Old Testament Survey
Lesson 211 and 2 Kings (Part 2)
We will continue our study of 1 and 2 Kings in this lesson by completing our look at 1 Kings, Chapters 16-22. As we noted in the last lesson, a vast majority of the kings turned their backs on God and led the people of Israel to follow after pagan gods and idol worship.
As we continue our study, we should also consider the backdrop of 1 and 2 Kings, namely the three religious periods of Israel. The first period, from 931 BC to 874 BC, is known as the "Sin of Jeroboam". Jeroboam introduced the worship of golden calves in Bethel and Dan. The second period, from 874 BC to 841 BC, is known as the "Sin of Ahab". It was the period when Baalism became an established religion. The third period, from 841 BC to 722 BC, is known as the "Period of Half Reform". During this period, Jehu brought religious reform back—but only back from worshiping Baal. Unfortunately, they continued to worship the golden idols that were originally introduced by Jeroboam.
Using this as a backdrop, we will begin our study this week in the middle of Chapter 16, and we will examine the kings and events that will lead up to the Prophet Elijah’s confrontation with the priests of Baal.
So, review Chapters 16-22 of 1 Kings, and answer the following:
- How did Omri become King, and what were his accomplishments—both good and evil?
- What were the political and spiritual results of Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel?
- During the time of Baal worship that Ahab introduced, how many people did NOT follow Baal but continued to worship only God? (see 1 Kings 19:18)
- In 1 Kings 17:1-11, we read the story of Elijah at the Brook of Cherith. Summarize the story and how it might apply today.
- Summarize the "contest" on Mt. Carmel. In your summary, consider the significance of why Mt. Carmel was chosen, and also why fire was chosen. (see 1 Kings 18:16-45)
- What happens on Mt. Horeb? What other significant event took place centuries earlier at Mt. Horeb?
- What was the basic error in Elijah’s thinking that he was the last prophet?
- Summarize from Chapter 20 the siege of Ben-Hadad against Ahab.
- Compare 1 Kings 21:17-19 with 1 Kings 22:29-38. How do they relate?
We will end this lesson with the death of Ahab, and the narrative moves back to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and Jehoshaphat their king.
During the coming week, let’s remember the faith of Elijah, and his willingness to follow God’s will for his life, even when it meant living by a dry brook. Our study reveals to us that no matter how overwhelming that our troubles might appear looming on the horizon, we can have faith that God is with us and will grant us victory, just as he gave Ahab’s tiny army victory over an army of over 100,000 men.
Thanks for studying with us. Have a great week everyone.
In Christ,
Wes
[2009]