Job

Structure:

·         Prologue introducing Job

·         The first test (striking Job’s family and wealth) and second test (striking his body)

·         Friends join Job, and join him in silent mourning for seven days.

·         Job curses the day he was born.

·         Three rounds of speeches. In the first two rounds, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar speak in turn. In the third round, just Eliphaz and Bildad speak. Job answers each of their speeches directly before the next friend starts.

·         A poem (interpolation?) concerning wisdom – chapter 28

·         Job’s final speech, challenging God with a declaration of innocence

·         Elihu’s speeches. (Elihu has not been mentioned before.)

·         Yahweh’s speeches to Job, with Job’s reply and final submission

·         The vindication of Job

Job’s friends argue for a doctrine of distributive justice, stressing man’s worthlessness before God, man’s ephemerality and ignorance, the need to turn to God in penitence, praise of God, the disciplinary power of misfortune, the happiness of the penitent and the claim to possess a wisdom greater than Job’s.

In the first round of speeches, the friends become increasingly scolding: Eliphaz only implies Job is a sinner, but Bildad proposes that Job’s children died for their sins, and Zophar says that Job suffers less than he deserves.

In the second round of speeches, goaded by Job’s refusal to withdraw his arraignment of God, the friends describe in detail the punishment of the wicked. In response to their generalised comments, Job particularises his own suffering, stressing the success of the wicked and arguing that he is not one of them.

In the third round of speeches, Bildad accuses Job or oppressing the poor, and Bildad gives a (very short, and possibly interrupted) doxology asking how man can be righteous before God.

Elihu speaks. He is rhetorically florid, repeats to some extent to tired doctrine of retributive justice of Job’s other friends, and does say some things in error, for example, that Job has accused God of injustice. Nonetheless, Elihu does say that God does speak to man, that not all suffering is punitive, and that contemplation of nature’s greatness opens the mind to God’s greatness – a line of apology for God that does not involve blackening Job’s character.

Yahweh’s speeches – in contrast to the anthropocentrism of Genesis 1 or Psalm 8, man is presented as marginal to the created order. Only one who comprehends the vastness and complexity of God’s work can pass judgment on Him. God’s governance cannot be judged by its manifestations in human society alone. Human notions of reason and justice are simply too limited to apply to a God whose very creation is fathomless.

Chapter 28 has already anticipated the conclusion at which Job must arrive in the face of God’s wonders: for mankind, wisdom consists in fearing God and shunning evil. More than that he cannot know.

Job’s friends seek to teach him traditional wisdom, but he ends up teaching them the inaccessibility of true wisdom.

We should neither infer sin from suffering (the error of the friends), nor the enmity of God towards the sufferer (the error of Job).

1

Job lives as a good rich man from Uz. He has seven sons and three daughters. Job makes offerings when his sons feast, in case they sinned. Satan meets with God, and obtains permission to test him by making him suffer. A string of servants come to tell Job that his property has been destroyed by fire, his livestock taken away, and his children when a wind collapses the house they were in. At the end of each servant’s news, there is the refrain, ‘and I alone have escaped to tell you.’ Job says that the Lord gives, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.


2

Satan and the Lord discuss Job. The Lord gloats that Job did not lose his integrity. Satan replies that Job will curse God if he is afflicted in the body. Job is afflicted with boils from tip to toe. Job’s wife tells him to curse God, but Job says he must accept adversity as well as prosperity from the Lord. Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite visit Job, and stay with him seven days in silence while he is afflicted.


3

Job curses the day of his birth, wishing it to be consumed in darkness. Job wishes he had died that day, so he could have lain at rest with the kings and counsellors of the earth. Why is light given to him that is in misery?


4

Eliphaz says that Job may be guilty of some sin, because the upright do not suffer. He talks of an angel who visited him in a vision and talked about man's frailty, unholiness and mortality: ‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God?’


5

Eliphaz speaks to Job: people bring trouble on themselves. He encourages Job to turn to God, listing examples of his goodness and willingness to help people. Happy is the man whom God corrects, for he bruises, but he binds up.


6

Job speaks to friends: he says his grief cannot be weighed, and he laments his weakness. Job's friends are not helping him; he challenges them to point out his unrighteousness to him.


7

Job speaks to friends: his present suffering like the futile, discouraging work of a servant or a hired man, with no hope or reward, only weariness. ‘My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle.’ Job wishes God to leave him alone, and that he has been made God’s target inexplicably.


8

Bildad rebukes Job: Job and children must have sinned to cause Job's trouble. We were born yesterday. Man without God withers like a payrus without a marsh. God will bless the blameless.


9

Job expresses frustration with the unknowable power and majesty of God. Such a mighty God who can crush him with a tempest cannot be answered, or argued with. Because Job despises his life, he feels that there is nothing to fear in accusing God of destroying the innocent. Job’s days are swifter than a runner. There is no point in him defending himself. There can be no legal mediator between Job and God.


10

What Job would say if he could: show me why You contend with me. Is it good that you should oppress me in this way? Why are you afflicting me if I am your creation? (This is exactly the sort of speech Job says in chapter 9 that it is not worth making.) Job wishes to go to the land of darkness.


11

Zophar: God exacts less from you than you iniquity deserves. Can you search out the deep things of God? Repent and stretch out your hands to God. The eyes of the wicked shall fail.


12

Job dismisses his friends’ wisdom. All creation understands God’s power. God underthrows the mighty, and his judgment is irrevocable.


13

Job’s friends are worthless physicians. Your proverbs are platitudes are ashes. Job asks why God hides from him, and does not reveal his sins.


14

Job laments man’s frailty, which comes forth and fades like a flower. God has appointed the length of man’s days. Man lies down and does not rise. Job considers the limitless power of God and despairs.


15

Eliphaz that Job is accused by his own words. Job is arrogant: ‘were you born before the hills?’ Man is universally impure. The wicked man writhes with pain all his days, despite his transient life of wealth and luxury.


16

Job reproaches his friends: shall words of wind have an end? God has delivered me to the ungodly (which seems to be a satirical swipe at his friends as well as a more general lament about his misfortunes). He wishes that a man might plead with God – again using the legal imagery of, eg, chapter 9.


17

Job’s spirit is broken. ‘If I say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘You are my mother and my sister,’ where then is my hope?’


18

Bildad is offended by Job’s criticism. The wicked suffer and their memory perishes from the earth.


19

Job again complains about his friends, and describes how God has attacked and estranged him. I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped with only the skin of my teeth. Then, there is a flash of faith in the otherwise unremittingly dark language: I know that my redeemerlives, and shall stand at last on the earth.


