DOCSLIB.ORG

1 Kings 15-16

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
1 Kings 15-16 Book of First Kings I Kings 15-16 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly This section of 1 Kings gives a brief survey of the kings of Judah and Israel from 913 to 885 B.C. From this point through the rest of 1 Kings, a cross reference is used in introducing each new king of Judah and Israel. When each king begins his reign it is connected to the reigning king of the other kingdom. Eight of Judah’s kings were good, but most were bad kings. Four kings of Judah (Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah) led notable religious revivals at critical times to preserve the nation. All of Israel’s kings were bad, but some were worse than others. Two Kings of Judah (15:1-24) – One bad king and one good king 1. King Abijam (15:1-8) – He reigned over Judah 3 years (913-911 B.C.). Two bad things are said about him: A. He walked in the sins for his father – Like father, like son. B. He was not devoted to the Lord – He was not loyal to God (“his heart was not perfect”) as David had been. The same thing was said about Solomon (11:4). David was mostly faithful to God except in the matter of Uriah. He took Uriah’s wife and then he took Uriah’s life. For the most part, David did what was right in the eyes of God. Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. For David’s sake God did not fully judge Abijam, but allowed his son, Asa, to reign after him. A heritage is what we receive from our forefathers and parents. A legacy is what we leave to our children and other descendants. The defining difference between Judah and Israel was the godly legacy of King David. 2. King Asa (15:9-24) – He reigned over Judah 41 years (911-870 B.C.). His reign lasted while six different kings ruled in Israel. What set him apart was not the duration of his reign, but his devotion to the Lord. He was the first of the good kings of Judah. For more information on Asa see 2 Chron. 14-16. Four good things are said about him: A. He removed the religious prostitutes (“sodomites”) B. He removed the idols of his ancestors C. He removed Maachah as queen mother and destroyed her idol – Apparently she was his grandmother and Abijam’s mother (vs. 2, 10). See Deut. 13:6-11. D. He brought the dedicated things into the temple In spite of being loyal to God (not practicing idolatry), he failed in three ways: A. He tolerated the high places for false worship – These were shrines in the hills. B. He hired Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, to invade Israel – He used the temple treasures (gold and silver) to finance this attack. God sent Hanani the prophet (seer) to rebuke Asa for relying on the king of Syria (2 Chron. 16:7-10). C. He sought the help of physicians instead of the Lord (2 Chron. 16:12). There is nothing wrong with using physicians and medicines, but we should first honor the Lord by asking Him to heal and bless. John MacArthur makes these observations on 2 Chron. 16:10-12: During Asa’s last 6 years, he exhibited ungodly behavior in three ways: 1) anger at God’s truth (vs. 10); 2) oppression of God’s prophet and people (vs. 10); and 3) seeking man not God (vs. 12). Six Kings of Israel (15:25-16:34) – The focus now shifts to the Northern Kingdom until 22:41. All of Israel’s kings were bad and some of them even worse. 1. King Nadab (15:25-31) – He reigned over Israel 2 years (910-909 B.C.). He did evil just like his father, Jeroboam 2. King Baasha (15:27-16:7) – He reigned over Israel 24 years (909-886 B.C.). He killed all of Jeroboam’s family including all men, women, and children. This fulfilled and even went beyond the prophecy of Ahijah against Jeroboam (vs. 29; 14:9-11). Baasha also walked in the wicked ways of Jeroboam (vs. 34). God sent the prophet Jehu to confront the sins of Baasha and announce coming judgment on his family similar to the punishment of Jeroboam. Dogs and birds would eat the dead bodies of his family. This was considered a terrible disgrace to the Jewish people. 3. King Elah (16:8-14) – He reigned over Israel 2 years (886-885 B.C.). He was assassinated by Zimri, one of his servants, while he was drunk (vs. 9-10). 4. King Zimri (16:15-20) – He reigned over Israel only 7 days (885 B.C.), the shortest reign of any king of Israel. God used him to bring judgment on Basha’s family (vs. 12), just as the prophet Jehu had predicted. During his very brief reign he walked in the sinful ways of Jeroboam. He committed suicide by setting his house on fire. 5. King Omri (16:21-28) – He reigned over Israel 12 years (885-874 B.C.). He established Samaria as the capital of the northern kingdom. This continued to be the capital city until the kingdom was destroyed in 722 B.C. He was worse than any king before him. Like his forefather Jeroboam, he sinned and made God very angry because of his idolatry. 