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Continuing Catholic Education. 2011-2012 October 30 th 2011. 2 Kings- Overview. Background – Divided Kingdom Timing –After King Ahab and during the times of Prophets Context – Divided Kingdom ends up in exile Main Themes Idolatry in Israel and Judah God’s patience and Compassion
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Continuing Catholic Education 2011-2012 October 30th 2011
2 Kings- Overview • Background – Divided Kingdom • Timing –After King Ahab and during the times of Prophets • Context – Divided Kingdom ends up in exile • Main Themes • Idolatry in Israel and Judah • God’s patience and Compassion • God’s judgment
Idolatry in the Divided Kingdom • 2 Kings 17:7-8: "All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced.”
Idolatry today • Any idea, ability, possession or person that is regarded more highly than God • Power • Money • Physical attractiveness etc. • Resist the lure of these idols
God is Patient • Many kings in Israel and even Judah turn away from God • God going after them by sending prophets to correct them • Israel Like an unfaithful wife • God reaching out to save Israel • Promise-keeping God
Elijah and Elisha • Resemblance of Elijah to John the Baptist • Elijah’s death and River Jordan • Elisha and his prophecy • Elisha’s Miracles - raised the Shunammite woman’s son (2 Kings 4:34-35), healed Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-19), and multiplied loaves of bread to feed a hundred people with some left over • Foreshadowing of Jesus in Elisha
Exile of Israel and Judah • Israel would not listen to prophets • Assyrians take over Northern Kingdom (Israel) • They bring foreigners to inhabit Israel and marry them • King Josiah • Later Babylonians take over Judah • Back to Square One • What about the promise of Everlasting Kingdom given to David?