20

Zophar: the triumph of the wicked is short-lived. Wickedness and injustice is described using the imagery of venom (particularly of snakes). A violent death awaits the wicked man.


21

Job: the wicked prosper and become old.


22

Eliphaz describes Job’s wickedness: he has not given the weary water to drink, withheld bread from the hungry.If Job returns to the Almighty, he will be built up.


23

Job would present his case to God if he could find Him. Job asserts his own righteousness. Noone can compel God to change the way he acts.


24

The wicked oppress the poor. The wicked perform their deeds in darkness, in apparent security.


25

Bildad: How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman? If even the moon and stars are not pure, how much less so is man?


26

Job describes God’s power over all creation. How small a whisper we hear of Him!


27

Job is committed to righteous behaviour despite the fact that God has made his soul bitter. The wicked do not prosper in the long term.


28

The earth is a treasure house of value and riches for those who are willing to work hard and search for them. Wisdom, however, cannot be found out in the same way. Only God understands its place, and knows its way.


29

Job wistfully remembers more prosperous days when he was surrounded by family. He was righteous and had authority.


30

Now men younger than Job mock him. He suffers both physically and spiritually, and is ignored by God. His suffering is undeserved.


31

Job proclaims his innocence: he is not guilty of lust, falsehood, adultery, cruel treatment of servants, callous indifference to the poor, greed or idolatrous worship of the sun or moon. He has no means of makinf his case to God, however. Job curses himself if he has not always acted righteously.


32

Elihu (not previously mentioned) speaks: he stresses his youth, but then criticises Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as ineffective. Elihu is compelled to speak.


33

Elihu speaks: you think yourself without sin. God is not accountable, and may have spoken to you in a dream. Job must receive God’s messenger.


34

Elihu (inaccurately) says Job has accused God of injustice. Elihu asserts that God is just and impartial. Sinners may not hide from God, who does not operate on the same terms as men. Job adds rebellion to his sin.


35

Elihu speaks: do you think you are more righteous than God? God is further above you than you can imagine. God does not answer the proud, even if they are oppressed. God does not want to hear your empty talk.


36

Elihu speaks: God rewards the obedient, while the disobedient perish. God would have helped you had you not been full of the judgment of the wicked. God has an unsearchable greatness – who can understand the works of nature, such as clouds, thunder and lightening?


37

Elihu speaks: God is transcendent, and His voice is like thunder. He controls the rain and the clouds. You do not understand how God works through nature. Stop trying to speak to God, and simply fear Him instead.


38

The Lord answers Job from the whirlwind. He speaks disapprovingly of words without knowledge (is he talking about Elihu or Job?) Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Where were you when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Do you understand the nature of the earth? God asks a series of rhetorical questions about all the things Job can have no knowledge of. Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you hunt the prey for the lion?


39

More rhetorical questions, about the mountain goats, the wild donkey, the wild oxen, ostriches, horses and hawks.


40

God: shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Job: behold, I am vile. God: would you condemn me that you may be justified? God mentions the Behemoth, an example of His might.


41

God: can you draw out Leviathan with a hook? Everything under heaven is Mine. Leviatha’s awesome might and appearance is described in detail: he is king over all the children of pride.


42

Job confesses his presumption and lack of knowledge, and repents. Gid rebukes Job’s friends, and vindicates Job. Job’s losses are restored; he is blessed and received by friends again. He has seven sons and three daughters, and dies at a ripe old age.

Esther

1

Ahasuerus rules Persia. He holds feast – it is lavishly described (rather unusually given the narrative minimalism of most of the rest of the OT). Queen Vashti holds a parallel feast for the women. When merry with drink, Ahasuerus demands that Vashti come and show off her beauty to his guests. Queen Vashti refuses, making Xerxes angry. His counsellors express concern that Vashti’s insubordination will set a bad precedent for wives everywhere. They advise that she is replaced so the right message is sent out across the land.


2

Ahasuerus looks for new queen, with many virgins brought before him. Esther (brought up by Mordecai, her cousin) is prepared, presented, chosen and made queen. Esther conceals her Jewish identity. Mordecai saves Ahasuerus' life by revealing a conspiracy against him by two of his eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh.


3

Haman is promoted, and gains respect. Mordecai does not bow to Haman. Haman angry, and seeks to kill not only Mordecai, but all Jews. Haman obtains permission from the king to issue a decree to kill all Jews, on the pretext that they separated themselves from the rest of the land and did not observe the king’s laws. The date of the killing is set for the thirteenth day of the twelfth month.


4

Mordecai and Jews learn about the decree and mourn with sackcloth and ashes. Mordecai informs Esther of law, and advises her to speak with king. Esther resolves to do so, despite the fact that she risks death for approaching the king uninvited. (She has been been called to the king for thirty days.) The Jews fast for three days.


5

Esther visits king. The king welcomes her, holding out his sceptre to her, to indicate that she will not be killed. Esther invites king and Haman to a feast. At the feast, Esther asks that the king and Haman come to another feast on the following day. Haman is frustrated by Mordecai’s continued refusal to bow before him, so his wife Zeresh advises him to have a gallows built, and to request the king at the banquet to have Mordecai hung.


6

One restless night when he asks the chronicles to be read to him, the king discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. The king asks Haman to lead the parade of honour for Mordecai. Haman mourns, is warned by his wife of Mordecai’s rising status, and hurries to the banquet.


7

Esther begs that her life, and the lives of the Jews may be spared. The king is angry. Haman pleads for his life before the queen – when the king enters, Haman trips onto her couch, so the king thinks he is assaulting her. Haman is hung on the very gallows that he made for Mordecai.


8

Esther is given Haman's property, and Mordecai assumes Haman’s place. Esther begs the king to save the Jews. The decree is irrevocable once ratified by the king, but a counter-decree is issued allowing the Jews to protect themselves on the day they were scheduled for annihilation. When the Jews hear the news, they rejoice. Many in the land become Jews, because fear of the Jews fell on them.


9

Jews defend themselves, killing 75,000 enemies. Mordecai is a very prominent citizen. At Esther’s request, Haman's ten sons are hung. Jews celebrate victory, and Purim is declared an annual festival for all Jews. ‘Purim’ is derived from ‘pur’ meaning ‘lots’, and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose the date for the massacre.


10

Ahasuerus’ empire is strong. Mordecai is a popular and powerful ruler under Ahasuerus, and his story is recorded in official records.

Nehemiah

Begins fifteen years after Ezra ends. Nehemiah was the cup-bearer of king Artaxerxes.

1

Nehemiah hears of Jews' struggle to rebuild Jerusalem. He fasts and prays to God, confesses sins on behalf of the Jews, asks God for mercy and help. He recalls Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 30, where the Lord says that if the exiled nation remembers Him, He will not forsake them in their distress.