6. King Ahab (16:29-34) – He reigned over Israel 22 years (874-853 B.C.). During his reign Israel reached its lowest point. Ahab was worse than Omri who had been worse than those before him. He was married to Jezebel and promoted Baal worship in Israel. He married a heathen woman and worshiped a heathen god. Once again the marriage to a pagan woman led to idolatry. Baal was thought to be the one who fertilized the land with rain, producing abundant crops. King Ahab set up an altar and temple for Baal in Samaria. Baal worship first entered Israel many years earlier (Judg. 2:11-13; 1 Sam. 12:10), but Ahab made it an official religion and an alternative to the worship of the true God. Ahab did not reject worship of the true God or insist that every person worship Baal. He rejected the idea that God was the only true God to be worshiped and served. He made God very angry, more so than any other king. The stage was now set for two of God’s great prophets, Elijah and Elisha, to speak on His behalf. The last six chapters of 1 Kings describes Ahab’s struggle with the prophet Elijah. As a side note to end chapter 16, a man named Hiel attempted to rebuild the city of Jericho, but his two sons were killed in the process. Jericho had been destroyed by God and Joshua had warned that anyone who rebuilt the city would fall under the curse of losing his oldest and youngest sons (Josh. 6:26). This is yet another reminder that God’s Word will not fail. Book of First Kings I Kings 15-16 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly This section of 1 Kings gives a brief survey of the kings of Judah and Israel from 913 to 885 B.C. From this point through the rest of 1 Kings, a cross reference is used in introducing each new king of Judah and Israel. When each king begins his reign it is connected to the reigning king of the other kingdom. Eight of Judah’s kings were good, but most were bad kings. Four kings of Judah (Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah) led notable religious revivals at critical times to preserve the nation. All of Israel’s kings were bad, but some were worse than others. Two Kings of Judah (15:1-24) – There was one bad king and one good king. 1. _____________________________ (15:1-8) – He reigned over Judah 3 years (913-911 B.C.). Two bad things are said about him: A. He_____________________________________________________________________ B. He_____________________________________________________________________ Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 2. ___________________________ (15:9-24) – He reigned over Judah 41 years (911-870 B.C.). For more information on Asa see 2 Chron. 14-16. Four good things are said about him: A. He removed______________________________________________________________ B. He removed______________________________________________________________ C. He removed______________________________________________________________ D. He brought______________________________________________________________ In spite of being loyal to God (not practicing idolatry), he failed in three ways: A. He tolerated______________________________________________________________ B. He hired_________________________________________________________________ C. He sought_______________________________________________________________ Six Kings of Israel (15:25-16:34) – All of the kings were bad and some of them even worse. 1. ___________________________ (15:25-31) – He reigned over Israel 2 years (910-909 B.C.). 2. _________________________ (15:27-16:7) – He reigned over Israel 24 years (909-886 B.C.). 3. ____________________________ (16:8-14) – He reigned over Israel 2 years (886-885 B.C.). 4. ___________________________ (16:15-20) – He reigned over Israel only 7 days (885 B.C.). 5. __________________________ (16:21-28) – He reigned over Israel 12 years (885-874 B.C.). 6. __________________________ (16:29-34) – He reigned over Israel 22 years (874-853 B.C.). The last six chapters of 1 Kings describes Ahab’s struggle with the prophet Elijah. As a side note to end chapter 16, a man named Hiel attempted to rebuild the city of Jericho, but his two sons were killed in the process.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • IN Divided Kingdom History
