of Samaria 3. The death of the king s chief assistant 4. A seven-year famine 5. The death of Ben-hadad, king of Syria 6. Israel s three victories over Syria 7. The avenging ministry of king Jehu D. His posthumous miracle 189

14 First Kings, Second Kings, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles Introduction: These four books are considered as a unit and summarized by the following outline: PART ONE: Israel s Tranquil Years. A Study in the Spiritual Welfare of God s People (1 Kings 1-11; 2 Chron. 1-9) PART TWO: Israel s Turbulent Years. A Study in the Sinful Warfare of God s People The Splintered Kingdom (1 Kings 12-22) The Single Kingdom (2 Kings 18-25; 2 Chron ) PART ONE: Israel s Tranquil Years. A study in the spiritual welfare of God s people (1 Kings 1-11; 2 Chron. 1-9) The following describes both the story and the glory of Solomon s reign over all twelve tribes. I. The Tender Years of Solomon A. Chosen by God 1. He was the second son born to David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:24). 2. Their first son (unnamed) had died in infancy as a result of divine punishment for their sin of adultery (2 Sam. 12:15-18). 3. Solomon was also called Jedidiah, meaning beloved of the Lord (2 Sam. 12:25). 4. Even before David met and married Bathsheba, God had already revealed to the king several prophecies concerning his yet-to-be-born son (2 Sam. 7:12-16). (a) That he (and not David) would build the temple of God (b) That there would be a father-and-son relationship between God and Solomon (c) That God s mercy would not depart from Solomon as it had from some (d) That through Solomon David s kingdom would be established forever B. Challenged by David 1. The language involved (1 Chron. 22:11-13; 28:9;1 Kings 2:1-3) 2. The legacy involved: He gave Solomon the blueprints for the temple which God had given him. (1 Chron. 28:11-12) II. The Triumph of Solomon A. His two anointings: 1. The first anointing (1 Chron. 23:1) 2. The second anointing (1 Chron. 29:22; 1 Kings 1:39) This second anointing, ordered by the dying David, and carried out by Zadok the High Priest and Nathan the Prophet, was done to counteract the attempted coup by Adonijah (Solomon s half-brother) to steal the throne. 190

15 B. His four adversaries: After Solomon s reign was firmly established, he found it necessary to punish four enemies who had continued to demonstrate a rebellious spirit. 1. Adonijah a. The insurrection: On his deathbed David had been visited by Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet who inform the king of the rebellion led by Adonijah (his oldest son) against Solomon (1 Kings 1:15-27). b. The instruction: The dying king quickly instructed Zadok the high priest and Nathan the prophet to do the following: (1 Kings 1:32-40) (1) To place Solomon on the king s personal mule (2) To have him ride to the palace and sit upon David s throne (3) To have him anointed by Zadok (4) To publicly crown Solomon amidst the blowing of trumpets c. The impudence: Adonijah was eventually executed for his attempt to marry Abishag, David s final concubine. This was viewed by Solomon as Adonijah s attempted first step in securing the throne (1 Kings 2:13-25). 2. Abiathar: He was banished from the priesthood for joining in with Adonijah s original revolt (1 Kings 2:26-27). 3. Joab: David s former military leader was executed for his part in the rebellion and for past crimes (1 Kings 2:28-34). 4. Shimei: This rebel, who had once cursed David, was executed for disobeying the conditions of his parole (1 Kings 2:36-46). III. The Talent of Solomon A. Requesting this talent from God (1 King 3:4-9; 2 Chron. 1:3-10) 1. At the beginning of his reign, Solomon went to the city of Gibeon where the tabernacle was located to sacrifice. 2. He offered up 1,000 burnt sacrifices on the brazen altar and spoke to Israel s assembled leaders. 3. It was at Gibeon that God spoke to Solomon, promising to give the king anything he wanted. 4. Solomon responded by asking God for a wise and understanding heart (1 Kings 3:9). B. Receiving this talent from God. (1 Kings 3:10-15; 2 Chron. 1:11-12) God thereupon promised Solomon: 1. That his request for wisdom would be granted. In fact, he would become the wisest man that ever lived. 