2

Nehemiah is sad, and gets permission from the king to return to Jerusalem (‘the place of my fathers’ tombs’) to help rebuild it. He returns (with appropriate royal letters of permission to pass through the region), inspects the city secretly, meets with the leaders of Jerusalem and proposes to build a wall around the city. The rebuilding restarts, despite some local opposition.


3

The wall of Jerusalem And is gate is rebuilt by Levites, priests, and other Jewish people. The chapter lists the sections of the wall and who built them.


4

Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah and Ammoniste mock the Jews as they rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah prays as a form of defence against them. Sanballat and others are angered when the wall nears completion, and plan to attack. The Jews prepare defences (there are people on guard as the wll is built), and the plan to attack comes to nothing.


5

Some Jews have to mortgage their houses to eat and borrow money to pay taxes. Jews have become slaves to others because of financial difficulties. Nehemiah calls a meeting, urging lenders to cancel debts and not practise usury. Nehemiah does not tax the people, and prays that God may remember his good deeds.


6

Sanballat and others invite Nehemiah to the plains of Ono, with the inetention of killing him. Sanballat spreads a rumour that Nehemiah is planning to rebel against Persia and become king. Shemiah, a false prophet sent by Sanballat, unsiuccessfully urges Nehemiah to take refuge in the temple. The wall is completed in 52 days, despite some who were friends with the enemy Tobiah. Tobiah sends threatening letters.


7

Nehemiah gives orders to guard Jerusalem. A list is given of the leaders, priests, Levites, singers and animals who returned from Babylon.


8

Ezra reads the law to the Jews in Jerusalem, with teachers on hand to help explain to the people. The Jews worship and weep. The Jews observe the Feast of Tabernacles, not done since the days of Joshua.


9

The Jews gather, separate themselves from foreigners, fast, repent, read law, and hear a summary of Israel’s history and deliverance from Egypt. A covenant is made.


10

A lost of the people who sign ther covenant is given. Further laws to be obeyed: no selling of wares on the Sabbath, cancellation of debts every seven years, tithes and regulations concerning offerings and temple administration.


11

Leaders live in Jerusalem; of the rest, a tenth live in Jerusalem, and the rest in other cities. The distribution of people is decided by lot. Lists of people who stayed in Jerusalem, and a list of other towns and villages in Judah are given.


12

Records of priests, Levites and temple duties is given. The Jerusalem wall is dedicated with marching, music and sacrifice. People contribute to the temple.


13

The law is read. It is stipulated that no Ammonite or Moabite shall come into the temple, because Balak sought to curse them. Nehemiah journeys back to Persia; when he returns to Jerusalem, he is horrified to discover that Eliashib, the priest charged with managing the storerooms of the temple, had rented a room out in the temple courts to Tobiah. Tobiah is expelled. Nehemiah also realised that the Levites have not been granted their due portions, and that business is being conducted on the Sabbath. Nehemiah forbids the children of interracial marriages from marrying Jews. The son of Eliashib has become Sanballat’s son-in-law. Nehemiah cleanses Judan life from everything pagan, and asks God to remember him.

Ezra

·         Largely administrative in character, with a record of various proclamations and official documents.

·         4:8 – 6:18 and 7:12-26 are in Aramaic (the language of Empire)

1

In accordance with the prophecy of Jeremiah and inspired by the Lord, Emperor Cyrus of Persia commands and helps Judah to return to and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. In his proclamation., Cyrus stresses that he has been given all the kingdoms of the earth by God. Temple items are also returned. The Jews are led by Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah.


2

Israel returns from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah, led by Zerubabbel. The returnees are listed – 42,360 in all. Freewill offerings are made to help rebuild the temple.


3

On the seventh month (which sees the celebration of Atonement, Trumpets and Tabernacles), the Jerusalem temple altar is rebuilt on its ancient foundation. Sacrifices and festivals begin again. Temple rebuilding begins, accompanied by joyous singing and praising of the Lord. Some weep, others rejoice.


4

The enemies of Judah offer to help rebuild the temple, but Zerubabbel refuses their assistance. Resistance to the rebuilding project contrinues from Cyrus to the reign of Darius. The Samaritan adversaries of Judah, under Ahasuerus (485-465 bc), write an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. In the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia (464-424 bc), the Samaritans write a letter saying that if Jerusalem is rebuilt, Persian control of it will cease. Artaxerxes forces the rebuilding project to cease – which it does until the second year of the reign of Darius.


5

Haggai and Zechariah exhort the people to start rebuilding the temple. It does. Tattenai, the governor of the river, writes to king Darius, saying rebuilding has started on the joint authority of the Lord and of Cyrus.


6

Emperor Darius searches royal records, find Cyrus’ decree, and orders the rebuilding of temple to continue. The temple is completed, dedicated. Passover is kept.


7

Ezra (a skilled scribe, an Aaronic priest and descendant of Zadok) gains Artaxerxes' favour, and returns from Babylon to Jerusalem. Artaxerxes commands Ezra to offer all the gold and silver found in Babylon for the temple. Ezra is also given the power to impose taxes, and enforce the Mosaic law. Ezra gives thanks.


8

Ezra (writing in the first person) provides a list of all those who accompanied him to Jerusalem. Ezra does not ask for a Persian escort, trusting in the Lord to protect them. Gifts to the temple are made.


9

Some Jews marry non-Jews. Writing in the first person, Ezra grieves, prays to God in front of people, confesses sins, humbles himself, and intercedes for Jews.


10

A meeting is held about Jews marrying foreign women. Shechaniah proposes a covenant to put away foreign wives. A period of mourning ensues, and the Jews confess their offence, agreeing to put away their wives. Each case of intermarriage is investigated over a period of three months. A list of the guilty is supplied.

2 Chronicles

Differences with Deuteronomic source material:

·         When Solomon asks for wisdom, God appears to him, but not in a dream.

·         Solomon’s sins of idolatry and marrying foreign wives are not mentioned.

·         The first we hear of Jeroboam is in the context of the rebellion against Rebohoam – not with regards to his altercation with Solomon, for the foreign and internal uprisings Solomon faced towards the end of his reign are not mentioned.

·         Israel’s kings are only mentioned in relation to Judan ones.

·         There is nothing in Kings about the reform of Manasseh.

1

Solomon brings the leaders of Israel to the tabernacle at Gibeon, where the tabernacle is (the ark has been taken to Jerusalem, but the tabernacle itself stays at Gibeon). He makes a thousand burnt offerings at the high place at Gibeon. Solomon asks for and receives wisdom from God (but not in a dream, as in 1 Kings). God gives wealth and strength to Solomon and Israel.


