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8: The Kingdom Period
As we consider the historical period from Israelĺs first king, Saul to her last, Zedekiah
it is interesting to note how completely the pattern of this period was foretold. In spite
of the division that occurred after Solomon's death, the history of the Kingdoms of Israel
and Judah run parallel throughout the record of the Kings. As the kingdom period develops,
Judah emerges as the pre-eminent tribe and the royal line is established in the house
of David.
Acts 15:18 This statement applies to every phase of God's
purpose with the earth and mankind. The principle of foreknowledge concerning the Kingdom of
Israel is clearly demonstrated in the following references.
Genesis 49:8-10 Shortly before his death, Jacob prophesied
concerning the destiny of his family. Under the patriarchal system Reuben, Jacob's first
born, would have received the birthright and leadership, but he was disqualified beČcause
of his instability. Simeon and Levi also were unacceptable because of their cruelty. Jacob,
therefore, bestowed upon Judah, his fourth son, the honor and prestige of leadership.
An interesting point is the reference to the sceptre in anticipation of a king, while as
yet the family was only a small group under the patriarchal system.
v.10 This verse has particular significance for it shows that the kingly line in Judah
would continue unbroken until Shiloh comes. There is some uncertainty regarding the word
Shiloh. It is not used again in connection with a person. However, most authorities consider
it a reference to the Messiah. God had previously promised Abraham that kings would come out
of him. (Genesis 17:6) The royal aspect comes into focus in the selection of the tribe of
Judah and in the reference to Shiloh. Deut. 17:14-20
This is a remarkable prophecy. God not only foretells Israel's desire for a king, but
also reveals the circumstances that would bring disaster upon the kingdom. The strength
of the king and the prosperity of the kingdom would only come through his obedience to God's
laws. The blessings that would come from a wise king are described in verses 19 and 20.
I Samuel 8:1-10 This chapter gives the events that lead to
Israel's demand for a king. Let us briefly outline them, emphasizing Samuel's warning
in verses 10-18. History certainly confirms his predictions. In spite of the people's
reČpudiation, the Lord listens to their complaints and instructs Samuel to provide them with
a king.
I Samuel 9 This chapter provides a brief account of Saul's
appointment. Note that Saul was a king who fully met all human requirements. He was head
and shoulders above his fellows. It is obvious that pride in the flesh was the basis of Israel's
appraisal of the qualifications of a king. It is also obvious from the events that follow,
that a satisfactory king would have to be like David, "a man after God's own heart".
Another point that is important from a prophetic standpoint is that Saul was from the tribe
of Benjamin of which no mention is made of a royal dynasty.
Due to our lack of time we'll cover the following references as briefly as possible, concentrating
only upon the points of emphasis. Please go back and read the details at your convenience.
1 Samuel 13:1-14 These verses reveal Saul's instability and
the consequences of his preČsumptuous actions. In verses 13 and 14, God rejects Saul and
announces He will replace him with a man who would be faithful and obedient.
I Samuel 16:7-13 This chapter introduces David, the son of
Jesse, to us. verse 7 Shows the qualifications of the man
after God's own heart. verse 8-14 Give the details concerning the
choosing and anointing of David.
I Samuel 18-27 These chapters cover the conflict between
Saul and David.
I Samuel 31 This chapter shows how Saul and his sons met
their death.
II Samuel 2 This chapter provides a brief outline of David's
reign over the house of Judah. Notice the conflict which eventually transferred the
Kingdom from the line of Saul (tribe of Benjamin), to David (tribe of Judah).
II Samuel 3:6-10 Abner determines to deliver the Kingdom of
Israel into David's hand.
II Samuel 5:1-3 By common consent, all the tribes are united
under David and anoint him king over all Israel, with headquarters in Jerusalem.
II Samuel 7:12,13 This is the most important prophecy we have
in connection with David. Once again the important key word "seed" is seen. In this covenant
with David, we find the promise of the coming Messiah who would sit upon his throne forever.
