The Chronicles of the Bible
by Owen Borville
August 18, 2020
Bible
The Chronicles of the Bible focus on the history of the Kings and Kingdom of Israel approximately 1000 B.C. to the fall and captivity several centuries later.
1 CHRONICLES
First Chronicles 1-9 starts with a chronology and genealogy of historical records from Adam to Abraham to the kingdom period. Included is the genealogy of Noah's sons, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's families, Esau, the twelve tribes of Israel, the sons of David, the Kings of Israel and Judah, and the royal line after the exile.
Adam to Abraham 1 Chronicles 1
Jacob (Israel's Sons): 1 Chronicles 2
Sons of David: 1 Chronicles 3
Judah and Simeon Descendants: 1 Chronicles 4
Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh: 1 Chronicles 5
Levi, Temple Musicians: 1 Chronicles 6
Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher: 1 Chronicles 7
Saul the Benjamite: 1 Chronicles 8
Jerusalem, Saul: 1 Chronicles 9
Saul Takes His Life: 1 Chronicles 10
Saul was the first appointed king of Israel, but he did not live up to God's standards and did not completely follow God's instructions. Therefore, Saul was eventually rejected and David was named king of Israel.
13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 14 And enquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.
David Became King of Israel as Chronicles 11 accounts and conquered Jerusalem and that is why it is called the city of David. David grew in popularity and strength during his tenure. In chapter 14, David defeated the Philistines. In chapter 15, the Ark is brought to Jerusalem.
David Becomes King: 1 Chronicles 11
Warriors Join David: 1 Chronicles 12
Bring Back Ark: 1 Chronicles 13
David Conquers Philistines: 1 Chronicles 14
Ark Brought to Jerusalem: 1 Chronicles 15
Ministering Ark: 1 Chronicles 16
First Chronicles 17 lists God's Promise to David, as God promised to establish his kingdom and throne forever, as reported by Nathan the prophet.
11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build me an house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: 14 But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore. 15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 1 Chronicles 17:11-15.
God's Promise to David, David's Prayer: 1 Chronicles 17
David's Military Victories: 1 Chronicles 18
First Chronicles 18-19 describes David's victories over the Philistines and Moab, while Chapter 19 describes David's victory over the Ammonites.
David Defeats Ammonites: 1 Chronicles 19
Capture Rabbah, Philistines: 1 Chronicles 20
David Counts Fighting Men: 1 Chronicles 21
Chapter 21 of First Chronicles describes David's mistake, pursuing a census of Israel and fighting men, which brought the punishment from God in the form of a plague over Israel.
Chapter 22-29 describes David's preparations for the construction of the first temple for the Lord, including organizing the priests and Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, army divisions, furnishings in the interior of the temple, and gifts for the temple.
Preparations for the Temple: 1 Chronicles 22
Levite Descendants: 1 Chronicles 23
Chapter 23 includes David's anointing of his son Solomon as the next king of Israel, also in chapter 29.
Priests and Levites: 1 Chronicles 24
David's Musicians: 1 Chronicles 25
Gatekeepers and Treasurers: 1 Chronicles 26
Army Divisions, Leaders of Tribes, Kings Overseers: 1 Chronicles 27
David Plans Temple: 1 Chronicles 28
Gifts for Temple, David's Prayer, Solomon Named King, Death of David: 1 Chronicles 29
2 CHRONICLES
Solomon Asked for Wisdom in the first chapter of Second Chronicles.
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. 2 Chronicles 1:11-12.
Solomon Asks for Wisdom: 2 Chronicles 1
Solomon Continues Preparations for the first temple in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3-4, the temple is built, including its furnishings. In Chapter 5, the Ark is brought to the temple and the temple is dedicated in Chapter 7 as the Lord appears to Solomon and re-establishes the covenant with Israel, promising to bless Israel for obedience and punish for disobedience.
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Preparations for the Temple: 2 Chronicles 2
Solomon Builds Temple: 2 Chronicles 3
Temple Furnishings: 2 Chronicles 4
Ark Brought to Temple: 2 Chronicles 5
Solomon's Prayer: 2 Chronicles 6
Dedication of Temple, Lord Appears to Solomon: 2 Chronicles 7
Solomon's Other Activities: 2 Chronicles 8
Queen Sheba Visits Solomon, Splendor, Death: 2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon in Chapter 9 and is very impressed with the new temple and Solomon's kingdom and achievements. Solomon and the queen exchanged gifts, including precious metals and stones, and the queen returned to her country.