2

Solomon plans to build temple, requests and receives assistance from Huram king of Tyre, and assigns alien residents in Israel as workers.


3

Solomon begins building temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite had been. Detailed description is given of materials, measurements, porch, rooms, angels, pillars and so on. See 1 Kings for diagram.


4

Solomon makes the altar, tank, basins, candlesticks, tables, golden altar, and other furniture and for the temple.


5

The temple is completed. The leaders of Israel gather, sing and worship; priests bring the ark into the Most Holy Place, and the Lord's glory fills the temple, so the priests could not continue ministering.


6

Solomon blesses Israel; Solomon's temple dedication prayer: Solomon asks the Lord to fill the temple, have mercy and forgive – very similar to 1 Kings 8.


7

Fire comes from heaven and consumes the burnt offerings. Israel worships the Lord, and sacrifices and feasts for seven days.By night, God assures Solomon that He will answer prayers made in the temple; there is also a warning about the dangers of disobedience.


8

Solomon expands and fortifies Israel. The conquered people in his lands are set to slave labour. Solomon sets rulers over Israel, and makes his Egyptian wife her own house, because the ark had come to David’s house, and is therefore holy. Solomon appoints gatekeepers and Levites to their temple duties, institutes sacrifices on feast days, and regularly acquires gold from sea trading.


9

Queen of Sheba visits and questions Solomon. She speaks admiringly of Solomon’s Israel, and gufts are exchanged. Solomon becomes very rich through trade and gifts. He makes two hundred shields of gold. Silver was very abundant, and not even considered valuable. Solomon dies after a forty year reign.


10

Rehoboam is made king at Shechem. Jeroboam (who, we learn only now, had fled to Egypt in the reign of Solomon) leads complaints against heavy taxation. Rehoboam reacts provocatively, ignoring the advice of his elder counsellors to be conciliatory. Jeroboam leads Israel in rebellion against Judah – Israel has remained in a state of rebellion to this day.


11

Rehoboam plans to take Israel but God advises him via Shemaiah to allow secession. Rehoboam builds defences. Levites flee from Israel to Judah. Reheboam has eighteen wives and sixteen concubines, and many children.


12

Rehoboam turns away from God, and is attacked by king Shishak of Egypt. Shemaiah admonishes Reheboam, so Jerusalem is spared, with Shishak only looting the king’s house and taking Solomon’s golden shields, which Rehoboam replaces with bronze ones. Rehoboam dies after a seventeen year reign.


13

Abijah becomes king of Judah, and taunts Jeroboam with a speech that attacks Israel’s impety and stresses Judah’s Levitical priesthood and its cultic protocols. Abijah is victorious, taking Bethel and other cities. Jeroboam never recovers his power after the war, weakens, and dies. Abijah has many children, and dies a mighty king.


14

Asa becomes king of Judah and follows the Lord, removing the high places and altars to foreign gods. Asa strengthens Judah’s defences during ten years of peace. Asa appeals to God following a threat from the Ethiopians. Judah is victorious, and gains much spoil.


15

The prophet Azariah exhorts Asa to seek the Lord. Asa purges the land of idols; the godly from Israel flock to Judah. Asa gathers all Judah, and makes a public covenant to seek the Lord, and to put to death any who do not. Maachah, Asa’s mother, is removed from her position as queen mother because she made an obscene image of Asherah. The high places are not removed, however. There is no war until the 35th year of Asa’s reign.


16

King Baasha of Israel blockades Asa’s Judah. Asa forms a treaty with Ben-Hadad of Syria, with whom he defeats Baasha, and loots Ramah. Hanani the prophet rebukes Asa for relying on the Syrians rather than on the Lord, and says that from now on, there shall be wars. Asa imprisons Asa. Asa becomes diseased in his feet, seeks the physician’s help rather than the Lord’s, and dies.


17

Jehoshaphat becomes king of Judah, follows the Lord, removes the high places, and strengthens Judah’s defences. Levites and other prominent figures are sent throughout Judah teaching the law. Judah enjoys peace, and becomes increasingly rich and powerful.


18

Jehoshaphat is allied in marriage with Ahab of Israel. Ahab asks Jehoshaphat for help fighting Syria. Four hundred prophets from Israel prophesy success for the anti-Syrian venture, but Micaiah (who has made unpleasing prophecies concerning Jehoshaphat in the past) prophesies disaster. Micaiah says that the Lord has sent lying spirits into the mouth of the four hundred prophets so that Ahab may fall against Syria. Micaiah is imprisoned. Jehoshaphat and Ahab go into battle at Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat dons a disguise, and is rescued by his men, but Ahab is injured, and dies later that day.


19

Jehoshaphat spoken to by prophet Jehu (the son of Hanani), who rebukes him for the alliance with Israel, but commends him for countering idolatrous worship. Jehoshaphat calls Judah back to the Lord, and appoints and judges (including Levites) to govern Judah impartially and in accordance with the Lord.


20

Moab and Ammon attack Judah. A fast is proclaimed throughout Judah. Judah gathers to seek help from the Lord, and Jehoshaphat leads the prayers. Through Jahaziel, God gives Judah assurances of victory. Judah rejoice, and a vanguard of singers are sent out with the army. Victory is secured, and much spoil. Jehoshaphat is generally speaking a good king, though he does not remove the high places, and he allies himself with Ahaziah king of Israel to make ships to go to Tarshish. God destroys the ships.


21

Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, reigns in Judah, kills brothers, disobeys God by building high places, fights Edom (who have been in revolt ever since), is attacked by the Philistines and Arabians, becomes very sick with an intestinal disease (prophesied unto him by Elijah) and dies. God tolerates him because of the Davidic covenant.


22

Ahaziah reigns in Judah, and does not follow God. Ahaziah joins with Jehoram king of Israel against Syria. Ahaziah is killed by Jehu when he kills Jehoarm as part of his quest to wipe out the house of Ahab. Athaliah, his mother, kills heirs and assumes control of Judah. Jehoshabeath, the daughter of Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, manages to save Joash.


23

Priest Jehoiada gathers leaders and Levites (given weapons belonging to David), and annoints Joash king of Judah. Athaliah is carefully removed from the temple and killed. Jehoiada removes the temple of Baal, and institutes religious reforms, placing gatekeepers at the temple so that noone unclean could enter.


24

Joash raises money to repair the temple. Jehoiada dies. Joash turns from the Lord after Jehoiada’s death. Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, is stoned for speaking against Joash. Joash is punished through the attack of Syria, and killed by servants.