An excellent reference to prove this seed was Christ and not Solomon, is found in Acts
13:21-23.
I Kings 2:10-12 After a long and prosperous reign, David dies.
The date of his death was approximately 1015 B.C. (see chart)
Solomon, according to God's will, becomes his successor.
I Kings 11 This chapter gives an outline of Solomon's
reign, his earlier wisdom and the folly of his later years. A reference to Deut. 17:17
will be particularly appropriate at this time in connection with the deterioration of Solomon's
character. The record of his life demonstrated the prophetical accuracy of the Deuteronomy
reference. Because of Solomon's transgressions, God's judgment came upon his house. God decreed
that He would divide his Kingdom. Details can be found in vv. 11-13 and in vv. 26-43.
verse.43 Records Solomon's death.
I Kings 12 This chapter explains the circumstances under
which the division of the twelve tribes of Israel took place. Jeroboam, on his return
from Egypt, becomes a political power in the northern ten tribes of Israel. Rehoboam is
unable to maintain his authority over these tribes and only Benjamin and Judah remain
loyal to him. The prophecy of Ahijah is fulfilled and a division of the nation takes place.
In verses 26 and 27, Jeroboam recognizes a weakness in his hold on the ten tribes. The
temple in Jerusalem was the center of Israel's religious life. It was held in great reverence
by the entire nation and yearly pilgrimages to the feasts were required. In order to compete
with this strong attraction which would weaken him politically, Jeroboam set up two golden
calves, one in Bethel and one in Dan. He represented these idols to be the gods which had delivered
Israel from the land of Egypt. There were many individuals in the ten tribes who would
not accept Jeroboam's golden calves as a substitute for the temple in Jerusalem.
This was particularly true of the Levites whose priestly function would be supplanted
by the new idolatrous priesthood introduced by Jeroboam. A great migration took place
from the northern ten tribes to Judah. It is significant that the golden calf which
had brought God's judgments upon Israel at Sinai should again become the idolatrous symbol
of Jeroboam's downfall. The calf was linked with the Egyptian bull worship which was a
fertility and strength symbol. It came out of Egypt with the Israelites and it appeared
again out of Egypt with the return of Jeroboam. The division between Israel and Judah continued
throughout their history. The use of the Atlas will be very helpful
to show the geographical areas occupied by the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
II Kings 18:9-12 The history of Israel is one of repeated rebellion
against God. In spite of the prophets who were sent to them, they did not repent. At
last in 710 B.C., the Assyrian King Shalmaneser invaded the Northern Kingdom and took the
ten tribes of Israel into captivity. According to the policy of the Assyrian Kings, the ten
tribes were dispersed throughout the lands and cities of nations subject to Assyrian
domination.
Jeremiah 25:11-13 The history of Judah has more significance
in prophecy. This is natural because the royal seed was to have its origin in this tribe.
Judah's hisČtory is a succession of good and evil Kings but the deterioration of the
Kingdom was steady and continuous. At last God warns them through the prophets that He
will terminate their Kingdom. One of the most signifiČcant prophecies in this connection
is found in this reference. Jeremiah prophecies their captivity and their return from Babylon.
Reference to the chart will point up the importance of the time factor in God's dealČing with
His people. The 70 years of captivity came to an end exactly as prophesied. The restoration
took place under Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah.
Ezekiel 21:24-27 Let's review a very brief account of the history
of the Kingdom of Judah, with particular emphasis on the cause (idolatry) of their downfall
is sufficient. This prophecy is directed against their last
King, Zedekiah, and conČtains in the 27th verse, a promise of the coming of Messiah,
the Shiloh of Genesis 49:10.
II Kings 25 The prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel are
fulfilled. verse 21 The Kingdom is broken up. Jerusalem
is destroyed. The Jews go into exile. From this time forward, the only hope of the Jew
in captivity would be the promise of restoration and the coming of their Messiah.