Prophets and Kings

PROPHETS AND KINGS

LESSON 7

2nd KINGS 1 - 3

Day 1: 2nd Kings 1 with additional references

1.1st Kings 22:51-53. This is a summary of the life and reign of Ahaziah, son of Ahab, king of Israel. What characterizes his reign?

2.2nd Kings 1:1-4. We saw in the reference above that Azariah worshipped and served Baal. Now he sends a contingent to the Philistines to inquire of Baal (Baal-Zebub) about this illness. What is God's response to this?

3.Remember Ahab and how he reacted to God's judgment on him for killing Naboth? And how God changed his sentence because of his repentance? Contrast that with what happens next in the story from 1:5-17.

b) As we read about these three groups of generals and their men in this story, what can we learn from their experience(s)? Please take into account that, as this is Elijah's last recorded message to Israel's king as Israel's prophet, there has been a 25-year history of this man's influence and power to be known throughout Israel.

Day 2: 2nd Kings 3 & 2nd Chronicles 21

You will note that we are skipping over chapter 2 where Elijah is taken up into heaven. If you compare the accounts of 2nd Chronicles and 2nd Kings, Elijah was still around during the reign of Jehoram, after Jehoshaphat's death. We will come back to chapter 2 after we finish our study on Jehoshaphat.

4.2nd Kings 3:1-3 with 1:17. Joram was Azariah's brother, Ahab and Jezebel's son. His reign began during the co-reign of Jehoshaphat with Jehoram, Jehoshaphat's eldest son. Joram was also Jehoram's brother-in-law, as his sister, Athaliah, was given to Jehoram in marriage as part of an alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab. What do you see as characterizing Joram's reign in Israel?

5.3:4-5. What is the threat against Israel?

6.3:6-19. There are actually a few things to notice in this passage: Elisha's first summons before one of the kings; the demonstration of Jehoshaphat's faith contrasted with Joram's outlook; the provision of God in the face of this threat to Israel. As you study, what do you find that is most encouraging, notable or might even serve as a lesson or warning for us today?

7.3:20-27. How does the battle go for Israel?

8.2nd Chronicles 21:1-6. What characterizes the early reign of Jehoram?

9.21:6-20 with 2nd Kings 8:16-24. What a life contrasted with that of his father! This is Ahab's son-in-law. He patterned his life after Ahab instead of his father, Jehoshaphat. What are the results?

Day 3: Prophets and Kings, chapter 15 "Jehoshaphat"

10.In the opening paragraphs of this chapter was there anything that you learned about Jehoshaphat that was especially interesting? In reading about his early reign, what larger blessing can we find that there is in the keeping of God's law?

11.Although the narrative on Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab in the battle against the Syrians is the same as what we studied last week out of the Bible, if you find anything notable in this account for us today, feel free to share.

12.What might we learn in the discussion on the judicial system that Jehoshaphat instituted throughout the kingdom?

13.What did you find that was most impressive, most encouraging, in the section on the threatened invasion by Moab and Ammon and Jehoshaphat's leadership in this crisis?

b) ….in the way that God worked in Judah's behalf?

Day 4: P & K, chapter 16 "The Fall of the House of Ahab" p.204 - 212, top of page

14.The chapter opens with the story of Naboth's vineyard. What can we learn about Ahab and Jezebel in what we read here?

15.God sends Elijah to rebuke Ahab and pronounce the sentence upon him and his household. What can we learn in this and in how God responded to Ahab's humbling himself in sackcloth?

16.Ahaziah succeeds Ahab as king in Israel. His story is told, with a discussion on what Ahaziah had seen in his life that should have turned his heart toward God. Instead he was more rebellious than Ahab. Share what you learned in this.

17.What application is made for our day, especially with regard to spiritism?

Day 5: 2nd Kings 2

18.2:1-8. If you have a Bible Atlas, you will notice that this is not a straight pathway to cross the Jordan. This was a trek of quite possibly more than 20 miles, as Bethel is west of both Gilgal and Jericho, and the river is east. But God was sending Elijah to these groups of prophets. Notice what everyone knew, and how he (or she) handled the news.

19.2:9-12 with Psalm 104:3-4. There is no way to adequately describe the intensity of such an experience. Here is God's humble prophet, who has been hunted like an animal by the most wicked of kings for practically all of his adult life. And now, he is taken up into heaven by a whirlwind, flaming chariot(s) and horses. Please share your thoughts on this.

20.2:9-15. Elisha's request is something that Elijah couldn't grant. Yet notice how Elijah responds to Elisha and how it is granted. Also note what it is that Elisha says and does as soon as his mentor, his father, is taken.

Interesting note: Although their ministries were actually quite different, Elisha performed twice the number of miracles and served as God's prophet in Israel twice as long as did Elijah.

21.2:15-22. These men obviously witnessed what had happened. They had known that Elijah was to be taken that day, but look at what effect the actual event had upon them. Also notice how God affirms Elisha's ministry to not only the prophets, but to the whole city of Jericho.

22.2:23-25. This was a sizable mob, and they probably weren't 12 year-old children. These youths were mocking God, not simply Elisha. What happens to them when Elisha curses them in the name of the Lord?

What warning can we find for today in this story?

Day 6: P & K, chapter 17 "The Call of Elisha"

23.What can we learn about Elisha, his home and the influences of his early years?

24.How might we apply this to our own lives?

25.What can we learn in Elisha's acceptance of the call to become Elijah's helper and successor?

26.One thing to notice in this is how the call of Elisha was a blessing to Elijah, giving him that which proved God's answer, "I have left…seven thousand in Israel who have not bowed the knee to Baal." as an answer to Elijah's despondent "I am the only one left (who worships You)." What does that say to you in any area where you face discouragement today?

27.As we read about Elijah's translation, what did you find most interesting and/or meaningful in the experience?