[ I LLUMINATE ] STUDY GUIDE Kings, Chronicles God s Prophets in the Age of Kings Unit 1 March 2 Nathan and Political Intrigue [1] March 9 Ahijah Prophesies Division [2] March 16 Prophecy Against Jeroboam [3] March 23 A Miracle of Provision [4] March 30 The Contest on Mount Carmel [5] Unit 2 April 6 Elijah and the Voice of God [6] April 13 Micaiah and the Two Kings [7] April 20 Elisha and the Enemy General [8] April 27 Elisha s Supernatural Insight [9] Unit 3 May 4 The Prophet in the Midst [10] May 11 Hezekiah and the Prophet Isaiah [11] May 18 Huldah the Prophetess [12] May 25 Jeremiah and King Zedekiah [13] Illuminate Study Guide (USPS 868-940), Editorial and business office, 211 N. Meridian St., # 101, Newberg, Oregon 97132, is published quarterly by Barclay Press (publisher of Christian education curriculum for the Evangelical Friends Church North America Region) at 211 N. Meridian St., # 101, Newberg, Oregon. $8.30 per quarter. Second-class postage paid at Newberg, Oregon. POSTMASTER Send address changes to 211 N. Meridian St., # 101, Newberg, OR 97132. Printed in U.S.A. Scripture text New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. [ ILLUMINATE] F RIENDS BIBLE STUDY March, April, May 2014 spring quarter Volume 3, Number 3 Editorial Team: Cleta Crisman, Dan McCracken, Aj Schwanz, Ron Woodward, and Judy Woolsey
A Powerful Phenomenon Known as the Role of Prophet Packed with human drama and supernatural events, this quarter instead of exploring the familiar stories of the well-known kings will look at ten different prophets and how they represent God in bringing either words of divine judgment or words of encouragement and assurance, depending on what the situation requires. After the reign of King David and then King Solomon, Israel is split between the north (Israel/10 tribes) and the south (Judah/2 tribes). A series of kings follow in both kingdoms until Israel is destroyed in about 722 BC by the Assyrians and Judah is taken into Babylonian captivity in 586 BC. During this time the role of prophet becomes a powerful phenomenon as God raises up individuals chosen to convey God s word and will, often directly to the king in power. We begin with the fascinating story of the prophet Nathan and his role in influencing kingly succession amid much plotting and intrigue. Lesson 2 tells how God chose the prophet Ahijah to foretell the division of the kingdom. Lesson 3 describes an unnamed prophet who brings the message of God s judgment on Israel s King Jeroboam for stabling idolatry in the land. Lessons 4 and 5 tell of how God used the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab on idolatry, and then set up the dramatic contest on Mount Carmel to determine which god really had the power to deliver. Unit 2 deals with a fairly narrow time period the lifetimes of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. In Lesson 6 God speaks to Elijah after he fled from the threats of Jezebel. Lesson 7 tells about a prophet named Micaiah who goes against what is politically correct in prophetic circles to warn King Ahab and King Jehoshaphat about an upcoming military defeat. The account of Elisha s role in Naaman s healing from leprosy follows, while the last study in this unit shows us how God gifted Elisha with something akin to mental telepathy in order to provide protection from enemy attack. The last four lessons span a much longer period of time, taking us right up to the time when Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem in 587-86 BC. Lesson 10 is the account of an unknown prophet (Jahaziel) who brings God s promise of deliverance to godly King Jehoshaphat. Lesson 11 tells about Huldah, the only woman in our series who is called to a prophetic role. Lesson 12 describes the prophet Isaiah s assurance of God s deliverance for Jerusalem. Lesson 13 jumps forward to the prophet Jeremiah who brings God s word to King Zedekiah right before Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians. Blessings to you in your exploration of God s prophets in the age of kings! Ron Woodward
1 Kings 1:5-8, 11-14, 29-30, 38-40 Nathan and Political Intrigue 1 Study Goals Observe how the godly prophet Nathan, once used of the Lord to confront David for sin, now uses his powerful influence in the court to prevent Adonijah s plot from succeeding. Reflect on God s role in this drama. Consider any influence of David s parenting in relation to the crisis. Discuss how and perhaps why two important men in David s kingdom (General Joab and Abiathar the priest) ended up on the wrong side of this drama. Wonder what might have been had the outcome been different. Preparation: Bring 3-by-5 cards (at least 3) and pens or pencils (Opening Activity) Bibles for each small group (Opening Activity) by Sandy Wild Opening Activity To develop a context for the drama that unfolds in 1 Kings 1, divide into three groups of investigative reporters. Each group will review the same passages but from three different perspectives: (1) Absalom, (2) David, and (3) Joab. Write each name on a 3-by-5 card along with the following verses: 2 Samuel 13:1-2, 6-14, 21-29 2 Samuel 15:1-4, 13-14 2 Samuel 18:1-5, 9-15 2 Samuel 19:1-8 Give the groups five to seven minutes to gather insight before reporting their findings from that person s perspective to the entire gathering. ILLUMINATE KINGS, CHRONICLES STUDY GUIDE Nathan and Political Intrigue /1a
