The Time of the Kings: A Study of Israel’s Monarchy and Prophets
The Time of the Kings is a study on the kings of Israel, especially after Solomon's reign. For our Friday Bible studies we're using a timeline for the kings that all can keep as well as a poster to refer to during our studies. This detailed poster shows the history of the Hebrew monarchy starting with the unified kingdom and then the succession of kings after the split.
Hezekiah and the Three Tests
This study will consider from 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 & Isaiah 38-39. Last time we considered Hezekiah's 1st test: The Assyrian invasion of Judah. This week we will consider the other 2 tests: His illness and the envoys from Babylon. As we saw last time 2 Kings 18-20 are not in chronological order. Our chapters this week occurred before Sennacherib's 2nd invasion in 2 Kings 18:17.
Hezekiah's Illness
Consider 2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 & Isaiah 38 regarding Hezekiah's illness. We ask: What was the reason behind Hezekiah's illness? (2 Chronicles 32:24-26). What did Isaiah say to Hezekiah & what was Hezekiah's response? (2 Kings 20:1-3, Isaiah 38:1-3). What did the Lord speak to Isaiah about healing Hezekiah? (2 Kings 20:4-7, Isaiah 38:4-6 & 21). Why do you think Hezekiah asked for a sign? (2 Kings 20:8-11, Isaiah 38:22 & 7-8).
Later Kings of Judah and the Prophets
Last time we considered together the later part of the reign of Josiah. In preparation for this time please read 2 Kings 23:29-25:30, & 2 Chronicles 36. Also note that during this time the prophets Jeremiah & Ezekiel were active.
- King Jehoahaz (2 Kings 23: 29-34 & 2 Chronicles 36:1-3): How long did he reign & what happened to him (Jer. 22:10-12)? Who was the actual ruler of Judah?
- King Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:34-24:7 & 2 Chronicles 36:4-8): Who made him king, who changed his name & why was his and others name's changed? What happened when he rebelled against the king of Babylon?
Bible Study Resources
An updated version of our original Kings and Prophets poster shows a horizontal timeline of the reign of kings and ministry of the prophets. It also shows which the length of their reign, the prophets were ministering in specific times, and if the king was good, bad, or evil.
| Subject of Study | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Hezekiah's Reign | 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 32, Isaiah 38-39 |
| King Jehoahaz | 2 Kings 23: 29-34 & 2 Chronicles 36:1-3 |
| King Jehoiakim | 2 Kings 23:34-24:7 & 2 Chronicles 36:4-8 |
| The Exile | 2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles 36, Jeremiah, Ezekiel |
Future Bible Study Sessions
We will then study Ezra, Nehemiah, and the related prophecies of Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi. During our study we will also see how the Lord spoke to ones in exile though Daniel & Ezekiel, as well as in Esther.