2. That God would also give the king honor and riches n Although this was a good request, and one that pleased God, Solomon could have possibly asked or something even better, namely, a heart like his father David had. What kind of heart was this? Some 60 years previous to this, the prophet Samuel had sternly rebuked disobedient King Saul as follows: Thy kingdom shall not continue. The LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). n David, of course, was that man. Read his testimony (Ps. 119:10-11). n Solomon, however, in his latter days would develop a very serious heart condition (1 Kings 11:4). C. Revealing this talent from God (1 Kings 3:16-28) 1. Solomon soon has the opportunity to reveal his gift of wisdom when two harlots appeared before him. 2. Both harlots lived in the same house and both had recently given birth to infant sons, one of which had just died. 3. Each harlot claimed the living infant as her son. 4. Solomon proposed to divide the living baby by a sword and give half to each woman. 5. One harlot agreed, but the other was so horrified at this suggestion that she was willing to give up her claim that the baby might be saved. 6. Solomon quickly awarded the baby to this woman, correctly concluding that she was the true mother. 7. The king s fame quickly grew following this court decision. IV. The Total and Tranquil Reign of Solomon A. The source of this reign (1 Kings 2:12; 2 Chron. 1:1; 1 Chron. 29:25) B. The extent of this reign (1 Kings 4:21, 24): He reigned from the Euphrates River on the east, the Mediterranean on the west, the borders of Egypt on the south, and the Lebanon border on the north. n This would include all of modern Jordan, Iraq, and the Sinai, and a part of Syria and Saudi Arabia for a total of some 250,000 square miles. This figure should be contrasted to the 7,992 square miles occupied by Israel today. n Solomon thus, for the most part, fulfilled the prophecy concerning land God had once given to Abraham (Gen. 15:18-20). 191

16 C. The nature of this reign (1 Kings 4:20; 24-25). D. The appointed officials during this reign: 1. Eleven chief cabinet members over political matters (1 Kings 4:1-6) 2. Twelve key men, one from each tribe, to be responsible for food supplies (1 Kings 4:7-19) 3. Jeroboam, to govern over the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (1 Kings 11:28) Solomon s reign at this time is a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ s perfect millennial reign. Thus we see: n Solomon had twelve cabinet members to aid in his reign (1 Kings 4:7). Jesus will confer this upon His twelve disciples (Matt. 19:28). n Solomon ruled over all kingdoms in the Holy Land area (1 Kings 4:21), while Christ will rule over all kingdoms everywhere (see Rev. 11:15). n Solomon s subjects served him as we will serve Christ (1 Kings 4:21; Rev. 22:3). n Solomon brought in local peace (1 Kings 4:24), as Christ will usher in universal peace (Isa. 2:2-4). n Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine (1 Kings 4:25). So will it be during Christ s reign (Jer. 23:6; Micah 4:4; Zech. 3:10). V. The Temple of Solomon A. The preparation 1. The co-contractors for the temple: Solomon appointed two men to supervise the overall construction of the temple. Both men had the same name, Hiram. One was a king, while the other was a craftsman. a. Hiram the king (1 Kings 5:1-12; 2 Chron. 2:1-10) (1) He was the ruler of Tyre. (2) He provided the cedar and fir trees from Lebanon. (3) In return for his services, Solomon sent him an annual payment of 125,000 bushels of wheat and 96 gallons of pure oil. (4) Hiram also helped build a home for Solomon. (5) Seven years after the construction of both the temple and the royal palace, Solomon gave 20 cities in the land of Galilee to King Hiram as final payment for all the cedar, cypress lumber, and gold which had been furnished for these two houses (1 Kings 9:10-11). (6) Hiram, however, for some reason was not satisfied with these cities, calling them Cabul, meaning the wasteland (1 Kings 9:12-14). b. Hiram the craftsman (1 Kings 7:13-14; 2 Chron. 2:14) (1) He also was from Tyre. (2) He was half Jewish, being the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali. (3) This Hiram was filled with wisdom and understanding (1 Kings 7:14). (4) He was highly skilled in working with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, and linen. 2. The location of the temple: It was constructed atop Mount Moriah on the threshing floor once purchased by David from a Jebusite named Ornan (2 Chron. 3:1). 