DISCOVERY: Kings of Israel and Judah
Kings of Israel and Judah
2 Kings 8:16 through 17:41
KEY VERSE: “And the covenant that I have made with
you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods. But the Lord your
God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your
enemies.”1. After co-reigning for a number of years with his father Jehoshaphat, Jehoram assumed full leadership of the nation of Judah when his father died. Who was Jehoram’s wife? What affect did her background have upon Jehoram, and thus upon the nation? 2 Kings 8:18
LESSON INSPIRATION:
Jehoram’s wife was daughter of the wicked King Ahab of Israel; her name was Athaliah. Likely King Jehoshaphat had negotiated this marital alliance for the sake of peace with Israel.
Jehoram was affected by his wife’s idolatrous background, for verse 18 says, “He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab.”
It was at this time that the worship of Baal was instituted in Judah, which began the Southern Kingdom’s decline into idolatry.
Jehoram murdered his brothers and some of the princes of Judah, and led the people of Judah and Jerusalem into unfaithfulness.
Those with whom we choose to closely associate have a great influence upon our behavior.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
Jehoram’s Wife Was the Daughter of Ahab
Athaliah’s Background Was Spiritually Corrupt
Jehoram Was Influenced to Follow Evil Ways
Judah Was Spiritually Corrupted
Marriage Alliances Can Influence Spiritual Direction
Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel because the daughter of Ahab was his wife.
Jehoram forsook the righteous example of his father and followed the corrupt example of his wife’s family.
Ahab’s house spread its influence even into Judah through Athaliah.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Proverbs 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“A godly heritage can be lost when one allows ungodly influence to guide their life.”
“Wrong associations often lead to wrong decisions and spiritual decline.”
“The influence of a spouse can shape the spiritual direction of a home, a leader, and even a nation.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
How do today’s alliances influence spiritual commitments in my own life?
Are there relationships I need to re-evaluate to protect God-honoring priorities?
How can I establish guardrails to prevent negative influences from eroding faithfulness?
Are there subtle compromises in my life that could grow into bigger problems?
How can I implement preventive measures or discipline, before patterns become permanent and a habit?
How do I remain morally and spiritually steadfast when peer pressure choices falter?
What personal steps can I take to cultivate steadfast faithfulness under pressure?
2. In 2 Kings 9:30-37, we find the fulfillment of a prophecy that was given to Elijah twenty years earlier (1 Kings 21:17-24) when Jezebel had Naboth the Jezreelite murdered so that Ahab could acquire his vineyard for a garden. Name at least one spiritual truth that can be derived from this account.
LESSON INSPIRATION:
Any number of important Biblical truths.
God’s Word will always be fulfilled.
The death of Jezebel occurred exactly as had been prophesied, ending with the bloody account of her being eaten by dogs.
Another spiritual truth portrayed here is that eventually sin will be judged.
Though in this case it took many years for justice to be completed, it did occur, just as it had been foretold.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
God’s Word Always Comes to Pass - God fulfills His Word exactly, even if many years pass.
God Defends the Innocent
Pride and Storborness Lead to Destruction
Wicked Influence Brings National problem and disgrace - Ungodly influence can destroy families, leaders, and nations.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
Numbers 32:23 “Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.”
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
Do I believe God to judge sin according to His wisdom and timing, even when I don’t see immediate consequences?
- How does this affect how I respond to injustice or falsehood in my circumstances?
In what situations do I try to control outcomes rather than trust God’s governance?
- How can I align my plans with God’s purposes, even when they require bold or unconventional steps?
In what situations do I try to control outcomes rather than trust God fully?
- How can I align my plans with God’s purposes, even when they require bold or unconventional steps?
3. In chapter 10, Jehu was commended for his obedience to God in destroying the worship of Baal in Israel (see verses 28, 30). However, in spite of his apparent zeal to wipe out the worship of Baal, he allowed the Israelites to continue the worship of the golden calves in the cities of Bethel and Dan. How does verse 31 describe his spiritual condition?