Solomon's Death and Kingdom Split is recorded in Chapter 9. After Solomon's death, there is civil conflict in Israel and the Kingdom split into two under Solomon's sons, Rehoboam (southern-Judah) and Jeroboam (northern-Israel).
Israel became weaker after the split, and foreign enemies attacked Israel, as recorded in Chapter 12.
Every king of Israel's northern tribes was unfaithful to the Lord, while there were some faithful kings in the southern kingdom of Judah.
After Rehoboam, the first king of Judah was unfaithful, the second king, Abijah was also unfaithful along with his successor, Abihah (Chapter 13), who fought with Jeroboam of the northern tribes.
Israel Rebels Rehoboam of Judah: 2 Chronicles 10
Rehoboam Fortifies Judah: 2 Chronicles 11
Shisak (Egypt) Attacks Jerusalem: 2 Chronicles 12
Abijah (Judah): 2 Chronicles 13
Asa became king of Judah in Chapter 14 and was faithful to the Lord, removed the idols.
Asa (Judah): 2 Chronicles 14
Asa's Reform: 2 Chronicles 15
Asa's Last Years: 2 Chronicles 16
Jehoshaphat, Son of Asa, became king of Judah in Chapter 17, and was faithful to the Lord, consulted the Lord's prophets and did not consult the idols. 950-850 B.C.
Jehoshaphat (Judah) 2 Chronicles 17
3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6.
Micaiah the Prophet Prophecy Against Ahab, Ahab Dies: 2 Chronicles 18
Chapter 18 chronicles Ahab, the unfaithful king of Israel, and the prophet Micaiah's prophecies against him. Ahab put Michaiah in prison for his bad prophecy. Jehoshaphat and Ahab join forces against Ramoth Gilead. Ahab was wounded in battle and died. Ahab's wife Jezebel led Ahab into stronger idol worship.
Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges: 2 Chronicles 19
Jehoshaphat appointed some judges and priests and continued to follow the Lord.
Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon: 2 Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, defeated Moab and Ammon. Jehoshaphat reigned 25 years in Jerusalem.
Jehoram (Judah): 2 Chronicles 21
Jehoram became king of Judah in Chapter 21, but followed the unfaithful ways of Ahab. Jehoram killed all of his brothers except the youngest, Ahaziah. Elijah the prophet warned against Jehoram and his unfaithfulness. The Philistines attacked Judah and plundered it. The Lord also inflicted Jehoram with an incurable bowel disease. Jehoram reigned 8 years.
Ahaziah (Judah), Athaliah, Joash: 2 Chronicles 22
Two unfaithful kings of Judah followed, including Ahaziah and Athaliah, his wicked mother, who killed the whole royal family except Joash, who was hidden and became king after Athaliah.
Jehoiada the Priest Leads Reforms, Athalia Slain: 2 Chronicles 23
Jehoiada the Priest led reforms to follow the Lord and keep the royal line of David.
Joash Repaired Temple, But Worshipped Idols: 2 Chronicles 24
Joash was originally faithful to the Lord, but after Jehoiada the priest died, Joash fell in to idol worship.
Amaziah (Judah): 2 Chronicles 25
Originally faithful to the Lord, defeated the Edomites, but worshipped their idols and was punished.
Uzziah (Judah): 2 Chronicles 26
Uzziah was originally faithful to the Lord, became successful and powerful, but later became prideful and entered the temple without authorization to burn incense. Uzziah was punished with leprosy. Reigned 52 years in Jerusalem.
Jotham (Judah): 2 Chronicles 27
Jotham was originally faithful to the Lord and defeated the Ammonites, became powerful, but the people, however, continued to be corrupt.
Ahaz (Judah): 2 Chronicles 28
Evil king who worshipped the idols, was defeated by Aram. The Edomites and Philistines also attacked Judah. He was warned by the prophet Oded.
Hezekiah was the first faithful King of Judah in many years, beginning in 715 B.C. and purified the Lord's temple, re-installed temple worship to the Lord, priestly services of the Lord were re-established, pagan temples were destroyed, a renewed celebration of the Passover occurred, and a successful defending of Jerusalem against Assyrian invaders occurred. The Chronicles devotes four chapters to King Hezekiah and more coverage than any king except David and Solomon.
Hezekiah Repaired and Purified Temple: 2 Chronicles 29
King Hezekiah repaired and purified the Temple, and re-established priestly services.