25

Amaziah reigns in Judah, executing the servants who killed his father (but not their children, in accordance with the law of Moses). Amaziah hires mercenary troops from Israel to go against Edom, then dismisses them on the advice of a prophet follows God. Amaziah is victorious over Edom, but imports the worship of Edomite gods from Seir. Amaziah wages war against Israel, and is defeated. Amaziah is killed by his own subjects.


26

Uzziah reigns in Judah for 52 years, coming to the throne when he is 16. Uzziah’s reign is prosperous and militarily successful. He invents military weapons. Uzziah burns incense in the temple (not leaving it to the Aaronic priests) and is punished by leprosy for the rest of his life.


27

Jotham reigns in Judah, follows God, builds up Judah, fights with Ammon and wins, becomes strong, rules for 25 years, and dies.


28

Ahaz reigns in Judah, worships other gods, and is defeated by Syria and Israel. Oded the prophet secures the release of Judan slaves from Israel. Ahaz makes an alliance with Assyria. Ahaz closes the temple and turns to apostasy.


29

Hezekiah reigns in Judah, follows God, reopens and cleanses the temple, makes a new covenant with God, and restores worship service with singing and offerings.


30

Hezekiah invites Judah and Israel to Jerusalem for Passover. Many come, are purified, confess, sacrifice, worship, sing and rejoice. Those who do not observe the correct cultic protocols are forgiven at the prayer of Hezekiah. There is seven days of feasting at Jerusalem – nothing like this had been seen since the days of Solomon.


31

Images of false worship are destroyed throughout Judah after the Passover. Hezekiah appoints priests and Levites in temple services. Tithes are collected, so the Levites have an abundance of oxen and sheep, lying in heaps. The tithes are distributed to the Levites throughout Judah. Hezekiah was godly and prospered.


32

Sennacherib of Assyria has an arrogant speech delivered on the walls of Jerusalem and attacks Judah, but an angel strikes down every Assyrian man of valour. Hezekiah becomes sick, but is insufficiently grateful when his life is prolonged. Hezekiah acquires great wealth, builds an aquaduct, and shows Babylonian princes his treasures. Hezekiah dies.


33

Manasseh becomes king at the age of 12. He worships other gods, builds altars and an idol in the temple, and practises the occult. Manasseh is taken captive to Babylon, humbles himself before the Lord, and is restored to Jerusalem. Manasseh abolishes much idolatrous practice, and dies after 55 years. Amon reigns next – he does evil, reigns for two years, and is killed by his servants. Josiah is the next king.


34

Josiah reigns in Judah, and follows God. He abolishes idolatry, destroys the high places, and conducts raids against Israel. During the restoration of the temple, Hilkiah the high priest finds a book of law by Moses. Via Huldah the prophetess, God says that the curses in the book of law (the concluding curses of Deuteronomy?) will come to pass, because the inhabitants of Judah have been disobedient. Josiah is commended, however. Josiah publically reads the book of law to the leaders of Judah, and renews the covenant.


35

Josiah and Judah keep Passover in Jerusalem, providing the lambs for the lay people. There has no Passover similar since the days of Samuel. Josiah fights against Necho king of Egypt, who is travelling across Judah to assist the Assyrians against the Babylonians. Necho warns Josiah not to get pointlessly involved, but Josiah battles Necho at the battle of Megiddo, and is killed. Laments for Josiah are sung to this day.


36

Jehoahaz is dethroned by the Egyptians after three months. Egypt makes Jehoiakim king. Jehoiakim rules for eleven years, and is taken prisoner to Babylon. Jehoiachin does evil, reigns for three months and ten days, and is taken prisoner to Babylon, along with spoil from the temple. Zedekiah does evil, does not listen to Jeremiah and other prophets, and rebels against Babylon so Jerusalem is finally despoiled, the temple destroyed, and the people deported. The Jews were captive in Babylon for seventy years, until Cyrus king of Persia permits them to return and rebuild the temple.

1 Chronicles

A Second Temple work, written later than the Deuteronomic histories.

How does it deal with the tension between God’s Davidic covenant and the absence of any king in Second Temple Jerusalem, let alone a Davidic one?

Answer: by suggesting that the real Davidic legacy is in the cultus (ie religious rituals and practices). Accordingly, much more emphasis is given to the arrangement of temple personnel and cultic organisation.

The Davidic covenant is also made more conditional than it was in 2 Samuel (as it is in Kings).

Some differences between Kings and Chronicles:

·         David is an idealised figure – Bathsheba is not so much as mentioned.

·         Adonijah’s assumption of the crown is not mentioned: David’s crown passes seamlessly to Solomon.

·         No rebellions against David are mentioned.

·         Far more emphasis on cultic organisation and maintenance.

·         David is very anxious to observe the proper cultic protocol when transporting the ark to Jerusalem after the incident with Uzza.

·         Reduced role for prophets as intermediaries – they appear only when God forbids David to build a temple (Nathan) and when David is castigated for his census (Gad). God gives David direct assurances.

·         Different names for the Jebusite who own the threshing floor that the plague stops on – Araunah in Kings, Ornan in Chronicles.

·         Chronicles emphasises that David cannot build a temple because, as a man of war, he is ceremonially unclean. The temple is a joint venture between David and Solomon, however – David makes all the initial plans, and makes a large contribution of materials.

1

Ancestors from Adam to Abraham: Noah’s sons, Abraham’s, Ishmael’s, Esau’s families listed; Edom’s chiefs and kings listed.


2

Descendants of Jacob, Judah and Jesse to King David, and descendants of Hezron, Jerahmeel and Caleb listed.


3

King David’s sons and concubines, King Solomon’s decendants to Jehoiakim, and Jehoiakim’s decendants are listed.


4

Descendants, towns and occupations of Judah, Caleb, Shelah, Simeon and others listed.


5

Leaders, places lived, events, activities and battles of descendants of Reuben (denied his birthright as the eldest because he defiled his father’s bed), Gad and Manasseh.


6

Family relations of Levi, Aaron, Moses, Samuel, Heman and Asaph listed. Temple musicians appointed by David listed. The cities and common-lands of the Levites listed.


7

Children, leaders, lands and numbers of descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Joseph and Asher listed.


8

Descendants of Benjamin listed.


9

People who lived in Jerusalem after the exile listed: children of Judah, priests, Levites, gatekeepers, servants, singers and others. The ancestors and descendants of King Saul are listed.


10

Philistines fight against Israel at Mount Gilboa. Israel fleesm and Saul’s sons die. Saul falls on his sword, after unsuccessfully asking his armourbearer to kill him. The Philistines invade Israel. Saul’s armour and head are placed in the temple of Dagon. Saul’s body is rescued by the men of Jabesh Gilead, and buried. Saul dies because he does not keep the word of the Lord, and consults a medium.


