Kings of Judah: A House Divided

2 Chronicles 10:16-17

“Each of you to your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” (v. 16)

2 Chronicles was written for a confused people.  Abraham was called by God and promised the land of Canaan around 2000 B.C.  Over 500 years later, Moses led the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt.  Then Joshua conquered (most of) the promised land.  Following Joshua, the Judges ruled, until about 1050, at which time Israel asked for a king (much to God’s chagrin).  First came Saul (1051-1011).  Then the Messianic prototype, David (1011-971).  And finally Solomon (971-931).  These were the three kings of the United Monarchy.

But the unity did not last.  Israel, in the north, followed Jeroboam, while Judah, in the south, followed Rehoboam.  Beginning with Rehoboam and going up to the Babylonian captivity, we will take the next fifteen weeks to look at the kings of Judah through the eyes of the chronicler.

2 Chronicles was written after the exile and addressed two questions the post-exile community was asking.  (1) “How did we lose the Lord’s favor?”  And (2) “How do we get it back?”  Looking at the Judah’s kings answers both questions.  Judah lost the Lord’s favor because they disregarded God’s law.  They can get it back by humble repentance and obedience.  These were the lessons for the returning exiles and for us.