Term 2 – Kingdoms
Introduction
The Israelites have entered the promised land – but can they stay faithful to God once there? In a roller-coaster historical drama spread over centuries, we see how they tried, but often failed, to trust God and keep their promises to Him. There are heroes and villains, good kings and bad, prophets and priests, feuds, plots, invading tribes, and empires – but, just like today, throughout it all the most important person is God and the relationship between Him and His people. Drawing mostly on Judges, 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings, but also touching on early prophetic voices, we follow their history from bright beginnings to an exiled end – but even then, learn that God never leaves his people without hope.
Summary of Sessions
- Judges – Going in Circles. The people forsake their God and lose their enjoyment of the land.
- Saul – the People Demand a King. Israel chooses one king, but behind the scenes God chooses another.
- David – a Man After God’s Own Heart. God’s chosen king reigns well, but has flaws.
- Solomon and the Split – the Kingdom Undermined. Solomon oversees Israel’s finest hour but compromises its future. God raises prophets to declare his word.
- Kings vs Prophets. As the character and Godliness of Israel’s kings declines, so God raises prophets to declare His message to the people.
- A Gathering Storm. The two kingdoms of Israel and Judah establish themselves with mixed fortunes. Facing moral, spiritual, and political battles, Israel gives up on God for perceived worldly advantage while Judah struggles.
- Impending Judgement. Isaiah 1-39: God’s prophetic verdict on Judah, and the responses of its kings.
- Review and Reflection. Looking back at some of the enduring themes encountered this term: Old Testament encounters with the Holy Spirit; the story of the temple; and a glimpses of Jesus as the returning and restoring King.