    SIMPLE, STIMULATING STUDIES IN Divided Kingdom History a Beersheba SIMPLE, STIMULATING STUDIES IN Divided Kingdom History BY DONALD G. HUNT --SEE PAGES 94-104 FOR ASSIGNMENTS-- Voice of Evangelism Box 43 1 Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 U.S.A. Table of Contents PART ONE ........ ................................. Solomon's Glorious Kingdom: His Beginning , , ............ ...... .._.. Solomon's Glorious Kingdom: His Many Enteipr Solomon's Glorious Kingdom: Testimonies to It ...... ,, , *. , , ..-. Solomon's Glorious Kingdom to be Divided .......... The Once-Glorious Kingdom is Divided Tabular View of the Divided Kingdom ....................................... .,_ ..................... 10 PART TWO ............................................ ............... Jeroboam's Notorious Departures ............... ......... ........ A Young Prophet Appears on the Scene . .................................. The Young Prophet Me The Arrogant Jeroboa ..................... 16 God Delivers Bad News to Jeroboam .......................... ..............17 Rehoboam's First Three Years are Prosperous ......................... Rehoboam Foolishly Judah's Wealth is ............... ........ The Wicked Baasha's House Will be Wiped out Also .... ................... ..................................................... ......................... 22 Zimri Touches off a Turbulent Time in Israel ......................... Oinri Leaves His Mark ..............26 Elijah Prays for and Proclaims a Drought ................29 ..................... 33 ...........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2 the Assyrian Empire, the Conquest of Israel, and the Colonization of Judah 37 I
    ISRAEL AND EMPIRE ii ISRAEL AND EMPIRE A Postcolonial History of Israel and Early Judaism Leo G. Perdue and Warren Carter Edited by Coleman A. Baker LONDON • NEW DELHI • NEW YORK • SYDNEY 1 Bloomsbury T&T Clark An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Imprint previously known as T&T Clark 50 Bedford Square 1385 Broadway London New York WC1B 3DP NY 10018 UK USA www.bloomsbury.com Bloomsbury, T&T Clark and the Diana logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc First published 2015 © Leo G. Perdue, Warren Carter and Coleman A. Baker, 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. Leo G. Perdue, Warren Carter and Coleman A. Baker have asserted their rights under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Authors of this work. No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury or the authors. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN: HB: 978-0-56705-409-8 PB: 978-0-56724-328-7 ePDF: 978-0-56728-051-0 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Typeset by Forthcoming Publications (www.forthpub.com) 1 Contents Abbreviations vii Preface ix Introduction: Empires, Colonies, and Postcolonial Interpretation 1 I.
    [Show full text]
  • 1-And-2 Kings
    FROM DAVID TO EXILE 1 & 2 Kings by Daniel J. Lewis © copyright 2009 by Diakonos, Inc. Troy, Michigan United States of America 2 Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Composition and Authorship ...................................................................................................................... 5 Structure ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Theological Motifs ..................................................................................................................................... 7 The Kingship of Solomon (1 Kings 1-11) .....................................................................................................13 Solomon Succeeds David as King (1:1—2:12) .........................................................................................13 The Purge (2:13-46) ..................................................................................................................................16 Solomon‟s Wisdom (3-4) ..........................................................................................................................17 Building the Temple and the Palace (5-7) .................................................................................................20 The Dedication of the Temple (8) .............................................................................................................26
    [Show full text]
  • THE GOOD KINGS of JUDAH Learning to Avert Moral Failure from Eight Good Men Who Didn’T