Interact 1 Kings 1:5-8 Identify some of the unresolved offenses that are causing nations to rise up against nations in our world today. Where are the hot spots of conflict? Upon seeing Absalom hanging from that tree, Joab struck with force (2 Samuel 18). What actions other than military force could have been used to bring reconciliation to David s house? Thinking about global conflict, what alternatives to military action could be used to wage peace? Illuminate 1 Kings 1:5-8 Clearly, Adonijah was influenced by Absalom s ploy to remove their father from his throne. Unresolved offenses are the key components that have caused rebellion to grow in the house of David. It s easy to wonder if all of this could have been avoided had David pursued a peaceful solution through genuine repentance and reconciliation between Tamar, Amnon, and Absalom. The writer to the Hebrews challenges believers to a higher calling: Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the LORD. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. (Hebrews 12:14-15) A bitter root had sprung up in the king s household. Once that happened, many were defiled. No longer kept in the confines of David s family, this strife splashes into the heart of loyal Joab, the commander of the Lord s army. In 2 Samuel 19, Joab has become wounded by the sorrow David expresses because of his son s death. Though David had specifically instructed the leaders of his army to protect Absalom, Joab saw the young prince hanging from a tree and could not resist the urge to kill (2 Samuel 18). David is crushed another son has died violently. Upon hearing this, Joab views David as ungrateful for all he has done in service to the king. Joab s heart grows a deep shade of bitter. How timely it must be when he hears of Adonijah s plot to permanently remove David from his throne. 1b\ Prophets in the Age of Kings ILLUMINATE
Illuminate 1 Kings 1:11-14 The second passage in this week s study reveals God s solution to Adonijah s power play: God sends his word in the form of a prophet named Nathan. Throughout biblical history, prophets came in different shapes and sizes. Their occupations varied: they were shepherds and scribes, farmers and priests. There were no professional or educational qualifications to serve as a spokesperson for God. The only requirement was obedience. Prophets acted as God s guiding and rebuking voice to his people. Today, some believe the role of the prophet ceased with the coming of the indwelling spirit of God. Everyone who has the Holy Spirit has access to the mind and will of God with them at all times: For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12 NASB, emphasis added) 1 Kings 1:11-14 Create a list of men and women who were influential in the early days of Quakerism. What was the message preached in those days? How or by what means was the direction of Friends formed through the ministry of God s appointed servants? Who are the prophetic voices in the church today? What names come to your mind? What message is being spoken through Friends? Look up the three New Testament passages that deal with the spiritual gifts given to the church after Pentecost. Each contains references to prophetic ministry. Romans 12:6-8 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Ephesians 4:11-13 Now it is time for you to decide: Did the office of the prophet end when the Spirit was sent at Pentecost? KINGS, CHRONICLES STUDY GUIDE Nathan and Political Intrigue /1c
1 Kings 1:29-30, 38-40 James reminds us to be doers of the word, not hearers only (James 1:22). David heard the voice of the Lord through godly Nathan and acted that very day. In doing so, the king literally gave up his throne for the common good. What does this tell you about David? This is the second time the Lord calls Nathan to intervene in David s family. What does Nathan s willingness tell you about the prophet? How can this account relate to our lives today? What can we take away for personal application? Living It Out Together Today s class focused on three areas: The power of unresolved conflicts The power of the prophetic word The power of acting on God s divine direction Take the last few minutes to form small prayer groups of two or three people. Give each person in your group an opportunity to share a prayer request regarding one of these areas in their lives. Be sensitive to those who do not want to share and offer the option to pass. Illuminate 1 Kings 1:29-30, 38-40 Since time is short, the failing king wants his choice of Solomon as his successor to be clear to all people. From 1 Kings 1:32-46 we discover three of the kingdom s most influential men are called to execute David s 5-point plan: 1. Ride on King David s own mule to Gihon. 2. Let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint Solomon with oil from the sacred tent. 3. Sound the trumpet. 4. Shout, Long live King Solomon! 5. Seat Solomon upon David s throne (1 Kings 1:46). From his commentary on 1 Kings, Adam Clarke writes the following: The king elect was placed on the mule of his predecessor, and caused to ride abroad to one of the public wells, or to a river where there was the greatest concourse of people, that they might see who he was that was appointed. Solomon was here taken to the river Gihon, in order to be anointed; the continual stream or constantly running fountain, denoting the perpetuity of the kingdom. The priest and the prophet anointed him in the name of the Lord; and thereby signified that he should be endued with all the kingly virtues; that he should reign by, under, and for the Lord. The trumpet was then to be blown, and solemn proclamation made, that he was anointed king. He was then brought and solemnly placed on the throne, to signify that he had now assumed the reins of government, and was about to administer justice and judgment to the people. (bit.ly/1fz3eug) 1d\ Prophets in the Age of Kings ILLUMINATE KINGS, CHRONICLES STUDY GUIDE