Hezekiah Celebrated Passover; 2 Chronicles 30
Hezekiah Assigned the Priests and Levites to Divisions: 2 Chronicles 31
Sennacherib (Assyria) Threatened Jerusalem, but Lord Delivered: 2 Chronicles 32
Manasseh King of Judah Was Originally Evil, Later Humbled Himself: 2 Chronicles 33
Manasseh started out worshiping the idols, but later humbled himself to the Lord and removed the idols. He served 55 years in Jerusalem. Amon, Manasseh's successor, re-installed the idols, and was later assassinated.
Josiah's Reforms, Book of Law Found: 2 Chronicles 34
Josiah brought Judah back to the Lord, and removed the idols, purified the land and the temple. Judah followed the Lord during Josiah's reign.
Josiah Celebrates Passover: 2 Chronicles 35
A Passover celebration such as this had not been practiced since the days of the prophet Samuel.
Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah, Jerusalem Falls to Babylon: 2 Chronicles 36
A line of evil, idol-worshipping kings led to the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem, which was captured by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.
After Hoshea concluded a long line of unfaithful kings of Israel, the northern tribes were conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C.
After the first three kings of the United Kingdom of Israel (Saul, David, Solomon), the kingdom split into two kingdoms, the 10 northern tribes of Israel led by Solomon's son Jeroboam and the 2 southern tribes of Judah led by Solomon's son Rehoboam. All 19 kings of the northern kingdom of Israel were evil or "did evil in the eyes of the Lord." The southern kingdom of Judah had evil kings too, but had a few kings that were faithful to the Lord, including:
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Joash, who repaired the temple.
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 2 Chronicles 24:1-2. After Jehoiada the priest died, however, Joash was wicked and worshipped the idols.
Amaziah
Uzziah (Azariah)
Jotham
Hezekiah
Josiah
The rulers of the two kingdoms continued to fall into idol worship and the result was the eventual conquest and exile of the Israel nation, first the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. by Assyria and then the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. by Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar. There is no official record of the ten northern tribes ever returning to Israel after being taken into captivity by the Assyrians. These "lost tribes" have been scattered throughout all of the nations in the world and many people in the world claim Jewish ancestry. The southern tribes of Judah would return from exile during the Persian Empire occupation and were allowed to rebuild the Temple.
by Owen Borville
August 18, 2020
Bible
The Chronicles of the Bible focus on the history of the Kings and Kingdom of Israel approximately 1000 B.C. to the fall and captivity several centuries later.
1 CHRONICLES
First Chronicles 1-9 starts with a chronology and genealogy of historical records from Adam to Abraham to the kingdom period. Included is the genealogy of Noah's sons, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's families, Esau, the twelve tribes of Israel, the sons of David, the Kings of Israel and Judah, and the royal line after the exile.
Adam to Abraham 1 Chronicles 1
Jacob (Israel's Sons): 1 Chronicles 2
Sons of David: 1 Chronicles 3
Judah and Simeon Descendants: 1 Chronicles 4
Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh: 1 Chronicles 5
Levi, Temple Musicians: 1 Chronicles 6
Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher: 1 Chronicles 7
Saul the Benjamite: 1 Chronicles 8
Jerusalem, Saul: 1 Chronicles 9
Saul Takes His Life: 1 Chronicles 10
Saul was the first appointed king of Israel, but he did not live up to God's standards and did not completely follow God's instructions. Therefore, Saul was eventually rejected and David was named king of Israel.
13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 14 And enquired not of the Lord: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.
David Became King of Israel as Chronicles 11 accounts and conquered Jerusalem and that is why it is called the city of David. David grew in popularity and strength during his tenure. In chapter 14, David defeated the Philistines. In chapter 15, the Ark is brought to Jerusalem.
David Becomes King: 1 Chronicles 11
Warriors Join David: 1 Chronicles 12
Bring Back Ark: 1 Chronicles 13
David Conquers Philistines: 1 Chronicles 14
Ark Brought to Jerusalem: 1 Chronicles 15
Ministering Ark: 1 Chronicles 16
First Chronicles 17 lists God's Promise to David, as God promised to establish his kingdom and throne forever, as reported by Nathan the prophet.
11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build me an house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: 14 But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore. 15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 1 Chronicles 17:11-15.
God's Promise to David, David's Prayer: 1 Chronicles 17
David's Military Victories: 1 Chronicles 18
First Chronicles 18-19 describes David's victories over the Philistines and Moab, while Chapter 19 describes David's victory over the Ammonites.