    THE GOOD KINGS OF JUDAH learning to avert moral failure from eight good men who didn’t . give me an undivided heart . Psalm 86:11 Answer Guide ©2013 Stan Key. Reproduction of all or any substantial part of these materials is prohibited except for personal, individual use. No part of these materials may be distributed or copied for any other purpose without written permission. Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright ©2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For information about these or other additional study materials, contact: PO Box 7 Wilmore, KY 43090 859-858-4222 800‒530‒5673 [email protected] www.francisasburysociety.com To follow Stan on his blog, visit: http://pastorkeynotes.wordpress.com. Downloadable PDFs of both student and answer guides for this study are available at www.francisasburysociety.com/stan-key. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO THE GOOD KINGS OF JUDAH .......................1 SOLOMON ................................................................................3 ASA .........................................................................................5 JEHOSHAPHAT .........................................................................7 JOASH .....................................................................................10 AMAZIAH .................................................................................12 UZZIAH....................................................................................15
    [Show full text]
  • Chart of the Kings of Israel and Judah
    The Kings of Israel & Judah Why Study the Kings? Chart of the Kings Questions for Discussion The Heritage of Jesus Host: Alan's Gleanings Alphabetical List of the Kings A Comment about Names God's Message of Salvation Kings of the United Kingdom (c 1025-925 BC) Relationship to God's King Previous King Judgment Saul none did evil Ishbosheth* son (unknown) David none did right Solomon did right in youth, son (AKA Jedidiah) evil in old age * The kingdom was divided during Ishbosheth's reign; David was king over the tribe of Judah. Kings of Judah (c 925-586 BC) Kings of Israel (c 925-721 BC) Relationship to God's Relationship to God's King King Previous King Judgment Previous King Judgment Rehoboam son did evil Abijam Jeroboam servant did evil son did evil (AKA Abijah) Nadab son did evil Baasha none did evil Asa son did right Elah son did evil Zimri captain did evil Omri captain did evil Ahab son did evil Jehoshaphat son did right Ahaziah son did evil Jehoram son did evil (AKA Joram) Jehoram son of Ahab did evil Ahaziah (AKA Joram) (AKA Azariah son did evil or Jehoahaz) Athaliah mother did evil Jehu captain mixed Joash did right in youth, son of Ahaziah Jehoahaz son did evil (AKA Jehoash) evil in old age Joash did right in youth, son did evil Amaziah son (AKA Jehoash) evil in old age Jeroboam II son did evil Zachariah son did evil did evil Uzziah Shallum none son did right (surmised) (AKA Azariah) Menahem none did evil Pekahiah son did evil Jotham son did right Pekah captain did evil Ahaz son did evil Hoshea none did evil Hezekiah son did right Manasseh son did evil Amon son did evil Josiah son did right Jehoahaz son did evil (AKA Shallum) Jehoiakim Assyrian captivity son of Josiah did evil (AKA Eliakim) Jehoiachin (AKA Coniah son did evil or Jeconiah) Zedekiah son of Josiah did evil (AKA Mattaniah) Babylonian captivity Color Code Legend: King did right King did evil Other.
    [Show full text]
  • Evolution of Ancient Israel's Politics
    Evolution of Ancient Israel’s Politics Tribes, Monarchies, and Foreign Empires Three Significant Eras • In his writings on the Politics of Ancient Israel sourced from the U of A website, Norman Gottwald suggests ancient Israel moved through three main ‘zones’ (or eras) of political structure. • Tribal Era (1,200 BCE – 1,000 BCE) • Monarchic Era (1,000 BCE – 586 BCE) • Colonial Era (586 BCE – 135 CE) • Brief revival of the monarchy under the Hasmonean Dynasty, 140 - 63 B.C.E • He notes that these eras did not totally displace one another, but overlapped and aspects of each period can be seen in future eras. - https://bibleinterp.arizona.edu/articles/2001/politics Tribal Era (1,200 BCE – 1,000 BCE) • Jacob (renamed Israel) had 12 sons known for 12 tribes of Israel. • No tribe for Joseph but tribes for his sons Ephraim and Manasseh • Tribe of Levi owned no property. They were the Priestly tribe supported by the other tribes. • “The Lord said to Aaron (Levite), ‘You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.” Numbers 18:20 From Tribes to Nation-building • In Ancient Israel’s history up to the Exodus, leadership was Tribal. • Leadership within the tribe was inherited similarly to everything else, emphasis on the oldest living son. • Beginning with the Exodus, we have our first example of ‘national unity’. Moses was God’s chosen leader to bring the Hebrew people out of slavery to the Holy Land, where they are referenced as Israelites.
