The Creator Reveals Himself-To Our Benefit - Part Three-The Kingdom Divided

After Solomon's death, in 997 B.C.E., ten northern tribes broke away.  These formed the kingdom of Israel, which the Assyrians conquered in 740 B.C.E. The kings in Jerusalem ruled over two tribes.  This kingdom, Judah, lasted until the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. and took the inhabitants captive. Judah lay desolate for 70 years. 

When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam came in power and made life hard for the people.  This led to a revolt, and ten tribes broke away to become the kingdom of Israel.  (1 Kings 12:1-4, 16-20)  Over the years, this northern kingdom die not stick to the true God.  The people often bowed before idols in the form of a golden calf or fell into other forms of false worship.  Some of the kings were assassinated and their dynasties were overthrown by usurpers.  Jehovah showed great forbearance, repeatedly  sending prophets to warn the nation that tragedy was ahead if they continued their apostasy.  The books of Hosea and Amos were written by prophets whose messages centered on this northern kingdom. Finally, in 740 B.C.E., the Assyrians brought the tragedy that God's prophets had foretold. 

In the south, 19 successive kings of David's house ruled over Judah down until 607 B.C.E. Kings Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah ruled as their forefather David had, and they gained Jehovah's favor. (1 Kings 15:9-11; 2 Kings 18:1-7; 22:1, 2; 2 Chronicles 17:1-6) When these kings reigned Jehovah blessed the nation.  The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopedia observes:  "The grand conservative element of J[udah] was its divinely appointed temple, priesthood, written law, and recognition of the one true God Jehovah as its true theocratic king. . . .This adherence to the law . . . produced a succession of kings containing many wise and good monarchs . . . Hence J[udah] survived  her more populous northern sister."  These good kings were far outnumbered by ones who did not walk in the way of David.  Still, Jehovah worked things out so that 'David his servant might continue having a lamp always before him in Jerusalem, the city that God had chosen for himself to put his name there.' -1 Kings 11:36.

Next time: The Creator Reveals Himself-To Our Benefit - Heading for Destruction

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?