OT Overview Devotions (Week #16: 1 Kings 11:1-12:20; 2 Kings 17:1-23; 23:36-25:30)

Day #1:

Remember: what was the picture painted for us in 1 Kings 8 of Israel under a good & righteous king? Briefly read 1 Kings 11:1-13; 12:16-24. What happens to Solomon and his kingdom? How do you feel reading this? Speak to our heavenly Father about it.

[If you’d like to see how the kings did in brief up to 2 Kings 17, here’s a helpful infographic: https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/downloads/kingsinfo.png]

Day #2:

Read 2 Kings 17:1-23. What happens to the northern kingdom of Israel? Why are they in that state?

Day #3:

Read 2 Kings 23:36-24:16. What do we learn about Judah’s 2 kings here? What ends up happening because of the actions of these kings?

Day #4:

Read 2 Kings 24:18-25:26. What happens to Judah in Zedekiah’s reign? (You might find it helpful to represent the events that has happened visually on a timeline!)

Compare the state of Judah to the picture of Israel in 1 Kings 8. What has changed? Why is God’s people in this state?

Day #5:

Consider the picture of God’s people in 2 Kings 24-25 to Deuteronomy 28. What similarities do you notice? What is the significance of what is being destroyed?

Day #6:

Read 2 Kings 25:27-30. Why do you think the author of Kings gives us this last section? How does that fit with what God has promised? What are we looking forward to?

We’ve seen a lot about what happens when God’s king & people completely fail to obey God. How does that help you long for a king that can deal with the problem? Take time now to speak to God about it.

Reflection Song:

Praise & Reflection Song Playlist: