CARL GOOCH	Wed, Jul 8, 11:54 AM (18 hours ago)
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Carl’s Thoughts On – Kings

After studying 1 & 2 Kings this is what I observed.

(The books of 1 and 2 Kings trace the history of Israel from the golden era of King Solomon’s reign through the division of the nation, a tragic cycle of political corruption and idolatry, and finally the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile.)

We should learn from history; not just our own history but the history of the people and nations that have come before.

There have been nations that followed God’s way and have prospered until they no longer followed God. And there have been start-up kingdoms that have failed in much less time.

In the bible, especially in 1 & 2 Kings we see how the people would go from worshiping God to worshiping many gods.

God even sent prophets to warn and correct the leaders and yet many strayed. Israel’s prophets labor hard to turn people from idolatry and injustice, but the people refuse. God allows them to face the consequences of their decisions, and despite Israel’s exile, God did not abandon his promise to David. 

It doesn’t seem strange to me that those who heed God’s warning thrive while those who reject it struggle or are taken over. In the bible some kings reigned for several years where others would reign for a month or two. This was for both Israel and Judah alike. To me this shows who has the last say in who governs and for how long; God. 

Every time a king would start to think himself above God his reign would begin to decline. Even Solomon in all his wisdom in the end made choices contrary to God’s will. This seems to be the norm instead of the exception.

Although Israel has had many kings, some good some bad, there is only one true King, then, now and forever. The King of kings, our Lord Jesus Christ.