LESSON INSPIRATION:
This verse tells us that Jehu “took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart.”
Jehu’s allowance of the worship of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan may have been based on political expediency.
If Jehu had destroyed the golden calves, the people would have traveled to the Southern Kingdom to worship God in Jerusalem.
The point is, while Jehu did much of what the Lord commanded as God’s instrument of justice, he did not make a wholehearted commitment of obedience and faithfulness to God.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
He Did Not Walk in God’s Law With All His Heart
His Zeal Was Incomplete
He Continued the Sin Introduced by Jeroboam
Outward Obedience Does Not Always Mean Inner Devotion
Partial Obedience Is Still Disobedience
What evidence might we expect to see today in the lives of those who are wholeheartedly dedicated to God?
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Deuteronomy 10:12 “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”
James 1:22
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“God measures obedience not merely by outward actions but by the devotion of the heart.”
“A divided heart cannot produce complete obedience.”
“Partial obedience is complete disobedience in the sight of God.”
“Zeal for God’s work must be accompanied by obedience to God’s Word.”
“God requires the whole heart, not just selective obedience.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
How can I pursue a total repentance that addresses root sins, not just visible symptoms?
Public victories must be matched by inward cleansing:
- Do I celebrate visible spiritual wins while ignoring deeper heart issues?
- Do I risk spiritual shortcutting by focusing on dramatic battles while ignoring
4. Jehoram’s son Ahaziah succeeded his father on the throne of Judah, but he was soon killed by Jehu, king of Israel. Ahaziah’s son Joash, the next true heir to the throne, was then hidden for his safety as Jehoram’s wife Athaliah attempted to destroy all the royal seed so she could usurp the government and rule Judah. At the age of seven, Joash was brought out of hiding and placed on the throne. Given his young age, to what can we attribute his commitment to God? 2 Kings 11:4, 17-18
LESSON INSPIRATION:
The fact that Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord must be largely attributed to the influence of the priest Jehoiada.
Because of Joash’s young age when he assumed the throne, he needed guidance in order to make wise decisions in civil matters as well as spiritual.
The priest would have been the one to help the young king, and he began his positive influence by making a covenant with the people of allegiance to the king and to the Lord.
How important it is to have guidance of godly people in our lives!
If your class consists of older adults, you may wish to point out the importance of treating those under our influence with greatest care and with thought of the future.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
The Influence of Godly Leadership - spiritual leadership of Jehoiada helped shape his devotion to God.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”
2 Timothy 3:14–15 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“A righteous mentor can guide even a young heart into commitment to God.”
“When leaders renew their covenant with God, spiritual reform follows.”
“A heart committed to God will remove idols.”
“Youth is not a barrier when there is godly instruction and guidance.”
“God protects the line of His promise even in times of great danger.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
How can I become or encourage guardians who shape the next generation’s trust in God?
What environments most effectively cultivate lasting faith in young people?
- How can I help create or sustain such environments in my family or faith community?
5. In chapter 13, the focus again is on the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Lord delivered the people of Israel into the hand of the Syrians because of their wickedness. When King Jehoash (also referred to as Joash, but not to be confused with the good King Joash who ruled in Judah at the same time) sought advice from Elisha the prophet, what did Elisha tell him to do? What was Elisha’s reaction to the manner in which Jehoash followed through? 2 Kings 13:14-19
LESSON INSPIRATION:
Elisha instructed Joash to open a window eastward, toward the area where Syria occupied land belonging to Israel, and to shoot an arrow.
It was a sign of war to shoot an arrow toward or into the enemy’s country.
Elisha’s placing his hands upon the king’s hands was an indication of direction from God.
Elisha then instructed the king to take the arrows and smite them on the ground.
Verse 18 says, “And he smote thrice, and stayed.”
Elisha was angry because he stopped so soon, and told him that had he smitten five or six times, it would have indicated a full victory over Syria.
His half-hearted response meant he would have only three victories over the Syrians.
