Rehoboam to Hoshea
Old Testament Division—Fourth Period (Continued)
LEADING PERSONS
Rehoboam.—Ascended the throne on death of Solomon, his father. Rejected wise counsel and angered his subjects (1 Kings 12:1-20).
Israel, the Northern Kingdom.
Jeroboam I.—Set up as king by the ten tribes in revolt (Israel, or the Northern Kingdom), erected two golden calves for worship (1 Kings 12:25-33).
Ahab.—Followed Omri as ruler of Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 16:28). Married Jezebel, who established a heathen worship (1 Kings 16:31).
Elijah and Elisha.—Prophets of God, sent to stay the wickedness of the Northern Kingdom. Elijah enters remarkable contest with Ahab (1 Kings 17:1 to 18:46. See also 1 Kings 21). For elaboration of this story see [Lesson 10].
Jehu.—Ruler of the nation; tried to abolish Baal worship (2 Kings 9, 10). His reforms partially successful. His son Jehoahaz continued in gross idolatry (2 Kings 13:2-9).
Jeroboam II.—Ruler of the Northern Kingdom. His reign marked by great outward prosperity, but continued inward decay (2 Kings 14:24). The time of the prophecy of Amos (read the whole book) and of Hosea.
Hoshea.—Last of the kings. Samaria captured by the King of Assyria, and Israel taken captive. Read 2 Kings 17:1-41.
Shalmaneser.—The Assyrian king.
TIME.—982 B. C. to 718 B. C.
PLACES.—Shechem, Bethel, Dan, Mt. Carmel, Jezreel, Horeb, Samaria, Cherith, Zarephath.
SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.—God's unceasing efforts to save his people from their sins are marked by the sending of prophets, like Elijah and Elisha, at a time when wicked kings had led the people into abominable idolatry.