11

The elders enthusiastically declare David king at Hebron. The anointing was divinely sanctioned by the Lord via Samuel. David conquers the Jebusites, and rules from Jerusalem. Davd also has victory over the Philistines. At the cave of Adullam, David nostalgically wishes for some water from the well of Bethlehem. Three of his men break into the Philistine camp and get him some; David offers it to the Lord. The mighty men of David’s army are listed and described.


12

David lives in Ziklag to escape Saul, and is even helped by the Banjamites, Saul’s tribal relatives. David’s leaders named, numbered, described – his army seems to be organised into groups of 30. There is three days of feasting after David is anointed king.


13

David gathers Israel together, and brings the ark from the house of Abinadab at Kirjath Jearim, where it had remained since the days of Saul. Uzza touches ark, and is killed by God. The ark stays at the house of Obed-Edom for three months on its way to Jerusalem.


14

The king of Tyre sends David cedar wood and other resources to build a royal house. God blesses David’s kingdom. David takes more wives, and has more children. The Philistines battle against David; David asks for God’s advice, and God personally assures him that victory is his. (Nathan does not appear as an intermediary in this section of Chronicles.) David wins at Baal Perazim, saying God has broken through his enemies like a breakthrough of water. God also gives David strategic military advice.


15

David builds a house for himself, and a tent for the ark. He stipulates that only the Levites (who are listed) can carry the ark. David wants no failures of cultic protocol, as before. The musicians are listed. God helps the Levites carry the ark. Israel celebrates, and David dances. Michal despises David for his dancing.


16

David offers sacrifices before God, and gives everyone in Israel food to celebrate. Levites are appointed to lead the congregation in celebration and music. David writes a psalm of thanksgiving – the covenant remembered in the psalm is the Abrahamic one about land, not the Davidic one about monarchy! Israel and nature praises God in the psalm. The appointed Levites maintain the temple with offerings every morning and evening. The people return home.


17

David wants to build temple. God speaks through Nathan that He has never required one, and that David’s son will build temple. David gives humble thanks to God for blessing his house.


18

David defeats and plunders Philistines, Moabites, Zobah, Syrians and Edomites. David receives gifts from a nervous king of Hamath. Key figures in David’s government are listed.


19

Nahash king of Ammon dies. David sends peaceful messengers who are shamed by the new king Hanun by having shaving them and cutting their garments. Under Joab and with the help of the Lord, Israel wins battle against Ammon and their Syrian allies.


20

Joab of Israel besieges Rabbah, and conquers Ammon. The Ammonites are enslaved. David and his men kill three Philistine giants: Sippai, Lahmi and a twelve-fingered and twelve-toed man.


21

David conducts a census of Israel. Joab is nervous, but compelled to obey. Joab contrives to spare the Levites and the Banjamites from the census. God is displeased, and via the prophet Gad offers David three options: three years of famine, three months of defeat in war, or three days of the angel of the Lord destroying with plague. David chooses plague, and 70,000 Israelites die. The plague stops of the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where David sets up an altar. For pious reasons, David insists on buying the threshing floor rather than being granted it for free.


22

David begins preparing material to build the temple, and commands Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem. David explains to him that God told him that he could not build the temple because he was a man of war, and therefore ceremonially unclean. Solomon, however, would be a man of ‘rest’.


23

David makes three divisions of Levites, to look after the temple, to judge, and to play music. The Kohathites are the Aaronic priests who deal with the most holy things. The duties of the Levites are listed: purifying, seeing to the showbread, singing praises in the morning and evening, making offerings etc.


24

A schedule of service is devised, with the Levites divided by lot into twenty-four sections. The Aaronic Levites are listed, then the remaining Levites.


25

Sons of Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman lead twenty-four groups of musicians for praising God. Lots are drawn, and the groups ordered and listed.


26

Names of Levite guards, officers, judges and workers of the temple and its service are listed.


27

Monthly officers, tribal leaders, treasure keepers, king's famers, counsellors, companions and army generals are listed.


28

David speaks to Israel's leaders about Solomon building the temple; he instructs Solomon to build temple and serve God. David has made plans for the temple, and for the divisions of the priests. God Himself spoke these plans to David.


29

David gives precious gifts to build the temple, as do prominent Israelites. David exalts the Lord: all things come from the Lord, and His people are undeserving. David prays for the hearts of his people, and for Solomon, to remain loyal to the Lord. There are rejoicings and sacrifices, and Solomon ascends seamlessly to the throne.

2 Kings

Brief summary:

Elijah and Elisha

·         Soldiers who seek to arrest Elijah are consumed in fire

·         Elisha’s followers = the sons of the prophets

·         Elijah parts the waters of the Jordan

·         Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire

·         Youths mocking Elisha’s baldness are mauled by bears

·         Water is miraculously produced in a valley for the combined forces of Israel and Judah against the Moabites

·         A widow’s single jar of oil fills many vessels and is sold to pay debts and save her sons from becoming slaves.

·         A barren Shunammite woman who offers Elisha hospitality is promised a son. The son is later killed in a harvesting accident, and brought by Elisha back to life.

·         During a famine, Elisha purifies a stew made of poisonous herbs and wild gourds.

·         Eliha cures Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, of leprosy.

·         Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, is punished with leprosy when he seeks a reward from Naaman.

·         An axe head I recovered by being made to float in a river.

·         Mountains full of horses and chariot appear when the Syrians attempt to kidnap Elisha. The soldiers are blinded.

·         The forces of king Ben-Hadad of Syria abandon their siege of Syria when they hear the noise of horses and chariot.

·         Hazael kills Ben-Hadad after Elisha tells him he will be the next king.