3. The time involved in building the temple: a. It was begun on the second day of the second month of the fourth year of Solomon s reign (2 Chron. 3:1). b. This was 480 years after Israel s Exodus from Egypt (1 Kings 6:1). c. It was completed seven and one-half years later (1 Kings 6:37-38). 4. The workers assigned to the temple a. Solomon indentured many non-jewish Canaanites living in the land (2 Chron. 2:17, 18). (1) 70,000 common laborers (2) 80,000 loggers (3) 3,600 foremen b. In addition to these, he drafted 30,000 Israelite laborers (1 Kings 5:15-16) B. The dedication 1. Solomon brings into the temple all the golden and silver objects his father David had previously given (1 Kings 7:51; 2 Chron. 5:1). 192

17 2. He assembled the spiritual leaders of Israel and together they carried the ark of the covenant into the temple (1 Kings 8:1-11; 2 Chron. 5:2-14). C. The explanation: Solomon reviewed before the people both the persons and purpose connected with the building of the temple (1 Kings 8:12-21; 2 Chron. 6:1-11). 1. The persons involved: a. David had desired to build the temple. b. Solomon, however, had been chosen to build it. 2. The purpose involved: It was to serve as a shelter and dwelling place for the ark of the covenant. D. The supplication: Solomon knelt before the altar on a seven and one-half foot elevated bronze platform in full view of the crowd and raised his hands towards heaven. His prayer involved both a review and a request (1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chron. 6:12-42). 1. The review: He acknowledged the faithfulness, mercy, and omnipresence of God (1 Kings 8:22-23). 2. The request: That the very presence of the temple would cause Israel to seek God s protection, justice, and forgiveness in the following areas: a. When an oath was made at the altar b. In times of defeat c. In times of drought, famine, and pestilence d. In showing kindness to the stranger e. In the hour of battle f. In time of captivity E. The realization (1 Kings 8:27) F. The consecration: At the end of his prayer, the king consecrated to God a twofold offering. 1. He offered up the people as a living sacrifice to God (1 Kings 8:55-61). 2. He offered up some animals as burnt sacrifices to God. This consisted of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep and goats (1 Kings 8:62-64). G. The demonstration: At this point God supernaturally intervened, demonstrating his divine approval of Solomon s temple. (2 Chron. 7:1-2; compare this with Exod. 40:34-35). The phrase, the glory of the LORD is found many times in the but only twice in the New Testament. n references: l In reference to the heavenly manna (Exod. 16:7, 10) l At Mount Sinai (Exod. 24:16) l In the tabernacle (Exod. 40:34) l At Kadesh-barnea (Num. 14:10) l At the judgment of Korah (Num. 16:19) l When God instructed Moses to speak to the rock (Num. 20:6) l At the ordination of Ezekiel (Ezek. 3:23) l When it departed from the first temple (Ezek. 10:18) l When it shall return to the millennial temple (Ezek. 43:4) l When it fills the earth during the millennium (Isa. 40:5; Hab. 2:14) n New Testament references: l In regard to the Son of God (Luke 2:9-11) l In regard to the Spirit of God (2 Cor. 3:17-18) H. The celebration (2 Chron. 7:3,8-10) VI. The Treasure of Solomon (1 Kings 10:23) A. The nature of his wealth: Solomon, it would seem, possessed great quantities of virtually every precious object on earth. This included: 1. The purest gold and silver a. Gold (1 Kings 10:10-11, 22; 2 Chron. 9:10,14,21,24) b. Silver (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:14, 21, 24) 193

18 2. Precious stones of all kinds (1 Kings 10:10-11; 2 Chron. 9:10-11) 3. Beautiful and fragrant sandalwood, from which was made harps and psalteries (1 Kings 10:11; 2 Chron. 9:10) 4. Rare spices (1 Kings 10:10, 11, 25; 2 Chron. 9:24) 5. Ivory (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:21) 6. The finest of clothes and armor a. Clothes (1 Kings 10:25; 2 Chron. 9:24) b. Armor (1 Kings 10:25; 2 Chron. 9:24) 7. Linen (2 Chron. 1:15) 8. Abundant and exotic foods (1 Kings 10:5; 4:22-23) 9. Imported animals and birds a. Apes (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:21) b. Peacocks (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:21) 10. Horses a. Solomon owned 40,000 stalls of horses (1 Kings 4:26; 2 Chron. 9:25). b. He also commanded 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen (1 Kings 10:26; 2 Chron. 