The Relation between the Two Kingdoms.  The bearing of the two kingdoms toward each other during this period was constantly changing. (1) There was almost constant war for about sixty years.  During this time the kings of Judah cherished the hope that they would regain their control over the ten tribes. (2) There was a period of close alliance.  This alliance was sealed by an intermarriage between the families of Ahab, king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah.  The purpose seems to have been that they might better resist the encroaching power of Assyria. (3) There was a fresh manifestation of hatred.  Jehu is enthroned in Israel and destroys the house of Ahab.  This shatters the alliance between the two nations and causes a breach that is never healed.  The northern kingdom becomes more and more idolatrous, suffers at the hands of the Syrians and is finally carried captive by the Assyrians in 722 B. C.

The Messages of the Prophets of this Period.  It is not within the purpose of this study to raise any of the questions of criticism concerning these books.  Nor is there time to summarize the contents or teachings of nay or all of them.  The prophets of this period are Jonah, Amos and Hosea, and the prophecy of each should be read following the outline given in the author’s “The Bible Book by Book.”

Lessons of the Period. (1) Jehovah rules not only in Israel but over all peoples. (2) Each nation is responsible to God according to its opportunity and enlightenment. (3) God judges people according to their acts, not according to religious creeds or ceremonies. (4) Though a merciful God, Jehovah will and must finally punish willful and continuous evil doers. (5) Sin is infidelity to God and brings pain to his heart. (6) All punishment is administered to the end that the sinful may repent and be forgiven. (7) Jehovah loves men and demands that they love him in return. (8) Repentance is the only way of escape from doom. (9) God seeks to save men and nations from the sins that are to destroy them.

For Study and Discussion. (1) The events leading to the division of the kingdom. (2) The story of each king in each nation, (a) How he came to the throne, (b) The chief acts of his reign, (c) The character of the king himself, (d) The length of his reign, (e) His enemies and his friends, (f) How his reign ended. (3) The story of Ahab. (4) The story of Elijah. (5) The story of Elisha. (6) The miracles of the period. (7) The different enemies with which the tribes were surrounded and the trouble they had with each. (8) Jonah and his service. (9) The evidence of wealth and luxury of the time. (10) The sins of cruelty and injustice in society and government.

Chapter XIV.

The Kingdom of Judah.

II K. 18-25; II Chron. 28-36.

Note:  This period covers the time from the fail of Israel to the fall of Judah.  It begins in the sixth year of the reign of Hezekiah, whose name is given as the first king of the period since most of his reign was in this instead of the former period.