We are not told that Joash was instructed to smite a particular number of times, but it seems that he was aware of the importance of his action.
If we want to receive God’s full blessing upon our lives, we must obey God’s commands fully and wholeheartedly.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
Elisha Instructed the King to Use a Bow and Arrows
-Elisha gave Jehoash a symbolic action showing God’s promise of victory over Syria.
- The arrows symbolized the coming deliverance God was willing to give Israel.
- God was promising victory over Syria.
Elisha Told the King to Strike the Ground With the Arrows
-This was another symbolic act representing how completely Israel would defeat the Syrians.
Jehoash Only Struck the Ground Three Times
-The king obeyed, but only partially and without enthusiasm.
-His limited action revealed weak faith and lack of zeal.
Elisha Was Angry at the King’s Lack of Faith
-Elisha rebuked Jehoash because he did not strike the ground more times.
The Limited Action Resulted in Limited Victory
-If Jehoash had struck the ground many times, he would have completely destroyed Syria.
Spiritual Lessons:
God Gives Direction When We Seek Him
God’s Promises Are Arrows of Deliverance
Faith Must Be Expressed Through Action
Half-hearted Effort Limits God’s Intended Blessing
God Desires Zeal, Not Indifference
Spiritual Opportunities Must Not Be Treated Lightly
God Is Willing to Deliver Even When We Have Failed
God Often Works Through Acts of Faith
Obedience to God’s instructions opens the way for His power.
Half-hearted Obedience Limits Blessings
Jehoash obeyed, but without passion or faith, resulting in only partial victory.
God Desires Zeal and Persistence
Greater faith would have brought greater victory.
God Is Willing to Deliver Even a Sinful People
Despite Israel’s wickedness, God still offered help through Elisha.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Deuteronomy 6:5 “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
Psalms 119:2 “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“When we seek God in times of weakness, He provides direction that leads to victory.”
“Every promise from God is an arrow of deliverance aimed at the enemy.”
“Faith is not only believing God’s promise but acting on it with determination.”
“Limited obedience often produces limited victory.”
“The blessings of God are often measured by the passion of our faith.”
“Moments when God calls us to act may determine the size of our future victories.”
“Even after seasons of failure, God still offers arrows of deliverance to those who seek Him.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
Do I seek godly counsel when faced with danger or important decisions?
In what area do I come short of complete commitment in following God’s instructions?
How can I cultivate deeper perseverance and faith to see God’s promise fulfilled?
6. Chapters 14-17 of 2 Kings provide a list and an assessment of a number of kings of Israel and Judah. Some of them did right, but most of them did evil before God. It was noted in the lesson introduction that as the king went, so went the nation. How is this fact significant to us?
LESSON INSPIRATION:
The concept of our influence on others is a reality, even though we may not be in a position of political importance.
Most of us probably assume that our impact on others is fairly insignificant.
However, our actions can certainly influence others to model after our behavior.
And our attitude alone can strongly impact someone else’s outlook.
We are ultimately responsible for our own actions, but our choices will always affect someone else.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
Leadership Greatly Influences Others
- The character and decisions of leaders shape the direction of those under them.
- People in positions of influence—leaders, parents, teachers, pastors—affect the spiritual lives of others.
One Person’s Sin Can Lead Many Astray
-The sin introduced by one ruler often became the national pattern.
- Our choices may influence many people either toward righteousness or toward sin.
-Some kings did right despite the corruption around them.
- We are responsible for our own obedience regardless of the spiritual condition of society.
- Even good kings sometimes tolerated sinful practices.
Every Person Is a Leader in Some Sphere
-Even if we are not kings, we influence others through our lives.
- Our spiritual choices affect family members, friends, and those who observe our lives.
Practical Significance for Us Today
This truth reminds us that:
Leadership carries spiritual responsibility.
Our example influences others for good or evil.
Faithful living can guide others toward God.
Unfaithfulness can lead others away from Him.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Romans 14:13 “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“The character of a leader often becomes the character of the people who follow.”