1:14). c. Many of these horses were brought out of Egypt. (1 Kings 10:28; 2 Chron. 1:16; 9:28). 11. Mules (1 Kings 10:25; 2 Chron. 9:24) B. The source of his wealth: Solomon received his vast riches from at least six sources: 1. From King Hiram s navy of sailing ships (1 Kings 10:11, 22; 2 Chron. 9:10,21) 2. From an annual Israelite income tax revenue (1 Kings 10:14; 2 Chron. 9:13) 3. From the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:2; 2 Chron. 9:1) 4. From various traders and merchantmen (1 Kings 10:15; 2 Chron. 9:14) 5. From various foreign kings (1 Kings 10:24-25; 2 Chron. 9:23-24) 6. From his sale of horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:29; 2 Chron. 1:17) C. The employment of his wealth: On what and for what did Solomon use his vast wealth? 1. His palace usage: a. The meals involved: Solomon s daily food requirements for his staff alone were staggering. This included: (1 Kings 4:22-23) (1) 195 bushels of fine flour (2) 390 bushels of meal (3)10 oxen from the fattening pens (4) Assorted game food including deer, gazelle, roebuck, and plump fowl. b. The majesty involved: (1 Kings 10:16-21; 2 Chron. 9:15-18) (1) Solomon made 200 pieces of golden armor and 300 golden shields, which he kept in the house of the forest of Lebanon. (2) He constructed a huge ivory throne and overlaid it with pure gold. It had six steps and a rounded back, with arm rests, and a lion standing on each side. In addition, there were two lions on each individual step. His was thus the most splendid throne in the entire world. (3) All of the king s cups and vessels were made of solid gold, as were all the furnishings in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 2. His public usage: (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chron. 1:15; 9:20, 27): During his 40-year reign, Solomon caused silver and gold to be as plentiful in Jerusalem as rocks on the road, and expensive cedar lumber was used like common sycamore. VII. The Testimony of Solomon: The king s brilliant employment of both his wealth and wisdom was universally known and acknowledged. A. Publicly attested to: He excelled in the following ways: 1. Jurisprudence (1 Kings 3:16-28) 2. Administration (1 Kings 4:1-19; 11:27-28) 3. Architecture and engineering: This is seen by the temple and his own magnificent palace. 4. Construction a. He built the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gerer (1 Kings 9:15). b. He also built cities for various reasons (1 Kings 9:19). 194

19 (1) For grain storage (2) For keeping his chariots (3) For his cavalry and chariot drivers (4) for resort purposes 5. Commercial enterprises a. He had a shipyard in Ezion-geber near Elath on the Red Sea in the land of Edom, where he built a fleet of ships (1 Kings 9:26-28). b. His merchant fleet was in partnership with King Hiram s ships (1 Kings 10:22). 6. Forestry (1 Kings 4:33) 7. Zoology (1 Kings 4:33) 8. Music and poetry (1 Kings 4:32) 9. Literature (1 Kings 4:32) 10. Drama and play writing (the Song of Solomon) 11. Philosophy (the book of Ecclesiastes) 12. Counseling and psychology (the book of Proverbs) B. Privately attested to: Solomon was visited by the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chron. 9:1-12). 1. The reason for her visit: She came to find out if Solomon was indeed as great as she had heard. The queen would test him with hard questions. 2. The revelation during his visit a. She listened to the wisdom of Solomon. b. She looked upon the wealth of Solomon. 3. The results of her visit: The queen concluded the actual greatness of Solomon far exceeded anything she had previously heard. Our Lord would later refer to this event during a confrontation with the wicked Pharisees (Matt. 12:42). VIII. The Transgressions of Solomon A. The caution against his sins: God himself had previously appeared to the king with a promise and a warning: 1. The promise a. God would honor the temple. b. He would establish the kingdom. c. He would forgive confessed sin. 2. The warning a. For unconfessed sins, he would destroy the temple of Israel. b. For unconfessed sins, he would deport the people of Israel. B. The cause of his sins (1 Kings 11:4) 1. The polygamy involved a. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). b. These women were taken from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from the land of the Hittites (1 Kings 11:1-2). n At this point, Solomon had disobeyed all three prohibitions laid down by God in Deut. 17:14-17 concerning all future kings of Israel: l But he shall not multiply horses to himself. l Neither shall he multiply wives to himself. l Neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. n However, Solomon had done all three. l He owned thousands of horses (1 Kings 4:26). l He gathered hundreds of wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3). l He accumulated much gold and silver (1 Kings 10:14-27). 195