    [Show full text]
  • Year Five Winter
    Sunday School Curriculum Winter Quarter One Story Ministries SS05W Lesson Sequence The Lesson Winter Quarter Sequence gives the teacher an overview of the entire quarter. Week One I Kings 12, II Chronicles 10 The central goal of the Investigating God’s Word… Week Two I Kings 13 curriculum is to enable children the opportunity to read Week Three I Kings 14:1-20, II Chronicles 11 and study the entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—by the Week Four I Kings 14:21-31, II Chronicles 12 time they “graduate” from 6th grade. Week Five I Kings 15:1-8, II Chronicles 13:1-14:1 Week Six I Kings 15:9-24, II Chronicles 14:2-16:14 Week Seven I Kings 15:25-16:28 Week Eight I Kings 16:29-17:24 Week Nine I Kings 18 Week Ten I Kings 19 Week Eleven I Kings 20, II Chronicles 17 Week Twelve I Kings 21 Week Thirteen I Kings 22, II Chronicles 18-20 Spring Quarter: II Kings 1-12, II Chronicles 21-24, Joel, Jonah Year Five Teacher’s Manual Winter Quarter ~ Page 2 Lesson Seven I Kings 15:25-16:28 Overview What a cast of characters! In the span of just one Godly king of Judah (Asa), we are introduced to five evil kings of Israel. First up is Nadab, son of Jeroboam. He follows in his father’s footsteps, provoking God to anger by leading Israel further into idolatry. He Suggested Schedule and his family are killed by Baasha, who is the next to ascend the throne of Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Geography of Salvation
    ©2020 John Oswalt. Reproduction of all or any substantial part of these materials is prohibited except for personal, individual use. No part of these materials may be distributed or copied for any other purpose without written permission. For information about these or other Bible study materials, contact: PO Box 7 Wilmore, KY 40390 859-858-4222 800-530-5673 [email protected] www.francisasburysociety.com Other Bible studies by the author include: Exodus Isaiah TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 KINGS 17–18 ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 1 KINGS 19–20 ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 1 KINGS 21–22 ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 1 KINGS 22:51–2 KINGS 2:35 ................................................................................................................................ 13 2 KINGS 3–4 ......................................................................................................................................................... 16 2 KINGS 5–6:23 .................................................................................................................................................... 19 2 KINGS 6:24–8:6 ................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on 2 Kings 202 1 Edition Dr
    Notes on 2 Kings 202 1 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable Second Kings continues the narrative begun in 1 Kings. It opens with the translation of godly Elijah to heaven and closes with the transportation of the ungodly Jews to Babylon. For discussion of title, writer, date, scope, purpose, genre, style, and theology of 2 Kings, see the introductory section in my notes on 1 Kings. OUTLINE (Continued from notes on 1 Kings) 3. Ahaziah's evil reign in Israel 1 Kings 22:51—2 Kings 1:18 (continued) 4. Jehoram's evil reign in Israel 2:1—8:15 5. Jehoram's evil reign in Judah 8:16-24 6. Ahaziah's evil reign in Judah 8:25—9:29 C. The second period of antagonism 9:30—17:41 1. Jehu's evil reign in Israel 9:30—10:36 2. Athaliah's evil reign in Judah 11:1-20 3. Jehoash's good reign in Judah 11:21—12:21 4. Jehoahaz's evil reign in Israel 13:1-9 5. Jehoash's evil reign in Israel 13:10-25 6. Amaziah's good reign in Judah 14:1-22 7. Jeroboam II's evil reign in Israel 14:23-29 8. Azariah's good reign in Judah 15:1-7 9. Zechariah's evil reign in Israel 15:8-12 10. Shallum's evil reign in Israel 15:13-16 11. Menahem's evil reign in Israel 15:17-22 12. Pekahiah's evil reign in Israel 15:23-26 13. Pekah's evil reign in Israel 15:27-31 Copyright Ó 2021 by Thomas L.
