The Kingdom Divided
930–586 B.C.
1Kings 12–22
Division. The history of Israel (the 10 tribes in the Northern Kingdom) and
Judah (the 2 tribes in the Southern Kingdom) is followed side-by-side in
1Kings 12–2Kings 17. Elijah is a prophet during the end of 1Kings. Major
events and the kings of both kingdoms are covered.
2Kings 1–17
Division. Elijah continues as a prophet at the beginning of 2Kings, then being
replaced by Elisha. Major events and the kings of both kingdoms are
covered. Israel (the Northern Kingdom) undergoes the 5 Cycle of Discipline
th
circa 721 B.C. (the 5 Cycle of Discipline is where God removes the Jews
th
from the land).
2Kings 18–25
The Southern Kingdom’s history and kings and prophets are recorded and
we are taken from the fall of the Northern Kingdom down to the 5 Cycle of
th
Discipline of Judah (the Southern Kingdom), circa 586 B.C.
1Chronicles
The Chronicles is God’s Post Mortem. Chronicles, like Samuel and Kings,
is actually one book. However, Chronicles is written after long the fact; from
the dawn of man in the genealogies to the proclamation to return the Jews
to the land after the dispersion of both kingdoms. The first 9 or so chapters
of 1Chronicles are genealogies; 1Chron. 10 picks up with the death of Saul
and parallels the history of the last couple chapters of 1Samuel, and all of
2Samuel and 1 and 2Kings.
2Chronicles
Prophets to the Northern (apostate) Kingdom
Joel (850–700 B.C.)
A great locust invasion of the land is the basis for Joel’s warning to Israel,
that their land would be invaded. His ministry appeared to be successful.
Jonah (800 B.C.)
Jonah is really more of a prophet to Nineveh in Assyria, although he was not
that interested in that particular assignment. Jonah is one of the best known
of the prophets, simply because God prepared a great fish which swallowed
him for 3 days. However, few know much about Jonah apart from this. He
represents the concept of heathen evangelism during the Age of Israel.
Amos (780–755 B.C.)
Amos is one of the easiest prophets to place into time, as in the first verse,
he identifies the kings of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms during his
ministry. Amos warned both Israel and Judah of judgment to come.
Hosea (760–710 B.C.)
Hosea’s life with Gomer, the woman he loves, parallel’s God’s relationship
to Israel. Hosea’s love was powerfully strong and could not be destroyed;
Gomer’s unfaithfulness was wicked, hurtful, and resulted in her own
undoing. We often wonder, why do we, as faithful believers in Jesus Christ,
face incredible difficulties at time; an examination of this book may help to
explain how God uses our personal pain and how He is able to comfort us.
Prophets to the Southern Kingdom (which had good and bad kings)
Micah (740 B.C.)
Micah makes predictions concerning the destruction of Israel and Judah;
however, southern kingdom kings are mentioned in the text. He warns of an
attack by Assyria. Micah tells us that the Eternal Ruler will come out of
Bethlehem.