20 2. The paganism involved a. His first marriage was to the daughter of Pharaoh (1 Kings 3:1). b. It was apparently a politically arranged marriage. c. The girl was not a believer, for Solomon would later build a separate house for her, away from the temple area, lest she would defile it (1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chron. 8:11). d. He also built various temples for his pagan wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods (1 Kings 11:8). e. Finally, Solomon committed the ultimate transgression when he himself sought out those horrible idols. The king worshipped: (1 Kings 11:5, 7) (1) Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonites (2) Milcom and Molech, the vicious and vile gods of the Ammonites (3) Chemosh, the depraved god of Moab (In fact Solomon even built a temple on the Mount of Olives for this idol.) C. The consequences following his sins: 1. God predicted a coming civil war (1 Kings 11:9-13). a. Much of Solomon s kingdom would be torn away from his successors and given to another. b. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin would be left for his family to rule over. c. For David s sake, however, this would not occur until the death of Solomon. 2. God permitted a current civil unrest (1 Kings 11:14-40). God now allowed three adversaries to trouble Solomon. a. Hadad the Edomite: A member of the royal family of Edom who had previously fled to Egypt to escape death at the hands of David during a war between the two nations. b. Rezon: He was the leader of a gang of bandits who made his headquarters in Damascus. c. Jeroboam (1) He had been Solomon s former governor over Ephraim and Manasseh who had also fled to Egypt. (2) The king attempted to kill Jeroboam upon learning that this was the man to whom God would later give over much of Solomon s kingdom (1 Kings 11:29-32, 40). (3) Jeroboam continued to exert influence over ten of Israel s twelve tribes even from Egypt. Thus, in the midst of this unrest and uncertainty, King Solomon died, after a reign of 40 years (1 Kings 11:42-43). How different were his final days than those of his father David who left this life respected and loved by all his countrymen. But not so with Solomon. His lavish life-style, financed by heavy taxes, had caused much grief and resentment. In short, Israel s tranquil years would give way to turbulent ones. PART TWO: Israel s Turbulent Years. A study in the sinful warfare of God s people. Israel s turbulent years fall into two specific categories: The Splintered Kingdom ( B.C.) and the Single Kingdom: ( B.C.) Special introduction to Part Two n This period overviewed: These 345 turbulent years (from 931 B.C. to 586 B.C.) began with the division of Israel s tribes at Shechem and ended with the destruction of Israel s temple at Jerusalem. The transpiring events can be placed under two basic categories. l The splintered kingdom ( B.C.) In 931 B.C., a tragic civil war divided Israel s twelve tribes into two separate kingdoms, one in the north and one in the south. I The record of this period l 1 Kings l 2 Kings 1-17 l 2 Chronicles I The rulers of this period l Nineteen northern rulers (over the ten tribes) l Twenty southern rulers (over the two tribes) I The reformers of this period (Elijah and Elisha) 196

21 I The results of this period: In 721 B.C., the Assyrian armies captured the ten tribes, carrying many of their citizens into captivity. l The single kingdom ( B.C.) I The record of this period l 2 Kings l 2 Chronicles I The rulers of this period (eight southern rulers) I The results of this period: In 586 B.C., the Babylonian armies captured the two tribes, carrying many of their citizens into captivity. At this time both Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. n This Period Observed l The identity of the kingdoms I The Northern kingdom consisted of ten tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), and half the tribe of Benjamin). I