David Defeats Ammonites: 1 Chronicles 19
Capture Rabbah, Philistines: 1 Chronicles 20
David Counts Fighting Men: 1 Chronicles 21
Chapter 21 of First Chronicles describes David's mistake, pursuing a census of Israel and fighting men, which brought the punishment from God in the form of a plague over Israel.
Chapter 22-29 describes David's preparations for the construction of the first temple for the Lord, including organizing the priests and Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, army divisions, furnishings in the interior of the temple, and gifts for the temple.
Preparations for the Temple: 1 Chronicles 22
Levite Descendants: 1 Chronicles 23
Chapter 23 includes David's anointing of his son Solomon as the next king of Israel, also in chapter 29.
Priests and Levites: 1 Chronicles 24
David's Musicians: 1 Chronicles 25
Gatekeepers and Treasurers: 1 Chronicles 26
Army Divisions, Leaders of Tribes, Kings Overseers: 1 Chronicles 27
David Plans Temple: 1 Chronicles 28
Gifts for Temple, David's Prayer, Solomon Named King, Death of David: 1 Chronicles 29
2 CHRONICLES
Solomon Asked for Wisdom in the first chapter of Second Chronicles.
11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. 2 Chronicles 1:11-12.
Solomon Asks for Wisdom: 2 Chronicles 1
Solomon Continues Preparations for the first temple in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3-4, the temple is built, including its furnishings. In Chapter 5, the Ark is brought to the temple and the temple is dedicated in Chapter 7 as the Lord appears to Solomon and re-establishes the covenant with Israel, promising to bless Israel for obedience and punish for disobedience.
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Preparations for the Temple: 2 Chronicles 2
Solomon Builds Temple: 2 Chronicles 3
Temple Furnishings: 2 Chronicles 4
Ark Brought to Temple: 2 Chronicles 5
Solomon's Prayer: 2 Chronicles 6
Dedication of Temple, Lord Appears to Solomon: 2 Chronicles 7
Solomon's Other Activities: 2 Chronicles 8
Queen Sheba Visits Solomon, Splendor, Death: 2 Chronicles 9
The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon in Chapter 9 and is very impressed with the new temple and Solomon's kingdom and achievements. Solomon and the queen exchanged gifts, including precious metals and stones, and the queen returned to her country.
Solomon's Death and Kingdom Split is recorded in Chapter 9. After Solomon's death, there is civil conflict in Israel and the Kingdom split into two under Solomon's sons, Rehoboam (southern-Judah) and Jeroboam (northern-Israel).
Israel became weaker after the split, and foreign enemies attacked Israel, as recorded in Chapter 12.
Every king of Israel's northern tribes was unfaithful to the Lord, while there were some faithful kings in the southern kingdom of Judah.
After Rehoboam, the first king of Judah was unfaithful, the second king, Abijah was also unfaithful along with his successor, Abihah (Chapter 13), who fought with Jeroboam of the northern tribes.
Israel Rebels Rehoboam of Judah: 2 Chronicles 10
Rehoboam Fortifies Judah: 2 Chronicles 11
Shisak (Egypt) Attacks Jerusalem: 2 Chronicles 12
Abijah (Judah): 2 Chronicles 13
Asa became king of Judah in Chapter 14 and was faithful to the Lord, removed the idols.
Asa (Judah): 2 Chronicles 14
Asa's Reform: 2 Chronicles 15
Asa's Last Years: 2 Chronicles 16
Jehoshaphat, Son of Asa, became king of Judah in Chapter 17, and was faithful to the Lord, consulted the Lord's prophets and did not consult the idols. 950-850 B.C.
Jehoshaphat (Judah) 2 Chronicles 17
3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6.
Micaiah the Prophet Prophecy Against Ahab, Ahab Dies: 2 Chronicles 18
Chapter 18 chronicles Ahab, the unfaithful king of Israel, and the prophet Micaiah's prophecies against him. Ahab put Michaiah in prison for his bad prophecy. Jehoshaphat and Ahab join forces against Ramoth Gilead. Ahab was wounded in battle and died. Ahab's wife Jezebel led Ahab into stronger idol worship.
Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges: 2 Chronicles 19
Jehoshaphat appointed some judges and priests and continued to follow the Lord.
Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon: 2 Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, defeated Moab and Ammon. Jehoshaphat reigned 25 years in Jerusalem.
