Welcome to part five of our journey through the books of the Bible. In this session, we’ll continue exploring four historical books: 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles. Previously, we covered the first ten books, so if you haven’t gone through them yet, it would be helpful to read those summaries first to keep the flow consistent.
Originally, 1 and 2 Kings were a single book, later divided into two. They are traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, who, though he lived at the end of the monarchy, had access to historical records known as the Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah (see 1 Kings 14:19; 2 Kings 15:6). These books give a sweeping account of the monarchies of Israel and Judah.
The narrative begins with King Solomon, the third king of Israel after Saul and David, and progresses through a long line of kings some faithful, most unfaithful.
These books describe:
Although the Israelites had demanded a king (1 Samuel 8), this was not God’s original desire for them. Still, God allowed it and worked through their kingship even using their failures to reveal His justice and mercy.
Solomon was David’s son through Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah). Although his reign started with wisdom and glory, it ended in spiritual decline.
“Now King Solomon loved many foreign women…from the nations concerning which the Lord had said…‘You shall not enter into marriage with them…’” 1 Kings 11:1–2 (ESV)
Solomon married many foreign women (700 wives and 300 concubines) who led him to worship other gods such as Ashtoreth, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech (1 Kings 11:5–7). Though he later repented (as suggested in Ecclesiastes), the damage was already done.
Solomon built a magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling the desire of his father David (1 Kings 6–8). God had told David:
“You shall not build a house for my name…for you are a man of war and have shed blood.”1 Chronicles 28:3 (ESV)
So Solomon built it instead. The Temple symbolized God’s dwelling among His people, and the construction showcased unmatched excellence, with resources and craftsmanship from across the known world. The Temple was completed in silence (1 Kings 6:7), making it a wonder to behold.
God blessed Israel with peace during Solomon’s reign, but his later idolatry led to severe consequences:
“Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Since this has been your practice… I will surely tear the kingdom from you… Nevertheless, I will not do it in your days for the sake of David your father…’”1 Kings 11:11–12 (ESV)
After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam became king. Due to his harsh leadership, ten tribes revolted under Jeroboam, forming the Northern Kingdom (Israel), while only Judah and Benjamin remained under Rehoboam in the Southern Kingdom (Judah).
Thus, the once united Israel was split in two:
Every king of Israel (north) did evil in God’s sight. Jeroboam introduced golden calves (1 Kings 12:28–30), and later kings, such as Ahab and Jezebel, led Israel even deeper into idolatry and injustice. Jezebel, a pagan queen from Sidon, promoted Baal worship and persecuted God’s prophets.
In response, God raised up prophets especially Elijah to call the people back to Him (1 Kings 17–19).
Despite miracles and warnings, Israel did not repent. After centuries of rebellion, Assyria conquered Israel in 722 BC and took the people into exile (2 Kings 17).
Judah had a few righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, who led reformations and sought to bring the people back to God. But most kings followed corrupt practices, leading Judah down a similar path as Israel.
The prophet Jeremiah, along with others like Isaiah and Micah, continually warned of coming judgment if the people didn’t repent.
Eventually, Judah too was judged. In 586 BC, Babylon invaded, destroyed Jerusalem, and took the people into exile for 70 years, fulfilling God’s word.
“They mocked the messengers of God, despised his words…until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, until there was no remedy.”2 Chronicles 36:16 (ESV)
Solomon’s sin didn’t affect just him it tore a nation apart. This is a profound lesson: Sin always has consequences that extend beyond the sinner.
You might think, “My actions only affect me,” but Scripture warns otherwise.
“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Galatians 5:9 (ESV)
When believers sin willfully, they damage the testimony of the Church and dishonor God’s name. We see this in how Israel’s disobedience led not only to exile, but also to God’s holy name being blasphemed among the nations (Romans 2:24).
God sent prophets early and often, warning His people out of compassion.
“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers…because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place.”2 Chronicles 36:15 (ESV)
But they mocked the messengers, hardened their hearts, and refused to repent.
This is no different today. People scoff at the Gospel, mock preachers, and ignore God’s Word. But the Bible warns:
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”Luke 13:24 (ESV)
There will be a time when grace will no longer be offered. The door will be shut.
Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15). Repent from sin. Believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be baptized.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 (ESV)
True baptism is by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, not merely a symbol but a step of obedience tied to repentance and forgiveness.
Read these books yourself 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles. Don’t skip any part. They are rich with lessons about God’s faithfulness, judgment, and mercy.
They show how God patiently pleads with His people for centuries before judgment falls. They also show how sin, if unrepented, always brings destruction but repentance brings mercy.
Let these stories stir your heart. Turn to Christ today. Share this truth with others.
The time of grace is now before the door shuts.
May the Lord bless you.
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Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
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