The Southern kingdom consisted of two tribes (Judah and the half tribe of Benjamin). I The North was referred to as Israel and Ephraim. Note: Ephraim was the largest and most influential tribe. I The South was referred to as Judah. l The capitals of the kingdoms I Samaria became the capital of the North. I Jerusalem remained the capital of the South. l The number of rulers I The North had 19. The first was Jeroboam, and the last was Hoshea. I The South had 20. The first was Rehoboam, and the last was Zedekiah. l Gender of the rulers I All the rulers of the North were males. I One of the rulers of the South was female (Athaliah). l The reign of the rulers I The longest reign was 55 years (Southern ruler, Manasseh). I The shortest reign was seven days (Northern ruler, Zimri). I The average reign in the North was 11 years. I The average reign in the South was 22 years. l The spirituality of the rulers I None of the Northern rulers were worshipers of Jehovah. I At least eight of the Southern rulers were followers of the Lord. I Three rulers were punished by God (Northern ruler Jeroboam, Southern rulers Joram and Uzziah). I Seven Northern rulers were assassinated (Nadab, Elah, Jehoram, Zechariah, Shallum, Pekahiah, and Pekah). I Five Southern rulers were assassinated (Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joash, Amaziah, and Amon). I Seven Northern rulers murdered the previous king to obtain his throne (Baasha, Zimri, Jehu, Shallum, Menaham, Pekah, and Hoshea). I The most godless Northern rulers were Jeroboam I, Ahab, and Menahem. I The most godless Southern rulers were Rehoboam, Athaliah, Ahaz, and Jehoiakim. Note: Manasseh would have doubtless have headed up the list here, had it not been for his glorious conversion. I The most godly Southern rulers were Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. l The duration of the kingdoms I The North lasted 210 years. I The South lasted 345 years. l The destruction of the kingdoms I The Assyrians destroyed the North in 721 B.C. I The Babylonians destroyed the South in 586 B.C. l The return from captivity I There was no return to the land by the Northern tribes carried off into Assyria. I There were three returns to the land by the Southern tribes carried off into Babylon. 197

22 l As led by Zerubbabel l As led by Ezra l As led by Nehemiah Israel s turbulent years fall into two specific categories. I. The Splintered Kingdom: B.C. (1 Kings 12-22; 2 Kings 1-17; 2 Chron ) II. The Single Kingdom: B.C. (2 Kings 18-25; 2 Chron ) The Splintered Kingdom An Analysis: NORTHERN RULERS Jeroboam (First ruler) B.C. I. Jeroboam, the Supervisor A. He ruled for 22 years (1 Kings 14:20). Note: It should be seen that some of the reigns overlapped each other that is, on occasion both father and son may have ruled at the same time. This explains the difference in the total number of years of all the Northern kings as given in the Bible, which is 242 years; and the actual time involved, around 210 years. B. He was from the tribe of Ephraim and lived in the city of Zeredah (1 Kings 11:26). C. He had great natural organizational ability (1 Kings 11:28). D. Realizing this, King Solomon made him supervisor over the labor force of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (1 Kings 11:28). II. Jeroboam, the Sovereign A. His reign foretold: Ahijah the prophet informed Jeroboam that he would soon become king over ten of Israel s twelve tribes (1 Kings 11:29-39). 1. The sin involved: Both Solomon and Israel had forsaken God and were worshipping idols. God, therefore, would punish His people by dividing their kingdom. 2. The sign involved a. Ahijah took off his new cloak, tore it into 12 pieces and gave Jeroboam ten pieces. b. God then assured Jeroboam he would be blessed if he would but obey as did David. B. His reign fulfilled 1. The refuge a. Solomon learned of all this and attempted to kill Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:40) b. Jeroboam fled to Egypt and took refuge there until Solomon s death (1 Kings 11:40). 2. The revolt a. Upon his return, Jeroboam became the spokesman for the disgruntled ten tribes that demanded tax relief from Israel s new king, Rehoboam, the son of Solomon (1 Kings 12:1-4). b. When Rehoboam foolishly threatened to be even more harsh with Israel than his father was, Jeroboam led a revolt and became the first ruler over the ten tribal kingdom (1 Kings 12:6-16, 20). III. Jeroboam, the Sinner A. His apostasy Jeroboam, the new leader of the ten-tribe confederation, was immediately faced with a serious threat. Three times a year, as commanded by God (see Lev. 23; Exod. 23:17), the entire nation was to go to Jerusalem and worship God. Jeroboam knew the priests would doubtless use these opportunities to bring all Israel back into the fold of Rehoboam. Jeroboam therefore attempted to resolve all this. 198