“Whether great or small, every position of influence carries the power to guide others toward righteousness or away from it.”
“One life committed to God can become a light that leads many others to truth.”
“When leaders abandon God’s ways, the effects are rarely personal—they spread through the whole community.”
“Before we can guide others in righteousness, we must first walk faithfully with God ourselves.”
“Even if we are not kings, our lives still lead someone.”
“When a heart turns toward God, it lifts others upward; when it turns away, it pulls others downward.”
“The most powerful leadership is not authority over people but submission to God.”
“The history of the kings teaches that the path chosen by a leader often becomes the path followed by many. Therefore, a life devoted to God becomes a guiding light for others.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
How can I discontinue cycles of decline by promoting repentance, renewal, and consistent faithfulness?
7. Because of the sin of the Israelites, the Lord allowed them to be taken captive by the Assyrians. What specific sins are mentioned in 2 Kings 17:7-12? In what way did God show mercy to the Israelites, and what was their reaction? 2 Kings 17:13-17
LESSON INSPIRATION:
The people of Israel walked in the statutes (customs or manners) of the nations they had initially cast out of Canaan (verse 8).
They secretly did wrong before God “from the tower of the watchmen, to the fenced city,” meaning it was universal (verse 9).
They built places for idol worship that included licentious activity (verses 9-12).
They rejected God’s statutes, testimonies, and promises, but sought out heathen practices, worshiped images, Baal, stars, and planets (verses 15-16).
They committed child sacrifice, and engaged in sorceries and witchcraft (verse 17).
In spite of this list of transgressions, the Lord repeatedly called the Israelites, warning them in every generation by prophets, and reminding them of His love and care for them (verses 12-14).“
They would not hear” must be one of the most grievous statements in all Scripture.
They brought tragic consequences upon themselves, because of their determination to ignore God and follow their own ways.
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
The Israelites Forsook the Lord Who Delivered Them
- Forgetting God’s past deliverance often leads to spiritual decline.
They Followed the Customs of Pagan Nations
- Following the World Leads Away from God
They Secretly Practiced Evil Against God
- Secret sins are not hidden from God.
They Built High Places for Idolatrous Worship
-Sin often spreads until it becomes a common/general habit.
They Set Up Idols and Images
- Idolatry Begins When God Is No Longer First
They Burned Incense and Provoked God to Anger
- False worship dishonors God.
They Served Idols Despite God’s Clear Warning
- Disobedience becomes more serious when it goes against known commands.
God’s Mercy Toward Israel: - God Warns Before He Judges
- God’s Mercy Is Seen in His Call to Repentance
- Even though they sinned repeatedly, God showed mercy by sending prophets to warn them.
- God lovingly called them to repentance before bringing judgment.
- God always gives opportunities to repent.
The Israelites’ Reaction:
- A Hardened Heart Rejects Even God’s Mercy
They Refused to Listen
- Pride and stubbornness block repentance.
They Rejected God’s Covenant and Warnings
- Rejecting God’s Word leads to spiritual emptiness.
They Became Like the Heathen Nations
- Rejecting God’s Word Leads to Spiritual Emptiness
- Those who imitate the world eventually become like it.
They Practiced Extreme Idolatry
- Sin grows worse when repentance is delayed.
They Practiced Child Sacrifice and Sorcery
- When people abandon God, moral corruption deepens.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Proverbs 1:24–26 “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.”
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.”
Jeremiah 7:24 “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.”
Romans 1:28 “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“When people forget the God who delivered them, they soon follow the gods that destroy them.”
“When God’s people adopt the ways of the world, they slowly lose the blessings of God.”
“What is done secretly before men is always seen clearly by God.”
“Anything that takes God’s place in the heart eventually becomes an idol.”
“Divine judgment never comes without divine warning.”
“Every warning from God is an invitation to return to Him.”
“The greatest tragedy is not sin itself, but refusing to repent when God calls.”
“Those who reject God’s truth eventually follow emptiness.”
“Unrepented sin never remains small; it deepens and multiplies.”