Jehoram (Judah): 2 Chronicles 21
Jehoram became king of Judah in Chapter 21, but followed the unfaithful ways of Ahab. Jehoram killed all of his brothers except the youngest, Ahaziah. Elijah the prophet warned against Jehoram and his unfaithfulness. The Philistines attacked Judah and plundered it. The Lord also inflicted Jehoram with an incurable bowel disease. Jehoram reigned 8 years.
Ahaziah (Judah), Athaliah, Joash: 2 Chronicles 22
Two unfaithful kings of Judah followed, including Ahaziah and Athaliah, his wicked mother, who killed the whole royal family except Joash, who was hidden and became king after Athaliah.
Jehoiada the Priest Leads Reforms, Athalia Slain: 2 Chronicles 23
Jehoiada the Priest led reforms to follow the Lord and keep the royal line of David.
Joash Repaired Temple, But Worshipped Idols: 2 Chronicles 24
Joash was originally faithful to the Lord, but after Jehoiada the priest died, Joash fell in to idol worship.
Amaziah (Judah): 2 Chronicles 25
Originally faithful to the Lord, defeated the Edomites, but worshipped their idols and was punished.
Uzziah (Judah): 2 Chronicles 26
Uzziah was originally faithful to the Lord, became successful and powerful, but later became prideful and entered the temple without authorization to burn incense. Uzziah was punished with leprosy. Reigned 52 years in Jerusalem.
Jotham (Judah): 2 Chronicles 27
Jotham was originally faithful to the Lord and defeated the Ammonites, became powerful, but the people, however, continued to be corrupt.
Ahaz (Judah): 2 Chronicles 28
Evil king who worshipped the idols, was defeated by Aram. The Edomites and Philistines also attacked Judah. He was warned by the prophet Oded.
Hezekiah was the first faithful King of Judah in many years, beginning in 715 B.C. and purified the Lord's temple, re-installed temple worship to the Lord, priestly services of the Lord were re-established, pagan temples were destroyed, a renewed celebration of the Passover occurred, and a successful defending of Jerusalem against Assyrian invaders occurred. The Chronicles devotes four chapters to King Hezekiah and more coverage than any king except David and Solomon.
Hezekiah Repaired and Purified Temple: 2 Chronicles 29
King Hezekiah repaired and purified the Temple, and re-established priestly services.
Hezekiah Celebrated Passover; 2 Chronicles 30
Hezekiah Assigned the Priests and Levites to Divisions: 2 Chronicles 31
Sennacherib (Assyria) Threatened Jerusalem, but Lord Delivered: 2 Chronicles 32
Manasseh King of Judah Was Originally Evil, Later Humbled Himself: 2 Chronicles 33
Manasseh started out worshiping the idols, but later humbled himself to the Lord and removed the idols. He served 55 years in Jerusalem. Amon, Manasseh's successor, re-installed the idols, and was later assassinated.
Josiah's Reforms, Book of Law Found: 2 Chronicles 34
Josiah brought Judah back to the Lord, and removed the idols, purified the land and the temple. Judah followed the Lord during Josiah's reign.
Josiah Celebrates Passover: 2 Chronicles 35
A Passover celebration such as this had not been practiced since the days of the prophet Samuel.
Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah, Jerusalem Falls to Babylon: 2 Chronicles 36
A line of evil, idol-worshipping kings led to the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem, which was captured by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.
After Hoshea concluded a long line of unfaithful kings of Israel, the northern tribes were conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C.
After the first three kings of the United Kingdom of Israel (Saul, David, Solomon), the kingdom split into two kingdoms, the 10 northern tribes of Israel led by Solomon's son Jeroboam and the 2 southern tribes of Judah led by Solomon's son Rehoboam. All 19 kings of the northern kingdom of Israel were evil or "did evil in the eyes of the Lord." The southern kingdom of Judah had evil kings too, but had a few kings that were faithful to the Lord, including:
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Joash, who repaired the temple.
Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 2 Chronicles 24:1-2. After Jehoiada the priest died, however, Joash was wicked and worshipped the idols.
Amaziah
Uzziah (Azariah)
Jotham
Hezekiah
Josiah
The rulers of the two kingdoms continued to fall into idol worship and the result was the eventual conquest and exile of the Israel nation, first the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. by Assyria and then the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. by Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar. There is no official record of the ten northern tribes ever returning to Israel after being taken into captivity by the Assyrians. These "lost tribes" have been scattered throughout all of the nations in the world and many people in the world claim Jewish ancestry. The southern tribes of Judah would return from exile during the Persian Empire occupation and were allowed to rebuild the Temple.
