Part 8 of 12 / Fallen Kingdoms, The Prophets, And The Great Exile
- Chris Houser
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Introduction: Ignored Warnings Leads To Inevitable And Dire Consequences
After the kingdom was divided into two, both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) drifted deeper into sin. Idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God marked their history.
Out of mercy, God raised up prophets, messengers who called His people back to repentance. Some listened briefly, but most ignored the warnings. Eventually, both kingdoms faced judgement and exile.
This week, we study how the prophets spoke truth to power, how God's people fell, and what hope remained even in exile.
Key Scriptures
The Fall Of The Northern Kingdom (Israel) - 2 Kings 17:7-23
The Fall Of The Southern Kingdom (Judah) - 2 Kings 25:1-12
The Call To Repentance - Isaiah 1:16-20
Prophecy Of 70 Years In Exile - Jeremiah 25:11-12
Vision Of The Dry Bones (Hope Of Restoration) - Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Role Of The Prophets
Prophets weren't fortune tellers; they were covenant messengers.
Their main tasks were to:
Calling people back to exclusive worship of Yahweh
Confronting idolatry and injustice
Announcing both judgement and hope
Examples:
Isaiah - warned Judah of judgment but promised a coming Messiah.
Jeremiah - wept over Jerusalem's fall and foretold 70 years of exile.
Ezekiel - proclaimed God's glory even in exile, giving visions of restoration.
Hosea - used his broken marriage to symbolize God's faithful love toward unfaithful Israel.
The Lesson: God always warns before He judges.
The Fall Of The Northern Kingdom (Israel)
Main Capital: Samaria
Timeframe: 722 BC
Cause: Persistent idolatry, including golden calves and Baal worship.
Invader: Assyria conquered Israel, scattering the 10 tribes among the nations.
The Lesson: compromise with the world eventually leads to collapse.
The Fall Of The Southern Kingdom (Judah)
Main Capital: Jerusalem
Timeframe: 586 BC
Cause: Rebellion, injustice, ignoring the prophets, and idolatry in the Temple itself
Invader: Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the Temple and carried the people into exile.
The Lesson: God's patience is great, but His judgment is very real.
Hope In The Midst Of Judgment
Even in exile, God gave hope through His prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.
Jeremiah 29:11 - God had plans to prosper and restore His people from judgment.
Ezekiel 37 - Vision of dry bones coming to life symbolized Israel's future restoration.
Isaiah 53 - Foretold the suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who he was saying would come.
The Lesson: judgment is never God's FINAL word, His Restoration and Redemption are.
Application
We as believers must listen to God's Word and repent quickly when we are convicted of sin. When nations and individuals alike face consequences, it is because they reject God's truth. In times of judgment, God's promises of hope remain for His people. Judgment is not the final decision.
Reflection Questions
Why do you think Israel and Judah repeatedly ignored the prophets?
How do we see similar rejection of God's truth in our world today?
What do the prophets teach us about God's character, both His justice and His mercy?
How does Ezekiel's vision of dry bones encourage us in "hopeless" situations?
Closing Prayer
Lord, help us to heed Your warnings when we hear them and to walk in obedience towards You. May we be taught by You to put away idols, and to cling to Your Word. Even in seasons of judgment, let us see the hope of restoration You promise in and through Christ. Thank You for being both just and merciful when we are not deserving. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
SNEAK PEEK / Week 9
In Week 9, we will be studying how God fulfilled His promise to bring His people back after 70 years of exile. We will be looking into the exploration of the return under Ezra and Nehemiah, the temple being rebuilt once again, and the restoration of Jerusalem's walls.
Tune Next Week for Week 9: Israel's Return And The Rebuilding For A New Beginning
Don't miss next week!
Until We Meet Again ~ Maranatha ~ Come Lord Jesus!