“God patiently calls sinners back to Him, but persistent rebellion eventually brings consequences.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
How do I normally respond to correction or insight from Scripture or trusted leaders?
- Do I treat warnings as opportunities to return to God ignore?
8. What spiritual lessons stand out to you as you review these chapters?
LESSON INSPIRATION:
1) We can please God if we want to, regardless of surroundings.
2) Our lives affect others on a daily basis.
3) Sin will not go unpunished.
4) We serve a merciful God, who offers us every opportunity to come to Him in repentance.
5) It will all come down to one thing when we stand before God: did we listen and obey, or reserve admiration and worship for other things?
KEY POINTS AND APPLICATIONS:
The Influence of Ungodly Associations
-A righteous heritage can be corrupted by wrong relationships and influences.
- Wrong alliances can lead even God’s people away from righteousness.
-Even when leaders fail, God remembers His promises.
- God’s covenant mercy often restrains judgment.
-God may use individuals to carry out judgment against persistent evil.
- God will ultimately deal with injustice and wickedness.
-Some kings began well but later failed spiritually.
-A person must remain faithful throughout life, not only at the beginning.
Partial Obedience Still Leads to Spiritual Decline
-Many kings did some good but tolerated idolatry.
-Incomplete obedience prevents true revival.
God Sends Prophets to Warn Before Judgment
-God repeatedly warned His people through prophets.
-God always provides opportunities to repent before punishment comes.
Persistent Sin Eventually Brings National Judgment
-Israel’s continued rebellion resulted in captivity by Assyria.
- Continual rejection of God leads to unavoidable consequences.
-Israel abandoned God’s commandments and adopted pagan practices.
-When people stop honoring God, they replace Him with idols.
Fear Without True Obedience Is Hypocrisy
-After the Assyrian resettlement, people outwardly feared God but continued idol worship.
-God requires wholehearted devotion, not divided loyalty.
God Desires Exclusive Worship
-The chapter closes by reminding Israel of God’s command for exclusive worship.
-True security comes only from wholehearted obedience to God.
Wrong Influences Can Lead Even God’s People Astray
Summary of Major Spiritual Lessons:
Influence of relationships on spiritual life
God’s faithfulness despite human failure
The danger of partial obedience
The importance of heeding prophetic warnings
The certainty of divine judgment on persistent sin
The necessity of wholehearted devotion to God
IT HAS BEEN SAID:
“When leaders walk with God, they guide others toward light; when they turn from Him, many follow into darkness.”
“Even in seasons of spiritual failure, God continues to extend mercy and opportunities to return.”
“A heart that allows ungodly influence will slowly drift away from the path of righteousness.”
“When obedience is incomplete, the blessings of God remain incomplete as well.”
“Every warning from God is a message of mercy calling people back to Him.”
“When people continually reject God’s voice, the results of that rebellion eventually appear.”
“Whenever God is removed from the center of life, something else will take His place.”
“Even in times of widespread darkness, faithfulness to God can still shine as a guiding light.”
“Nations rarely fall in a single moment; they drift away from God step by step.”
“The safety of any people is not in power or wealth but in their devotion to God.”
“The history of the kings in Second Book of Kings teaches that faithfulness to God brings light and blessing, while turning away from Him leads slowly but surely to decline.”
CHALLENGE FOR ACTION:
How can I remind myself daily that God’s plan endures over human plans and manipulations?
Am I receptive to godly counsel even when it challenges my plans or comfort?
In what ways might modern “idols” be displacing God in my life?
- What practical steps can I take to root out competing loyalties and renew covenant devotion?
How do I respond to God’s corrective messages when they come through circumstances or leaders?
CONCLUSION
Although human acts may not reap immediate retribution, these chapters in 2 Kings clearly point out that whatever a man sows, he will also reap. God is merciful, but divine justice will ultimately be satisfied. As we study these Scriptures, may we learn from Israel’s hard lessons!
@AFM DISCOVERY Bible Study
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