No 11. THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS.

THE BOOK OF THE DISPERSION.

The great empires of East Assyria, Babylon, and Persia will almost exclusively occupy our attention. They all alike exercised the most significant influence upon the destiny of ancient Israel.

In the records of those great World Kingdoms, the confirmations are so numerous and so convincing that the critics have to confess that here at least,

THE BIBLE IS RECOGNISED AS HISTORY!

The critic must retire confounded and ashamed.

Israel, at this point, has become steeped in infidelity and moral degradation until, finally, the measure of their wickedness becomes full, and judgment falls upon them.

Pitiless foes wreak havoc and vengeance upon them and drag them from their land into the land of captivity. In chapter 25, we see Jerusalem sacked, the Temple burnt, and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) entering detention, from which only a remnant returned.

Though the captivities were a hundred years apart, they are associated together as one captivity called,

THE DISPERSION.

We cannot read the second book of Kings without remembering the words of Solomon’s proverb.

“THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSOR IS HARD”

Then Paul’s words, “THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.”

It is demonstrated nationally and declared justice for all to see and notice. SINNING despite warning brings RUIN without REMEDY.

Abused privileges bring increased PENALTIES.

The deeper the GUILT, the heavier the STROKE.

PEOPLE MAY RESIST CORRECTION, BUT THEY CAN NOT ESCAPE RETRIBUTION.

Keep this verse ever before your eyes,

“WHATSOEVER A MAN SHALL SOW, (or a nation) THAT WHICH HE SHALL ALSO REAP.”

In 2nd Kings, we see Israel hauled through the streets behind the chariot wheels of their heathen conquerors; we cannot indeed fail to see that the central message of this book is that:

WILLFUL SIN BRINGS A WOEFUL END!

We note that in the second book of Kings, 17 Kings rule for 250 years (over the ten tribes of Israel). Judah, who had only 10 Kings, continued for 390 years from when they split from Israel.

EACH KING, CHARACTERIZED BY THE STANDARD SET BY KING DAVID, FELL SHORT.

Speaking of Solomon: “His heart was not perfect before the Lord, as David, his father. 1 Kings. 11:4.

Read about King Asa.

1 King 25:11.

“Asa did not do that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father.”

Despite his sins, which marred his life, David’s trust in God, his general Integrity and his zeal for Divine honor, and his responsibility as a king under God made him be called,

“A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART”

And as the pattern for those who would succeed him. Through many troubled times, God preserved David’s line of Kings. Come with me into the lives of those whom God protected to carry out His Will for Israel and, finally, down to us.

1. Jehosheba, the daughter of Jehoram, saved JOASH. 2 Kings 11: 1-3.

God intervened and healed Hezekiah when he was sick unto death. 2 Kings 20: 1-10.

3. God continued to preserve the line through Nathan the Prophet.

4. After the Captivity, the line continues with Zerubbabel, under whose leadership they rebuilt the temple. Zerubbabel preserved the genealogical line of David down to the birth of JESUS CHRIST THE LORD.

Who is David’s Son in whom the Davidic line is NEVER ENDING, EVERLASTING, CONSTANTLY, NEVER TO BE INTERRUPTED!

Jesus, by His second coming, will set up David’s throne on this earth in the city of Jerusalem in fulfillment of the Covenant promise made with David by God long ago.

He is the true HEIR according to the Scriptures in both the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS!

JESUS IS KING! JESUS IS KING! TRUE KING OF ISRAEL;

DAVID’S GREAT-SON; HOPE OF THE FATHERS;

HEIR TO THE THRONE;

LION OF JUDAH;

LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN;

TRUE KING OF ISRAEL;

YET HE SHALL REIGN.

JESUS IS KING! JESUS IS KING!

….. J S Baxter.

IS JESUS THE KING OF YOUR LIFE?

You must confess Him as Lord of your spirit, soul, and body. Allow him to rule in every area of your life. It will help if you put aside your selfish ways. Paul preached in the book of Galatians.

“MY OLD SELF IS CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.”

“IT IS NO LONGER THAT I LIVE, BUT CHRIST THAT LIVES IN ME.”

Galatians 2:20.

Yes, we must reckon (count) ourselves dead indeed unto sin and alive unto Christ.

With Paul, we declare: “I DIE DAILY” TO MY SELFISH WAYS.”

The promise of a victorious life will follow when you submit to Christ’s Lordship.

“KING OF MY LIFE, I CROWN HIM NOW, THINE THE GLORY BE. MAKE MY LIFE A LIVING SACRIFICE, CRUCIFIED FOR THEE.”

Amen.