23 1. He constructed two golden calves and set up unlawful worship centers with a calf in each center in the cities of Bethel and Dan, lest his people return to sacrifice in the Jerusalem temple (1 Kings 12:25-29). n He changed the religious symbols of Israel. Instead of the two golden cherubims above the ark, he substituted two golden calves. Here he could point to the action of the first high priest Aaron for a historical example. (In fact, he stole Aaron s text in introducing these calves to Israel. Compare Exod. 32:4 with 1 Kings 12:28). n He changed the religious worship center from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan. This was in direct disobedience to God s clear command to him (see 1 Kings 11:36). 2. Worship of the golden calves caused Northern Israel to sin greatly (1 Kings 12:29). 3. He built shrines on high places (1 Kings 12:31). 4. He appointed worthless men who were not Levites to function as priests (1 Kings 12:31). He degraded the Levitical priesthood, by making priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi (12:31). Because of this, the vast majority of priests and Levites fled southward to Judah, leaving behind them a situation of near-total apostasy (see 2 Chron. 11:13-17; This explains the tragic fact that not one of the 19 Israelite kings beginning with Jeroboam and ending with Hoshea over a period of approximately 210 years turned his heart and kingdom to God). 5. He replaced the regular feast days in Jerusalem with his own in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:32). 6. He even created a new feast day on the 15th day of the eighth month (1 Kings 12:33). He changed the religious calendar, from October to November. According to Leviticus 23, Israel was to observe six main yearly feasts, beginning in April and ending in October. These six feasts, three of which fall in October, foreshadowed the Cross (unleavened bread), the resurrection (first fruits), Pentecost (feast of fifty days), the rapture (feast of trumpets), the tribulation (day of atonement), and the millennium (feast of tabernacles). It is evident, however, that Jeroboam has little use for any of this, for we are told that he devised this November feast after his own heart (see 12:33). 7. Jeroboam s sin and evil ways are mentioned some 22 times, more than the sins of any other person in the entire Bible. B. His altar: Jeroboam was rebuked by a prophet of God as he stood by his false altar in Bethel to offer up a sacrifice (1 Kings 13:1-9). Jeroboam visited the altar in Bethel to burn incense. He then became the second of three Israelite kings who dared to take upon themselves the office of a priest also. All three were severely punished. The other two were Saul (1 Sam. 13:9-14) and Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-21). 1. The prophecy against Jeroboam a. A future godly Judean king named Josiah would someday burn the bones of Jeroboam s false prophets on that altar. This amazing prophecy was literally fulfilled some 300 years later (see 2 Kings 23:15-16). b. As a sign that God had indeed spoken through the prophet, Jeroboam was told the altar he stood by would be split apart and its ashes poured out. This happened immediately. 2. The punishment of Jeroboam: His hand was suddenly shriveled up as he reached out to seize the prophet. 3. The plea by Jeroboam a. He begged the prophet to pray that his hand be restored. The plea was granted. b. He invited the prophets to join him at his palace for dinner. This plea was refused. Note: The final days of this prophet were sad ones indeed. n He is compromised by a liar (1 Kings 13:11-19). l The prophet had been previously instructed by God to return home immediately upon his confrontation with Jeroboam. l He was persuaded, however, by the lying prophet that God had changed his mind. l The true prophet accepted the invitation of the lying one, and visited his home in Bethel. l Here he learned, however, that he would lose his life from this act of disobedience. 199