·         The corpse of a man buried with Elisha is brought back to life.

http://www.biblestudy.org/prophecy/israel-kings.html

 

Israel	Judah
Ahaziah ·         Reigns 853-852 ·         Bad	Jehoram ·         Reigns 853-841 ·         Bad ·         Edomite rebellion
Joram ·         Reigns 852-841 ·         Mostly bad ·         Injured in battle at Ramah against the Syrians	Ahaziah ·         Reigns 841 ·         Bad ·         War against Hazael and the Syrians ·         Forms anti-Syrian alliance with Joram ·         Killed by Jehu
Jehu ·         Reigns 841-814 ·         Mostly bad ·         Murders everyone of the house of Ahab, including Jezebel, who is defenestrated ·         Kills all Baal worshippers ·         Golden calves remain at Bethel and Dan	Queen Athaliah ·         Reigns 841-835 ·         Bad ·         Mother of Ahaziah ·         Kills all of Ahaziah’s heirs, apart from Joash, who manages to escape, and who later deposes her ·         Killed when Joash is proclaimed king by the priest Jehoiada
Jehoahaz ·         Reigns 814-798 ·         Bad ·         Captured by Syrians	Joash ·         Reigns 835-796 ·         Mostly good ·         Protected from Athaliah by the priest Jehoiada, and proclaimed king by him ·         Eliminates Baal worship ·         Rebuilds temple ·         Does not take away high places ·         Appeases Hazael of Syria by giving him items from the temple ·         Killed by servants
Jehoash ·         Reigns 798-782 ·         Bad ·         Win a war against Amaziah, takes him captive, and loots the temple	Amaziah ·         Reigns 796-767 ·         Mostly good, though does not remove high places ·         Kills the servants who murdered his father ·         Taken captive by Jehoah ·         Deposed, flees, killed
Jeroboam II ·         Reigns 793-753 ·         Bad	Azariah (Uzziah) ·         Reigns 792-740 ·         Good (though does not remove the high places) ·         Dies a leper
Zechariah ·         Reigns 753 for 6 months ·         Bad	Jotham ·         Reigns 750-732 ·         Good ·         Attacked by Syria
Shallum ·         Reigns 752 for one month ·         Bad
Menahem ·         Reigns 752-742 ·         Bad
Pekah ·         Reigns 752-732 ·         Bad
Pekahiah ·         Reigns 742-740 ·         Bad
Hoshea ·         Reigns 732-723 ·         Bad ·         Conspires againt Assyria, and is imprisoned	Ahaz ·         Reigns 735-715 ·         Bad ·         Asks Assyria for help after Israel and Syria attack
Samaria falls to Assyrian King Shalmaneser V. The ten tribes of Israel are taken captive to Assyria.	Hezekiah ·         Reigns 715-686 ·         Very good ·         Removes high places ·         The Assyrian forces of Sennacherib are repelled; an angel kills 185,000 ·         Granted 15 more years of life when he is ill ·         Bares his treasures to the son of the king of Babylon
	Manasseh ·         Reigns 696-642 ·         Very bad
	Amon ·         Reigns 642-640 ·         Bad ·         Killed by servants
	Josiah ·         Reigns 640-609 ·         Best ·         Shakes off Assyrian dominance ·         Rebuilds temple ·         A book of law is discovered during temple renovation – Josiah reads it to the people, and implement religious reform ·         Centralised Passover ·         Destroys the altar at Bethel ·         Killed by king Necho of Egypt at the battle of Megiddo
	Jehoahaz ·         Reigns 609 for three months ·         Bad ·         Taken prisoner by Necho
	Jehoiakim ·         Reigns 609-598 ·         Bad ·         Installed by Necho ·         Made a vassal by Nebuchadnezzar ·         Problems with foreign raiders
	Jehoiachin ·         Reigns 598-597 ·         Bad ·         Son of Jehoiakim ·         Taken prisoner by Nebuchadnezzar ·         First wave of deportation
	Zedekiah ·         Reigns 597-586 ·         Bad ·         Blinded and taken prisoner by Nebuchadnezzar when he rebels ·         Second wave of deportation
	Gedaliah ·         Governor installed by the Babylonians in 586 ·         Killed by the Judans, who flee to Egypt

1

Moab, which had been under Israelite control since David, rebels after the death of Ahab. Ahaziah is injured in a fall in his house, sends messengers to the god Baal-Zebub. Elijah prophecies against Ahaziah. Two sets of fifty soldiers who try to arrest Elijah are consumed by fire. A third set of soldiers asks Elijah to spare their lives, so he does and comes before the king, and repeats his prophecy against Ahaziah, who then dies.


2

Elisha follows Elijah. Elisha’s followers are called the sons of the prophets. Elijah strikes the water of the Jordan with his mantle, and it is divided into two. A chariot of fire carries Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha receives the spirit of Elijah, and divides the water with his mantle. Elisha heals the water of Jericho so it is no longer bad. Bears maul youths who mock Elisha’s baldness.


3

Jehoram of Israel (who puts away the pillar of Baal but still does evil in the sight of the Lord) and Jehoshaphat fight against the rebellious Moabites. Elisha predicts victory for Israel, and water is miraculously produced in the valley. Moab is defeated. The king of Moab desperately sacrifices his own son.


4

Elisha works miracles. A widow’s single jar of oil fills many vessels and is sold to pay debts and save her sons from becoming slaves. A barren Shunammite woman who offers Elisha hospitality is promised a son. The son is later killed in a harvesting accident, and brought by Elisha back to life. During a famine, Elisha purifies a stew made of poisonous herbs and wild gourds. Twenty loaves are multiplied to feed a hundred men.


5

Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, gets leprosy. Elisha instructs him to wash in the Jordan seven times, and he does so, despite initial resistance to such humbling instructions. Elisha refuses a reward. Naaman asks pardon for being compelled to worship Syrian gods, and is told to go in peace. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, follows after Naaman and takes a reward from him. Gehazi lies about what he did to Naaman, and is punished with leprosy.
6

The sons of the prophet go to build a bigger house for themselves. While cutting down a tree at the Jordan, an axe drops into the water. Elisha takes a stick, throws it in the water, and the axe floats. Elisha gives the king of Israel information from divinely inspired espionage, so the king of Syria conspires to kidnap him at Dothan. Elisha and Israel are protected by a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. The Syrians are blinded and taken to Samaria – their lives are spared, but they do not raid Israel again. Samaria is later besieged by Ben-Hadad, and people resort to cannibalism. The king is angry at Elisha for this calamity, and seeks his head.


7

Elisha predicts that food will be cheaper the following day. Four leprous men surrender to the Syrian army – the Syrians have abandoned their camp, however, hearing the noises of chariots and horses. The lepers enjoy the abandoned food and wealth, then spread the good news. A officer who doubted Elisha’s prophecy is trampled to death.


8

The Shunammite woman whose son Elisha has restored to life leaves Israel for seven years, warned by Elisha to depart because of a famine. When she returns, she manages to reclaim her own land when Gehazi, who is dealing with her case, is told of all the wonderful things Elisha has done. Ben-Hadad becomes ill, and asks Hazael to consult Elisha as to whether he will recover. Elisha tells Hazael he will becomes the next king. Hazael kills Ban-Hadad. Jehoram follows Jehoshapat as king of Judah. He does evil. An Edomite rebellion started against Judah that continues to this day. Joram dies, and is replaced as king by Ahaziah, who reigns for one year. He does evil, and battles against Hazael of Syria. Ahaziah forms an anti-Syrian alliance with Joram of Israel after Joram is injured in battle against the Syrians at Ramah.