    [Show full text]
  • A Lamp in Jerusalem 1 Kings 14:21-16:34 Occasionally You Hear Truth in Strange Places. in an Episode of the Simpson's, Homer
    A Lamp in Jerusalem 1 Kings 14:21-16:34 Occasionally you hear truth in strange places. In an episode of The Simpson’s, Homer said of the Bible, “All these people are a mess …. except this one guy” (Ht: Chandler). Yes, indeed. The Bible shows us that we need a Savior. Even the best of men fail. Noah was a righteous man, who walked with God, but after God preserves him through the flood by grace, he gets drunk and passes out in his tent! Abraham lies about his wife,claiming she was his sister putting her in a vulnerable position with Abimelech. Jacob? His name means “cheater.” Moses' temper drove him to kill an Egyptian. Peter cut a guys ear off, and denied Jesus. What about the men who wrote the Bible? They were sinners (and some were murderers!): Moses, David, Solomon, and Paul. This reminds us that God can save and use anyone. This also reminds us to not put our ultimate hope in mere mortals. People will disappoint you. We all have feet of clay. Yes, Homer Simpson got it right, “All these people are a mess … except this one guy” and that guy is Jesus. In the book of Kings, we see this reality lived out. Many of the individuals in Kings are quite literally “a mess.” But a promised King is coming, who will keep God’s law perfectly. What makes Kings from being a depressing book is the promise that God is going to preserve a remnant, and this ultimate Son of David will come and reign forever.
    [Show full text]
  • PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DHW BIBLE CLASS LESSON 11A the FIRST BOOK of KINGS CHAPTER 16 INTRODUCTION Israel's
    CALVARY PANDAN BIBLE- Judah too suffered from spiritual PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH backsliding. Rehoboam did not walk in the ways of David but did evil in the [Adapted from Bethel Bible-Presbyterian eyes of the LORD. His son Abijam Church, 10 Downing St. Oakleigh, Vic., 3166] followed in his footsteps. But God was merciful - for David’s sake, a good king DHW BIBLE CLASS would ascend to the throne. Asa (Abijam’s son) reigned for 41 years LESSON 11A and carried out religious reforms in the THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS land. He led the people away from CHAPTER 16 their idolatrous worship back to the LORD their God. For a time, there was spiritual revival. INTRODUCTION Chapter 16 gives an account of Israel’s relationship with God five kings. Baasha reigned for 24 years was sliding further downhill. When – this showed that he was a strong Jeroboam was king over Israel, he king who could control the land. He made graven images in the form of died a natural death (16:1-7), and was golden calves and called the people to succeeded by his son, Elah who worship them as their God who had reigned only for 2 years (16:8-10). delivered them out of bondage from Elah was assassinated by Zimri, an Egypt. In about 60 years of Israel’s officer in his army, who made himself history from Jeroboam to Ahab (930- king. But Zimri reigned for only 7 days. 874 B.C.), the people of Israel bowed He committed suicide when another down and worshipped Baal, the contender to the throne attacked him Canaanite god of fertility.
    [Show full text]
  • Zimri the Law of the Harvest
    L E A R N I N G F R O M T H E L E A D E R S Old Testament Portraits of Life ZIMRI THE LAW OF THE HARVEST Text: 1 Kings 16:8–20 king’s house over him with fire, and died, because of his sins which he sinned, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Zimri: Have you heard of him? We remem- Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, making ber Joseph for his purity, Abraham for his faith, Israel sin (16:15–19). Saul for his looks, David for his heart—but what comes to your mind when you think of Zimri? Zimri was a follower of the ways of Jeroboam. Probably nothing. The reason we draw a blank He usurped the throne and tried to reign over when the name Zimri comes up is that he does Israel, but his attempt was a dismal failure, last- not stay around long in the Scriptures. His rule ing only seven days. At the time of the usurpa- lasted only the blink of an eye, one week in 885 tion, the military forces of Israel were engaged in B.C., the shortest rule of any Northern king. It the siege of Gibbethon, in an effort to recover could even be convincingly claimed that he was that “thorn-in-the-side” city from the Philis- not really a king; he was only a “would-be” king, tines. Israel’s army was led by Omri, who was just a momentary usurper, and should not be especially popular with the people.
    [Show full text]