9

Elisha calls a prophet’s son to anoint Jehu, son of Jehoshapat, king of Israel. The Lord intends to use Jehu as a tool of judgment against the house of Ahab. Jehu approaches Jezreel, where Joram king of Israel (son-in-law of Ahab and Jezebel) is recovering. Jehu kills Joram, whose body is dumped in Naboth’s vineyard. Jehu also kills the wicked king Ahaziah of Judah. Jehu also defenestrates Jezebel, whose body is eaten by dogs (fulfilling a previous prophecy).


10

Jehu bullies Jezreel into the killing of Ahab’s seventy sons. He also kills Ahaziah’s forty-two brothers. Jehu executes the remainder of Ahab’s family at Samaria. Jehu gathers all Baal worshippers in Israel and kills them. The golden calves remain at Bethel and Dan, however. Syria captures large parts of Israel’s territory. Jehu reigns 28 years, and is replaced by Jehoahaz.


11

Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, kills all the heirs of Ahaziah and reigns. Joash, the son of Ahaziah, is saved by Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram. After six years, Jehoiada reveals Joash, and has him proclaimed king when he is seven. Athaliah is killed at the orders of Jehoiada the priest. Baal worship is eliminated.


12

Joash rules in Jerusalem 40 years, obeys God (though the high places are not taken away), rebuilds temple, gives temple items to Hazael of Syria to appease him, and is killed by his servants. His son, Amaziah, reigns.


13

Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, reigns in Israel, does evil, is delivered into the hands of Syria, and dies. Jehoash, his son, reigns, does evil, and dies. Elisha is sick, and dies. A man is buried with Elisha, and is revived when his corpse touches his bones.


14

Amaziah, the son of Joash, reigns. He is good, though does not remove the high places. Amaziah kills the servants who murdered his father, but not their children, because of what Moses had said regarding not punishing children for the sins of the parents. Amaziah fights Jehoash of Israel, loses, and is taken captive. Jehoash loots the temple, dies, and is replaced by his son, Jeroboam, who does evil. Presumably released after the death of Jehoash, Amaziah is desposed, flees, is killed, and replaced by his son, the sixteen year old Azariah. Jeroboam is replaced by Zechariah.


15

Azariah reigns for 52 years. He does right, though does not remove the high places. He dies a leper, and is replaced by Jotham, who does good. Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah and Pekah reign in Israel and disobey God. Jotham’s Judah is attacked by Syria. Jotham dies, and is replaced by Ahaz.


16

Ahaz rules Judah and reigns for sixteen years. He was a bad king, making human sacrifices with fire to Molech. Judah is attacked by Syria and Israel. Ahaz asks Assyria for help, so Assyria attacks Damascus and forcibly deports its people. Ahaz builds a false altar like the one he sees at Damascus altar. Ahaz dies, to be replaced by Hezekiah.


17

Hoshea rules Israel for 9 years, and disobeys God. Assyria imprisons Hoshea after uncovering his conspiracy against them, besieges Samaria, and takes Israel away as captives. The reason for Israel’s demise is its disobedience, and its rejection of repeated warnings. Assyrians settle in Samaria, which is now characterised by a mish-mash of different religions and religious practices, including Yahwehism.


18

Hezekiah rules Judah, and obeys God, removing the high places and destroying the bronze serpent of Moses which was worshipped idolatrously. Hezekiah defies Assyria, and subdues the Philistines. Assyria takes Israel captive. Assyria takes the fenced cities of Judah. Hezekiah tries to buy peace from the Assyrians, but Assyria threatens nonetheless. Rabshekah, the general of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, delivers an insulting speech about defying the Assyrians, trusting in the Lord, and trusting in the Egyptians. He speaks in Hebrew so all can understand him.


19

Hezekiah consults Isaiah, who speaks words of assurance on behalf of God to Hezekiah: Sennacherib will be defeated, and killed in his own land. Hezekiah prays. Isaiah prophesies against Sennacherib. An angel kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib returns home, and is killed by his sons while worshipping in a pagan temple.


20

Hezekiah is very sick, and is told by God via Isaiah to put his house in order, because he will die. He asks God for more life, and is told (again by Isaiah) that he will recover and live another 15 years. As a sign, he makes the shadow on a sundial move backwards rather than forwards. Hezekiah bares the treasures of his kingdom to the son of the king of Babylon. Isaiah says the Lord is displeased, and that a day will come when the Babylonians carry the treasures and people of Judah away. Hezekiah dies, replaced by Manasseh.


21

Manasseh rules Judah for 55 years, rebuilds the high places, and worships other gods. Prophets predict Jerusalem’s destruction – it will be wiped as one wipes a dish. Amon rules Judah for two years, and turns from God. He is killed by his servants, and replaced by Josiah.


22

Josiah becomes king at 8 years old. He does right, and rebuilds the temple. Hilkiah, the high priest, finds a book of law (probably an earlier version of Deuteronomy), which is read to the king. Josiah tears his clothes. Huldah the prophetess warns that judgment is coming against Jerusalem, but not in Josiah’s time.


23

Josiah publically reads book of law to all Judah. Josiah set a thorough programme of religious reform in motion. He also destroy the pagan altar at Bethel (fulfilling the prophecy of 1 King 13), and the high places in Samaria. A centralised Passover is held in Jerusalem. Josiah is killed fighting at the battle of Megiddo, fighting king Necho of Egypt, who was travelling through Judah to assist the Assyrians. Josiah’s son, Jehoahaz, takes over, and does evil. He reigns for three months, then is taken prisoner by Necho. Necho installs Jehoiakim on the throne of Judah. Jehoiakim is an Egyptian puppet, and reigns for eleven year.


24

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon make Jehoiakim his vassal. Judah is attacked by raiders from Babylon, Syria, Moab and Ammon. Jehoiachin, the son of Jehoiakim, rules next and does evil. The Egyptians leave Judah alone, because the Babylonians become the dominant local power. Nebuchadnezzar besiege Jerusalem, and takes Jehoiachin prisoner. Jerusalem is stripped of its wealth, and all but the poorest are forcibly deported. Zedekiah, the uncle of Jehoiachin, is installed on the throne of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah reigns for eleven years, and rebels against Nebuchadnezzar.


25

Nebuchadnezzar besieges Jerusalem again. The sons of Zedekiah are killed, and Zedekiah himself blinded and taken prisoner. Nebuchadnezzar destroys the temple and the city, taking valuables and people to Babylon. Gedaliah is made the governor of the few who remain. Gedaliah is assassinated, whereupon the remnant in Judah flee to Egypt. Jehoiachin leads a more comfortable life in Babylon.